Ford Focus ST 2013

Ford Focus ST 2013

The 2013 Ford Focus ST picks up where the SVT version left off after the 2004 model year by transforming the pedestrian Focus--a nice but otherwise serviceable car--into a true enthusiast's ride, stuffing a high-output engine underhood, installing a sport suspension underfoot, dressing the interior with some serious seats and equipment and generally giving a performance nod to every aspect of the car.

Where your regular Focus models make do with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-banger turning out 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, the ST model gets the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with all of its accompanying tech features: high-pressure direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing. All of that adds up to 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, with a trick overboost feature that allows for extending that peak torque for 15 seconds at a time.

Enthusiasts have more reason to rejoice: Every ST also gets the requisite six-speed manual gearbox; there are no automatic or dual-clutch transmission options available. And every ST sold in North America will be the five-door. European markets will get the option of a wagon but nowhere will the Focus ST be built as a sedan.

The suspension sees some serious revisions, too, from its stiffer springs and shocks to a beefed-up antiroll bar. The ride height has been lowered by 0.4 inch. But the bigger news is with the steering system, which gets completely redone for the ST and sports a variable-ratio steering rack. The setup reduces sensitivity when driving in a straight line, but quickens up nicely when cornering.

Standard across the ST lineup are a host of electronic features we particularly appreciated, including a stability control system with three levels of intervention (including completely off!), a torque-vectoring control system that acts like an electronic limited-slip differential and a cornering understeer control system that does exactly what its name implies.

The design really plays up the car's performance credentials, too, with revised front and rear fascias featuring more aggressive details, from the one-piece grille to the single center tailpipe. Below the front bumper the splitter dips lower and sweeps around the corners, with fog lamps inset deep and wide. The ST also gets unique 19-inch alloy wheels and an integrated roof spoiler.

Inside, all STs gets larger, thicker steering wheels, unique shifters and pedals and a dark headliner, as well as a unique gauge cluster for turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature. Up-trim ST2 cars add some nicely bolstered part-leather Recaro sport seats, dual-zone climate controls and an upgraded Sony audio system. ST3 models get full-leather, eight-way power-adjustable and heated Recaros, HID headlamps and a navigation system.