Ford Australia has added the Focus ST-3 performance flagship to its range. Numbers will be limited to 200 units for the local market.

Available as a single, range-topping model with standard 7-speed automatic transmission only, the ST-3 is powered by an all-aluminium, 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 206kW at 5,500rpm and 420Nm of torque at 3,000–4,000 rpm.

The ST-3 features driver-selectable Drive Modes, with an electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD), Launch Control, Performance shift-lights, Flat-Shift and Anti-Lag technology as well as Continually Controlled Damping (CCD) with Pothole Detection system.

There’s also a panoramic sunroof, heated and electrically adjustable front Recaro sports seats with lumbar support, B&O PLAY 10-speaker sound system with sub-woofer, and head-up display (HUD).

Also standard is Ford’s Advanced Front Lighting System (AFS), which uses a camera to detect curves in the road and turn the headlights, and which can adapt its beam shape to the road and driving situations, like widening the beam at a junction. Also standard is Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert.

The ST-3 rides on 19-inch machined alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Red brake calipers grip 330mm front and 302mm rear ventilated discs.

Controls include the current-generation e-shifter, and an electronic park brake, while the steering wheel, wrapped in perforated leather, houses audio and SYNC 3 controls.

SYNC 3 includes an 8-inch touchscreen display which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capability. Functions, including Siri, can be accessed via the steering-wheel mounted voice activation controls. The ST-3’s built-in sat-nav can also be accessed by voice-command.

The Focus ST-3 also features wireless smartphone charging as standard, as well as keyless entry and push-button engine start, ambient LED lighting and dual-zone climate control.

The Focus ST-3 will be available from Ford dealers nationally later this year.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (May 2021) 

20 May 2021