Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology, found in a range of Blue Oval product from the Fiesta light car to the Falcon large family sedan, deserves more attention than it’s getting from the Australian car-buying public.
Truly a technological tour de force, the EcoBoost engine in all its capacities has matched performance and fuel efficiency in a manner unchallenged by most rivals. With the latest model to make use of the system — the Focus ST — maybe all that is about to change.
Making use of Ford’s EcoBoost technology, the Focus ST — for Sport Technologies, or Sports Tuning — is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out 184kW of power and 360Nm of torque.
If EcoBoost has been hidden, the same cannot be said about the ST packaging, which has an unmistakable look about it. The car immediately presents its sporty credentials with a black trapezoidal grille incorporating red ‘ST’, bi-xenon HID headlamps, daytime running lights and static cornering lights.
Side skirts, a bold rear roof-mounted spoiler and centrally located twin tailpipes bring down the curtain on the complete hot hatch.
Keyless entry opens the door to an ST cabin with soft-touch surroundings — always a sign of quality. Occupants can settle into body-hugging seats covered in black leather.
Up front, seat features include length adjustment and cushion tilt, while an all-new rear bench, made with special foam, ensures passenger comfort is not compromised.
In full sports car operation, the Focus ST is capable of the sprint to 100km/h from standstill in 6.5 seconds. However, the car has an Eco mode. A display scores the driver for fuel efficiency.
Brakes on the test car took time to get to grips with, being as sharp and attentive to pedal movement as the clutch. The suspension is fully in harmony with the active safety features of the car, having upgraded shock absorbers and springs. Prices start at $38,290, not including government or dealer delivery charges.
