MELBOURNE: Ford has announced the introduction of the 2015 Focus ST in Australia starting with the 1st of May, as the hot hatch will be setting its customers back for 38,990 AUD, plus on-road costs.
The 2015 Ford Focus ST has been announced for Australia. The model in question is bringing new front springs and new shocks at both ends, a stiffer suspension system with front lower control arm and rear spring links, anti-roll bars, rear springs, tweaked electronic power-assisted steering, electronic vehicle control and several other tweaks which should transform the hot hatch into a true competitor for the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Visually, the LZ Focus ST features sportier and more athletic styling. It has a lower, wider stance with a new dynamically sculpted bonnet, slimmer headlamps and new rectangular foglamps. In keeping with its performance heritage, the Focus ST sports bodykit also includes body-coloured side skirts and diffuser elements either side of the twin hexagonal centre exhausts and a rear roof spoiler optimised for aerodynamic performance.
A new dark grey exterior paint colour called Stealth has been introduced exclusively to the LZ Focus ST. Deep Impact Blue also is new to the range that also includes Tangerine Scream, Frozen White, Panther Black, Moondust Silver and Race Red.
The LZ Focus ST model is the most advanced Focus ST yet and offers new chassis control technologies, tuned suspension and steering that ensure an even more responsive, balanced and refined driving experience.
Auto-Start-Stop is offered for the first time, improving the fuel efficiency and helping make it the most fuel-efficient petrol Focus ST ever with a combined fuel efficiency figure of 7.3 l/100km. The LZ Focus ST also will benefit from technology and craftsmanship improvements with the sporty and aggressive car offering leading driver assistance technologies and connectivity features including the SYNC2™ in-car connectivity system.
LZ Focus ST builds on Focus ST’s established reputation as a stylish, versatile and great-to-drive vehicle offering the latest in technology, comfort and styling. The LZ Focus ST receives a fresh look to emphasise the kinetic design signatures while also incorporating new technologies.
Ford has redesigned the Focus ST interior for a more intuitive layout that is also simpler, with a clearer visual connection between the key components and significantly fewer buttons in the cabin.
An additional bank of three gauges – an ST hallmark – is situated on the instrument binnacle and displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure information. A new, flat-base sports steering wheel with a soft-feel leather covered rim; a satin chrome-topped gear lever; and ST pedals deliver the interior that ST drivers expect.
Satin chrome door grab handles and illuminated aluminium scuff plates add extra touches of refinement, and sports seats developed jointly by Ford and Recaro provide the support required to fully enjoy the ST driving experience, and also are comfortable for every day driving.
Ford Team RS, the award-winning European arm of Ford’s Global Performance Vehicle Group, made improving the entire driving experience the number one objective for the LZ Focus ST.
The sports suspension features all-new front springs and sportier new shock absorber tuning front and rear, with stiffer suspension bushes on the front lower control arm and rear spring links. In combination with the model-specific anti-roll bars and rear springs from the previous generation ST, these enhancements deliver an even sharper dynamic performance.
