by John Barker, 3 Jul 2019

Verdict: The Focus ST is characterful, fast and capable: everything it needs to be to take on the class leaders

Evo Rating: Four out of 5 stars

For: Dynamic and capable, strong engine

Against: Can’t tailor (optional) drive mode features

A few weeks ago, we got a rapid ride in the new Focus ST at Ford’s Lommel test track in Belgium. We drove it too, but we couldn’t write about it until now... when we’ve also driven it for a whole day on some great roads in the south of France. The last-generation ST didn’t really cut it, but not only is the new model more powerful, with 276bhp, anti-lag and a skipload of torque, it also has the features it needs to run with the big dogs of the class, namely adaptive damping and an electronic limited-slip differential.

Engine, transmission and 0-60 time

The ST’s four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivers 276bhp and 310lb ft of torque, fed through a six-speed manual (with a shorter throw action) gearbox, with a seven-speed DCT option to come before the end of the year. For improved throttle response the motor’s twin-scroll turbo features anti-lag in Sport and Track driving modes. This, combined with the engine’s generous torque, makes the ST quicker than the RS in the mid-range, says Ford. Claimed figures are zero to 62mph in 5.7sec, with the estate version a tenth slower.]

Technical highlights

As well as adaptive damping, the chassis of the new ST is also 10mm lower and has springs that are stiffer front and rear by 20 and 15 per cent respectively. It has an ‘eLSD’ — effectively an electronically controlled limited-slip differential — which is supplemented by torque vectoring. The ST’s is just two turns lock-to-lock and its 18- and 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport tyres have been developed to give precise, strong steering response and a chassis balance that makes the rear of the Focus mobile in an exploitable way. The ST also uses an electric brake booster (EBB)... [Read More]

5 July 2019

Ford has a long history of excellent hot hatchbacks, from the Escort Cosworth to the current Fiesta ST. Now there's another model looking to join that exclusive list.

The new Focus ST is now the fastest version of the latest-generation Focus, and it comes brimming with features that its predecessors have never seen before. Adaptive dampers, an electronic limited slip differential, and anti-lag turbo technology that has filtered down from the Ford GT supercar.

Is that enough to make it the best Fast Ford of the current crop? We've been finding out at Ford's international launch, ahead of customer deliveries later this year.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/...golf-gti-rival

<p class="p1">Love BMWs? Love the West Coast? Love free stuff? Have we got to the contest for you!



<p class="p1">You and a lucky friend could be on your way to sunny California to attend Bimmerfest West 2019 taking place on May 25 to 26 in at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.



<p class="p1">Just click here and fill this survey for your chance to win!



<p class="p1">Winners will get airfare for two, three nights’ accommodation, and $500 in spending money. Plus you get entry to the year’s biggest celebration of BMWs and their fans.



<p class="p1">Bimmerfest is happening at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Bimmerfest California hosts countless BMWs every year and activities will include autocross, the Battle of the Bimmers, and a real BMW Heritage Corral.



<p class="p1">So enter today for your chance to enjoy the show season early and attend Bimmerfest West.



<p class="p1">Contest open from March 8 to April 19. Winners will fly for California on May 24 and return home on May 27.



<p class="p1">Just click here and fill this survey for your chance to win!

For some, seat covers aren’t the most stylish accessory you can add to your vehicle, but they have a lot of value in keeping your interior in top notch shape. Some seat covers do have fancy patterns and colors that spice up your interior, but their main purpose is to keep your car’s seats clean. Whether protecting against spills, dirt, mud, or even sweat, seat covers come in a variety of prices and materials, so they’re not as easy to shop for as you may initially think. Read More

by Mihnea Radu, 6 December 2018

We knew a fair bit about the Ford Focus ST and had a pretty good idea of how it looks. However, today, we can show you the real deal, with production paint and wheels, the hot hatch that you will soon be able to buy.

Several images of an uncamouflaged prototype have leaked out. And judging from where the steering wheel is located, these were taken in Europe, perhaps at the Cologne factory, where so much Focus revealing has taken place. The last bit of information came from Australia, a sticker where confirmed that the hot hatch would indeed be powered by a 2.3-liter turbo engine.

Like the weight of a pro boxer, the displacement of the Focus ST has fluctuated a lot over the years, from 2.5-liter five-cylinder to a 2-liter and now the Mustang engine. Speaking of which, the ST is believed to develop as much power as the entry-level pony in Europe: 290 PS and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft). That puts it right up there with the Megane RS, Hyundai i30 N, and Leon Cupra.

A 6-speed manual will be standard, but an automatic will also be available, even on this gasoline-powered model. The diesel Focus ST has been confirmed too, believed to develop around 190 HP. The performance gap between the two will be sizable.

These photos from Ford tuner Pumaspeed show that the boy kit is nearly identical to the ST-Line. However, we do see revisions to the fog light area and twin exhaust pipes around the back. The size of the trunk wing has also increased a bit, matching the performance aspiration of the car. The hatch has also been fitted with gunmetal lightweight 18-inch alloys and bigger brakes.

The interior is exactly what you'd expect from a fast Ford: not that modified. Upgrades over the standard Focus only include Recaro seats with ST logos and the steering wheel. You might also notice that the e-brake panel is missing.

... [Read More]

The deals are here! We scoured Amazon.com and other sites to pull over 30 of the best Black Friday deals we could find.

Scroll down for our curated list of over 30 of the Best Black Friday Deals from TVs and toys to pets and tools plus a few bonus deals at the bottom. Happy shopping and enjoy that turkey…

See Over 30 of the Best Black Friday Deals We Could Find at AutoGuide.com.

The annual shopping season is upon us.

Many vehicle owners don’t like shelling out big money for new rubber, so if there was ever time to pick up a new set of tires for your car – it’s Black Friday.

Additionally, if you live in colder states and haven’t wanted to fork over the cash for dedicated winter tires (but know that you should), Black Friday presents a rare opportunity to actually get a good deal on them.

Numerous websites are having massive tires sales this week. We know it can be hard to keep track of all the deals, so we’ve compiled all of the best ones in this single, easy-to-read post. Happy shopping, drivers!

Read more about Black Friday 2018: All the Best Tire Deals You Can Score This Year at AutoGuide.com.