Formed in 1980 as an automotive engineering company specializing in preparing race-spec engines, Mountune->ke4713 has been updating Focus->ke440 and Fiesta->ke1170 hatchbacks->ke304 for European->ke139 customers for quite a few years now. In 2013, the aftermarket tuning brand announced plans to set up shop in California to provide high-performance and racing->ke2345 parts for Ford->ke31 vehicles here in the U.S. Two years have passed since then and 2015 Ford Focus ST owners now have access to a performance upgrade specifically developed for the hot-hatch.

While this is great news for owners looking to add more oomph to their Focus STs, Mountune claims that the new kit is not just about increasing performance. According to the company, the parts were designed for maximum reliability as well, which isn't surprising considering Mountune's experience in the racing world, where reliability is paramount.

“The 2015 Focus ST MP275 upgrade is the latest addition to Ford Performance’s vast Focus and Fiesta performance catalog that gives enthusiasts the components they need to take their car to the next level,” said Adam Gair, product manager at Ford Performance.

The upgrade is available now for 2015 model-year hatchbacks and joins the 2013/2014 Focus ST power kit in the company's current offerings. And it's more affordable than the previous bundle too!

Continue reading for the full story.

Exterior

Being only a power kit, the Mountune update leaves the Focus ST's exterior unaltered. This may be disappointing to some, but it shouldn't be too upsetting, given the hatchback received a makeover in 2014 and looks pretty damn good.

The update included a larger honeycomb grille, narrower headlamps, a bulged hood, smaller taillights, and a reshaped roof spoiler. All told, the Focus ST is a lot more aggressive than its predecessor and a worthy recipient for Mountune's added horsepower and torque.

As a brief reminder, the Focus ST comes with standard LED lighting, while HID headlamps are available at no extra cost on the ST2 and ST3 trims. Other options include a new 18-inch wheel design with red brake calipers and a choice of two go-faster body stripes -- Satin Black or High Gloss Red -- and matching mirror caps.

Unless you opt for the stripes, you'll be taking home a real sleeper once Mountune is done with it.

Interior

The cabin also remains stock with this package, meaning you'll be getting back a hatchback with the exact same features you got from the dealership. In case you don't already own 2015 a Focus ST, then you should know that the interior received minor changes inside. Highlights include a slightly revised center stack, a repositioned parking brake, which now sits alongside the driver seat, a new steering wheel, a USB smart-charging port, and updated Ford SYNC with enhanced AppLink, Android and iOS connectivity and standard rear-view camera.

Though you get such thing as a Mountune embroidered headrest, Ford offers three upholstery options, depending on the trim. The ST1 features gray and black fabric, the ST2 adds partial leather in either Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Smoke Storm or Race Red, while the range-topping ST3 comes in full Charcoal Black leather.

Drivetrain

This is where all the magic happens, as the upgrade kit is made exclusively from parts designed to increase the power and torque of the turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Using an in-house-developed induction kit, high-flow intercooler, and an mTune handset, Mountune increases the Focus ST's output by 23 horses and 26 pound-feet, to 275 horsepower and 296 pound-feet of torque.

There's no word as to how this update improves the hatchback's performance, but it's safe to assume the 0-to-60 mph sprint will drop by a tenth to 5.8 ticks. Top speed will likely remain unaltered at 154 mph.

More good news comes from the fact that the kit doesn't compromise reliability and emissions, meaning the Mountune update keeps the Focus ST street-legal in all 50 states. Moreover, if the installation and tuning of the kit is performed by an authorized Ford Performance technician, the hatchback retains its factory warranty. How cool is that?

Prices

The Mountune MP272 Performance Upgrade costs $1,999. This means that a base Focus ST, priced from $24,370, costs $26,369 with the Mountune upgrade. Should you opt for the range-topping ST3 trim, pricing jumps from $29,674.

Competition

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Though it's a lot more popular than the Focus ST and has a more premium interior, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI is no match for the Ford in terms of performance. Output is 230 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of twist, making the German->ke2091 hatch significantly slower than the Focus ST. Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph takes 6.5 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission and 6.4 ticks with the DSG. Top speed comes in at 152 and 155 mph, respectively. Pricing for the Golf GTI->ke223 starts at $24,785, not including taxes and delivery, making it just slightly more affordable than the Mountune-updated Focus ST.

Read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI here.

Conclusion

Equipped with a powerful turbocharged engine and a precise six-speed manual, the standard Focus ST is already a great proposition to the Golf GTI. Add the sharp handling and the optional Recaro seats, and you get a racing experience the fancier Golf GTI simply can't match. With this upgrade, the Focus ST becomes a lot more exciting and the perfect car to steal the show at your local ST meeting. Sure, the lack of exterior enhancements might not be to anyone's taste, but I think the Focus ST is aggressive enough as it is and a Mountune badge wouldn't make a difference. If you're looking for a mild sleeper or a hatchback that will outgun the Golf GTI in just about any environment, then this is the car you need to consider. Unless you want to go all the way and get the awesome 2016 Ford Focus RS.