Ford Focus on performance (UK)


* New look for turbocharged flagship Focus ST
* Upgraded interior with premium features
* Priced from £18,250 - £20,850
* Created by Ford TeamRS division

Fast, fun and fabulously good looking, a new version of Ford’s performance flagship Focus goes on sale at dealerships across Great Britain from May 1.

Created by Ford TeamRS, the company’s dedicated performance vehicle arm, the 2008 Focus ST benefits from the new exterior and interior styling changes introduced across the rest of the Focus line-up earlier this year. Importantly though, while offering new technologies and features, the car’s well-honed dynamics remain untouched.

At the heart of the matter is the familiar 225 PS, 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec engine. Powerful, and accompanied by a suitably sporty soundtrack, this powerhouse delivers a potential 150mph top speed in tandem with 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.8 seconds.

Indeed, as a measure of this car’s ability, a standard production Focus ST set a segment-leading record time of 8 minutes 35 seconds around the Nordschleife circuit at the famed Nurburgring.

This sort of achievement requires more than just brute power and the Focus ST remains one of the sharpest handling cars in its class. In fact, the ST may well be the definitive choice for enthusiastic drivers who also demand comfort around town and an array of subtle suspension enhancements ensures this is still the case.

A powerful braking system is top of this list while Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Traction Control are now standard on all versions.

The Focus ST has always provided lots of choice and the range retains its simple ST, ST-2 and ST-3 trim grades and three or five-door hatchback bodystyles. It is priced from £18,250 - £20,850.

Every Focus ST boasts 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, sports styling, body-hugging Recaro sports seats, a unique sports steering wheel and upgraded instrumentation. New to this generation of ST are the 'Ford Power' starter button and Easyfuel capless refuelling system. Upgrading to ST-2 adds a Sony audio system, bi-xenon lights, LED rear lights and Quickclear heated windscreen while the ST-3 includes an in-dash six CD player plus full leather trim.

In common with other members of the 2008 Focus family, a range of high-tech options can be specified. Among the list is a Tyre Deflation Detection System, a new audio connectivity module for external devices like Bluetooth, voice control and navigation systems plus various infotainment options including an affordable sat nav system with SD card slot.

Combining bold looks with a thrilling driving experience and numerous new features, Ford’s new and improved Focus ST is the definitive hot hatch.


SVT stands for special vehicle team. Ford Focus SVT is indeed a one of a kind vehicle, specially made to give you maximum driving satisfaction. This vehicle offers more performance than other Ford Focus models as it uses specially tuned version of the 2 L DOHC Zetec I-4 engine. The regular Zetec engine gives off only 130 hp at 5,300 rpm and achieves 135 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The SVT engine on the other hand, generates a thrilling 170 horses at 7000 rpm and delivers a torque of 145 lb-ft at 5500 rpm. The SVT's improved 4 cylinder in-line DOHC front engine FWD is matched with a 6-speed manual transmission. This transmission provides a greater range of gears that allows you to control engine speed precisely.

The Focus SVT was available from 2002 until 2004. It is sold both in US as well as in Europe where it was sold as the Focus ST170. For the 2003 year model, a five-door version was available. It is based on the Focus ZX5 body style and works just as excellent as other Ford Focus SVT cars. The production of the Ford Focus SVT was however discontinued after the 2004 Focus SVT since it high-horsepower cars such as the SVT would be expensive. But the Focus SVT was not totally lost. The 2005 Ford Focus model-line up includes the new ST trim that adopts the SVT's suspension and uses similar well-bolstered seats. When it comes to performance, the ST trim and other 2005 Ford Focus models aren't far enough from the SVT with its newest line of engine that delivers more power and torque than Ford Focus' previous engines.

SVT stands for special vehicle team. Ford Focus SVT is indeed a one of a kind vehicle, specially made to give you maximum driving satisfaction. This vehicle offers more performance than other Ford Focus models as it uses specially tuned version of the 2 L DOHC Zetec I-4 engine. The regular Zetec engine gives off only 130 hp at 5,300 rpm and achieves 135 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The SVT engine on the other hand, generates a thrilling 170 horses at 7000 rpm and delivers a torque of 145 lb-ft at 5500 rpm. The SVT's improved 4 cylinder in-line DOHC front engine FWD is matched with a 6-speed manual transmission. This transmission provides a greater range of gears that allows you to control engine speed precisely.The Focus SVT was available from 2002 until 2004. It is sold both in US as well as in Europe where it was sold as the Focus ST170.

For the 2003 year model, a five-door version was available. It is based on the Focus ZX5 body style and works just as excellent as other Ford Focus SVT cars. The production of the Ford Focus SVT was however discontinued after the 2004 Focus SVT since it high-horsepower cars such as the SVT would be expensive. But the Focus SVT was not totally lost. The 2005 Ford Focus model-line up includes the new ST trim that adopts the SVT's suspension and uses similar well-bolstered seats. When it comes to performance, the ST trim and other 2005 Ford Focus models aren't far enough from the SVT with its newest line of engine that delivers more power and torque than Ford Focus' previous engines.


If you’re wondering which car of the many vehicles on the road is the best for your back-to-school teen, read on for the answer.

Every year the Kelly Blue Print (KBB) people look at a series of eco friendly vehicles, and determine which is the MOST popular with the back to school crowd. This year the seemingly under-the-radar Ford Focus made it to the number one spot.

This mild but sporty sedan gets on average 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway and let’s face it, what parent wants to see their kid in a Mustang or other muscle type car? Not many. This car will get your teen to school moderately safe and sound and in style. Not too mention conserve some fuel.


The Ford Focus (MPG Rating: 24 City/35 Highway) 14,300 USD

I can’t believe that something from Ford can go this cheap. Indeed, tough economic times have forced Ford to go green and as of late. It’s better late than not joining in the green car craze at all. Meanwhile, the Ford Focus comes in a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, while looking like a sporty sedan that you can bring anytime and anywhere. This is arguably Ford’s most fuel-saving car in years and if you have some change to spare, this one is one great pickup.