2019 Ford Focus ST Automatic
2019 Ford Focus ST Automatic After seven successful years on the market, the third generation Ford Focus was replaced by a brand new Hatchback. Although it is still too early to say whether the new model will be as successful as its predecessor, it has many features to brag about, starting with a new platform that will underpin several Ford vehicles in the future. It also features a more sporty exterior, new technology in the cabin and a revamped range of engines. With the standard focus on the way to merchants starting from 2018, it’s time to talk about the RS model. The performance-oriented model could arrive by the end of the year and rumors and renderings already make headlines on the internet.
Ford’s very own competitor for the popular Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Focus ST will benefit from all the cool features of the new focus, but it will get a few extra features inside and out. The sportier exterior with more aggressive cues is complemented by an exclusive interior, while its engine will still deliver the most power in a St model. Until the next generation’s focus RS arrives, the St will be at the top of the range in terms of performance and pricing. Let’s take a closer look at what we already know about this car in the speculative review below.
The new Ford Focus came with major changes under the bonnet, including a complete conversion to three-cylinder engines. While the outgoing model also had a four-cylinder, the new Hatchback is only offered with 1.0-litre and 1.5-liter dreibangern. However, four-cylinder engines are still available on the diesel Options list.
While the smaller Fiesta ST also made a change to a three-cylinder, the focus ST will probably continue to use a four-banger. This is because the little three-banger with more than 250 PS may not be very reliable. I initially believed that Ford will redesign the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost from the predecessor model to get more power and increase fuel consumption, but a recent report claims that the Blue Oval will go with another unit.
Specifically, the next Focus ST will use the company’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which is already found in the Mustang and Focus Rs. Although there is no official confirmation of this and spy recordings do not contain any clues, the swap makes sense, considering that the range-topping Focus RS model is bound to go hybrid. The Focus ST is probably also the last hot-hatch of Ford to use gasoline-only power, so you have to assume that the company wants to give it a decent send.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is capable of up to 270 horsepower in the focus RS, so more than the outgoing model 252 PS and 270 pound feet would be no problem. Expect production to increase in the new model, but how much remains a mystery. The current Focus ST is already more powerful than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, so that Ford may wants to take the focus ST into the Renault Megane RS area. The Frenchman Hathback comes to the rooster with 275 horsepower. Of course, the EcoBoost Mill can deliver much more, so it would not be very surprising if the production increase comes closer to 300 horses. With the next-gen Focus RS, which probably offers 400 horsepower, there is plenty of room for the St to become the most powerful in this niche.
This is just about Ford finding the right setup for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost in a front-wheel drive Hatchback. While the Mustang rear wheel is powered, the focus RS has a four-wheel drive.
A manual gearbox with exclusive gear ratios for faster shifts should remain standard, but unlike the outbound model, which only stuck with a manual, the coming Focus ST could also get an automatic. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph should fall under the old 5.9-second benchmark due to the extra power and lighter weight on board. However, the maximum speed will probably remain locked at 154 mph. Fuel consumption should improve beyond the current 23 mpg cities and 32 mpg highway ratings.
Although all-wheel drive is becoming more popular with performance as an insight, I don’t think the St will get such a system. The upcoming RS will definitely be AWD, but the St will remain a front-driven Hatchback.
The previous Focus ST was also offered with a diesel engine. The 2.0-liter Duratorq was not as powerful as the EcoBoost at 182 hp, but he had a whopping 300 pound feet on the faucet. There is no indication that the St diesel will get a new generation, but if it does, it will not arrive any time soon.
2019 Ford Focus ST Automatic
As usual, the pricing for the new generation car will rise, but not around much. Since the US prices for the standard focus are not yet available, we can only speculate about the upcoming St. The outbound model sells for $25,170, so the new St could start from around $26,000 before options.
