Ford will add some extra spice to the popular Focus ST model range with the introduction of a new Focus ST for 2008. The new Focus ST is more refined in its appearance whilst still staying true to its sporty heritage.
The Focus ST will continue to be available in both three-door and five-door configurations.
There is no denying that the Focus ST has been designed with the enthusiast in mind. Its low stance and aggressive lines are reminiscent of Ford’s World Rally Championship contenders. The new model has received a number of cosmetic enhancements including a new front bumper with integrated new fog light housing, a larger air intake for better cooling and a new honeycomb grille. The bonnet has been changed to integrate with the new head lamp design and its new lights cluster arrangement.
The fender has also been re-designed to fuse with the new bumper design. The rear tailgate sports a new diffuser-style bumper, which improves high speed stability and merges with the newly styled rear lights.
The ST will continue to be identifiable by its signature Electric Orange and Performance Blue colour options. Both models will continue to feature body coloured spoilers, door handles, mirrors and body side mouldings. Attention to detail in the form of special ST badges on the front wings and the highly sculpted, five-spoke wheels with low-profile tyres further distinguish the ST model.
The new Focus ST delivers new levels of technology for connectivity in in-car systems thanks to the Bluetooth connectivity function with Voice Control. The advanced system allows you to utilise your cell phone even if it is in your briefcase or handbag with no wiring or cradle required. The system supports various phone operations including digit dialing, last number dialing, incoming calls and voice tag dialing. In addition, the system will dial a number requested from the driver's phone address book. The voice control can be used for the phone, radio, CD player and climate control (5-door only).
The Ford Power start button is also a new feature allowing easy, keyless vehicle activation that has been added to the already impressive specification list of the Focus ST.
Other interior features remain unchanged with full leather trim standard on the Focus ST 5-door and optional on the Focus ST 3-door. Sculpted rear seats are also standard on both models, while leather and brushed-aluminium finishes further characterise the interior environment. 
Power is still delivered by the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged powertrain. It produces a GTI-crushing 166kW at 6 000rpm and has a torque peak of 320Nm at 6 000rpm. Mated to a slick shifting six-speed transmission the Focus ST is said to move from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240km/h.
The ST’s handling has been tailored to reward the enthusiast driver but at the same time allow for refined driving. Reduced ride height, quicker steering ratios, stiffened front and rear springs, and rear anti-roll add to the agility and handling characteristics of the car.
The Focus ST is equipped with a high-performance braking system. In addition, Ford’s Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) offers safe and controllable braking under extreme conditions. Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system is also available on the Focus ST. ESP intervenes in critical handling situations, assisting the driver by braking individual wheels as needed.
ST also boasts a comprehensive safety package. Features include a rigid passenger cell, footwell protection, collapsible steering wheel pedals, and side impact protection door beams. Among the passive safety system are driver and passenger front and side airbags, standard inflatable side curtain airbags for front and rear-seat occupants, pyrotechnic belt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection systems on the front seats.
The Focus ST also benefits from Ford’s latest warranty and service plan, which comprises of a 4 year / 120 000km fully comprehensive manufacturer warranty. Service intervals are scheduled at 20 000km with a Ford Protect service and roadside assistance plan in place for five-years or 60 000kms.
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