UK:It's Here:The New Focus - Page 3 - Ford Forums

Suth · 09-06-2004, 00:01

Too true.

Timmeh · 09-06-2004, 00:27

The Fiesta is currently a Junior WRC car (FWD 1600).

The FIA was planning to keep the current size regulations which would have put the new Focus out of contention (and 307 WRC etc) but all the manufacturers threatened to leave if they did. Ford wants to advertise its bread and butter car if they are going to rally.

There is already speculation that they are ready to leave WRC at the end of this season anyway, but I hope they don't!

Tim

Suth · 09-06-2004, 01:02

Why would they leave? the focus has been quite successful, good drivers. I would like to see some foci raced in the domestic rallies though, something to take on those pesky skubies, evos and rollas.

Stacy94PGT · 09-08-2004, 08:43

V6 Focus ST Turns Up The Heat

Auto Express
by Chris Thorp

It may be Volkswagen that has the GTI heritage, but the hot MkV Golf will have some tough competition in the shape of Ford's fiery new Focus ST.

Now Auto Express can exclusively reveal what blue oval fans have got to look forward to. If sporty styling, V6 power and the promise of sharper handling than any other hot hatch get you excited, this is the car for you.

The firm is gearing up for the Paris Motor Show later this month, where the standard three and five-door Focus, as well as the estate and coup�-cabriolet, make their official debuts. However, top brass are keen to stress the importance of future performance variants - and have let slip that this ST model will be the star of the company's stand at next March's Geneva Motor Show.

The picture in this week's magazine clearly shows how the conservative lines of the new Focus will be transformed into a true Golf GTI rival. The Ford's naturally swollen wheelarches are easily extended, and the addition of air scoops and deep bumpers gives the family hatch an aggressive appearance.

While the current ST170 has offered only lukewarm performance, the next-generation car will be an all-out performance machine. For the first time in the history of the Focus, or indeed that of its Escort predecessor, Ford is considering giving the car V6 power.

Taken from the Mondeo, the 2.5-litre engine produces 217bhp - a massive power hike over the existing Focus ST's 168bhp. There's also speculation that Volvo's five-cylinder unit could feature. Insiders suggest the car's performance will be close to that of the current RS, which means drivers can look forward to a sub-seven-second 0-60mph time.

What's more, work is already underway to ensure the Ford's chassis can deliver plenty of thrills. As our spy shots in issue 814 revealed, the ST is undergoing a development programme at the N�rburgring in Germany, with test drivers and engineers keen to ensure the hot Golf won't have the edge on the road.

Both three and five-door versions will be available, although the estate won't get the sporty treatment. What's more, for customers put off by the running costs of a potent V6, a diesel variant combining torquey performance with frugal fuel economy is a possibility, too.

The ST's debut is being held back until Geneva as Ford is concentrating on promoting the standard Focus. It will go on sale here before the end of 2005.

Timmeh · 09-08-2004, 13:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stacy94PGT

Both three and five-door versions will be available, although the estate won't get the sporty treatment. What's more, for customers put off by the running costs of a potent V6, a diesel variant combining torquey performance with frugal fuel economy is a possibility, too.

Best news I have heard in a while. I wonder how much extra all this new gear will cost ST buyers, but it sounds pretty awesome.

Tim!

fordel · 09-08-2004, 18:41

Wonder if they will bring out the TDCi over here.. that might be a nice one to get actually

JR · 09-08-2004, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by RATT

That is a very nice stylish upgrade. The dash will be more acceptable to most people.

Yep, this dash is a winner compared to the MkI. Looks more Falcon like with the screen in the high spec models too.

Should help people recognise it as a smaller member of the Ford family a bit. Seems finally Ford have woken up to the concept of a corproate identity with this and Festiva and Mondeo all sharing styling cues.

Wonder if that grill is the way the next Falcon will go?

JR · 09-08-2004, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordel

Wonder if they will bring out the TDCi over here.. that might be a nice one to get actually

I bet Ford are looking long and hard at sales of the new diesel small Volkswagons to see how the public reacts.

With fuel prices going the way they are it must seem an attractive propostion with the 2.0 TDCi at least...

Bluedriver · 09-08-2004, 19:35

I love the exterior styling of Mk 1 Hatch but never liked the dash, Mk 2 much nicer inside and so so outside.....

Timmeh · 09-09-2004, 00:08

In the Peugeot 307 range sold in Oz, over 1/4 of them sold are deisels so the market is there, in my opinion.

Great torque but pity deisel is not as cheap in reference to petrol like it used to be. They are efficient though.

Tim