Launched in Europe in 2005, the Focus ST->ke440 was the result of FoMoCo->ke31's desire to join the challenging hot hatch market. Offered in either a three- or five-door version, the first iteration of the ST featured revised front and rear fascias and a number of exclusive features that set it apart from the regular Focus hatches->ke304. Under the hood, the ST carried a turbocharged, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine based on a Volvo design. Although the regular Focus crossed the Pond in 2000, the ST version remained a no-no for the U.S. of A. until 2013. As we head into 2015, ford has unveiled a refreshed version of the peppy hatch.

The current model, which we can now purchase at any Ford dealerships, switched from the five-pot to a 2.0-liter inline-four. The turbocharged unit packs even more power, sending 252 ponies and 270 pound-feet of torque to the wheels. With all that power under the hood, the Focus ST not only sprints from 0 to 60 mph in a nippy 5.9 seconds, but it also returns up to 32 mpg on the highway.

Coming into 2015, the Focus ST is receiving its well-deserved refresh and gaining all the revised details seen on its milder, sedan brother.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Ford Focus ST.

2015 Ford Focus ST

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Ford Focus ST
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 252 @ 5500
  • Torque: 270 @ 2500
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As expected, the Focus ST gained the refreshed fascia introduced to the rest of the lineup earlier this year. Up front, a set of longer, narrower headlamps come to replace the previous units, while the already muscular hood receives a center bulge to further highlight the aggressive appeal that comes with the ST moniker. The slightly revised grille features the same honeycomb pattern and "ST" badging, but it carries a cleaner look with the two bumper extensions seen on the previous model removed. The lower apron was slightly redesigned too, with the central air intake and side DLR housings growing in size.

The revised rear fascia includes similar updates. The taillights are a tad smaller and feature a different pattern. The revised hatch comes with a slightly different roof spoiler, while the bumper receives a larger black insert. The hot hatch is rather unchanged when viewed from the side, with only a new set of Rado Gray, 18-inch wheels making a difference.

The 2015 Focus ST comes with standard LED lighting, while HID headlamps are available at no extra cost only on the ST2 and ST3 trims. The options list also includes a new 18-inch wheel design with red brake calipers and a choice of two body stripes. These are available in either Satin Black or High Gloss Red and add matching mirror caps. Speaking of colors, Ford discontinued the Ingot Silver for the Focus ST and added a Magnetic Metallic hue. An inspired move we may add, as the ST should be kept away from boring shades of silver.

Interior

Interior updates are noticeable throughout the cabin, but "redesign" is not the appropriate word when it comes to these changes. The overall layout is pretty much similar to last year's model, especially in the dashboard and center console areas. Notice the rearranged buttons and switches below the infotainment display and the repositioned parking brake, which now sits alongside the driver seat. The steering wheel is also new, featuring three spokes instead of four and individual buttons.

Naturally, Ford kept the additional bank of gauges, which displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure information, above the center console, as well as the Recaro sports seats. These come wrapped in gray and black fabric with the ST1 trim and in full Charcoal Black leather in the range-topping ST3 model. The mid-range ST2 adds partial leather that can be ordered in either Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Smoke Storm or Race Red.

Also new are the USB smart charging port which charges two times faster than the previous port and the front door storage units with cupholders. Technology-wise, the Focus ST features Ford SYNC with enhance AppLink, Android and iOS connectivity and standard rearview camera.

Drivetrain

The hatchback's 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine remains unchanged for the 2015 model year. The four-banger delivers the same amount of 252 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 like the model it replaces. Also unchanged is the fact that the unit can only be mated to six-speed manual transmission with exclusive gear ratios.

All told, the ST's 0-to-60 mph sprint time remains nailed at 5.9 seconds, while top speed is reached at 154 mph. Expect the 2015 model year hatchback to return the same 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Despite missing an engine update, the Focus ST remains more powerful a quicker than its main rival, the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Type

2.0-liter EcoBoost engine

Output

252 HP @ 5,500 RPM

Torque

270 LB-FT @ 2,500 RPM

Transmission

six-speed manual


Suspension

Although Ford didn't meddle with the engine, it did improve the vehicle's suspension and steering for enhanced driving dynamics. The sports suspension now features brand-new front springs and tweaked shock absorbers all around for a sportier feel. The electric power-assisted steering has been revised too, and Ford claims it will provide drivers with improved steering feel.

Prices

Pricing for the 2015 Focus ST starts from $24,370. The 401A equipment group, which features Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, HID headlamps, HD Radio, Recaro partial leather-trimmed seats with, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and SYNC with MyFord Touch costs $2,990, while the 402A option, which adds an eight-way power driver seat, ambient lighting, heated steering wheel and side mirrors, voice-activated navigation, and full leather-trimmed Recaro front seats fetches $4,680. The stripes cost $495, while the power moonroof adds $895 to the price.

Competitors

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The legendary Golf GTI, the ruler of the hot hatch segment has reached its seventh generation. The new iteration arrived for the 2013 model year with updates inside and out, including a brand-new platform to sit on. Its 2.0-liter, inline-four engine now delivers 230 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, leaving it behind the Focus ST in terms of output.

Although quicker than its predecessor, the Golf VII GTI is slower than the Focus in terms of acceleration, needing 6.4 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph. The ST can do that in only 5.9 seconds. Of course, the Golf GTI benefits from a more luxurious interior and an automatic transmission, two feats the Ford can't match for the time being. The 2015 Golf GTI retails from $24,995.

Read more about the Volkswagen Golf GTI here.

Conclusion

We already had a clue on what this facelift wound bring to the ST, thanks to the 2015 Focus sedan, so we're a bit disappointed there's no extra power under the hood. On the other hand, 252 ponies and 270 pound-feet of twist are best-in-class features, and we can't really argue with Ford's decision the delay such updates. The hot hatch comes with great fuel economy numbers, and now that new suspension and steering are in place, it promises to deliver even more fun.