Ford introduces 2019 Focus ST Mk4, to be launched in Europe first

KUALA LUMPUR: The fourth-generation Ford Focus ST has been unveiled. The new car is based on the Focus Mk4, which was introduced last year. The new Focus ST retained the same estate body design and five-door hatch style of its predecessor.

The upper and lower front grilles of the new Ford Focus ST Mk4 are revised, and the aerodynamics is also improved. The roof spoiler has become larger, and the tailpipe layout is also reconfigured. It has now twin exit tailpipes facing the sides, which centrally exited in the previous gen model.

The wheels of the Focus ST are also redesigned with 18-inch Dark Sparkle and Magnetite designs along with 19-inch in Magnetite. Moreover, the wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

The 2019 Focus ST gets both petrol and diesel powertrains. The diesel variant is equipped with a 2.0-litre, EcoBlue, turbo engine which can make up to 187 hp of power that comes at 3,500 rpm and the peak torque is 400 Nm at a range of 2,000 to 3,000 rpm. Speaking about the petrol engine, it is a 2.3-litre, EcoBoost, twin-scroll turbocharged mill, replacing its predecessor’s 2.0-litre powertrain. The petrol unit can provide a maximum power of 276 hp at 5,500 rpm, while the peak torque is 420 Nm coming at the range of 3,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm.

Both the variants come with the six-speed manual transmission. Also, the previous gen automatic transmission for diesel variant is carried forward, however here it's a seven-speed unit. The 2019 ST is available with a lot of drive modes - Slippery/Wet, Normal, Sport and Track. In Track mode, the models are equipped with the Performance pack.

Inside the car, there are hexagonal and satin silver decorative elements and the seats get a metallic grey stitch. Also, there is a SYNC 3 infotainment system along with an eight-inch color touchscreen. It can support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And, on the dash, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument display is provided.

2019 Focus ST Mk4 will reach the European markets by this summer.