|
Actually this car should have been named "Focus Sssst". Because Fords engineers created a special sound surprise experience for the driver as soon as he hits the accelerator. And you really get addicted very quickly to this sizzeling "Sssst" giving you the feeling of being part of a high power, high voltage camera flash every time the turbochargers suck in air before glueing you to the Recaro sport seats. A sensation you can already experience beginning at unbelievable 1600 revolutions.
Ford took this unusual engine for its "GTI hunter" down from the company sister Volvo, featuring an exceptionally compact construction of lightweight aluminium cylinder block and cylinder heads with the quintessence definitely being the five cylinders with variable cam shaft control and direct-acting mechanical shimless tappets. This set – technically refined with Fords (stiffened) already outstanding Focus standard wheel base, upsized with ventilated brake discs (320 mm) in front, power assisted rack and pinion steering that gives more direct and faster feedback by 8 percent (compared to regular Focus models) – guarantees for a great new fun mobile in the compact segment.
During a first test drive we were impressed by the very precise 6 speed manual gear box and the well balanced trim of the chassis. As already mentioned, outstanding: the choice of engine that similar to a diesel machine takes off right from the rev basement and therefore can be lazily kicked through tight corners without shifting in second or third gear. The material quality and craftmanship of the interior is great, in good taste also the three circular instruments on the dashboard informing the driver about oil and turbocharger pressure and the engines fever status. The noise level from wind and road stay low even at higher velocities. The (optional) Recaro sculptured seat bench for rear passengers offers good seating.
The Focus ST is available with three doors (at 24.200 Euros in Germany, at 17.495 Pounds in the UK) or five doors (at 24.800 Euros in Germany) since November 2005. Included: Electronically controlled anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and ASR, leather steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, Recaro seats in front. Optional: tailgate spoiler, full leather trim, Recaro sculptured rear seats and a spectacular exclusive Focus ST exterior color called "electric orange" that underlines the cars aggressive aura.
The basic entry price for the Focus ST is (in Germany) around 300 Euros above that of Volkswagens Golf GTI. The difference being that the ST offers 25 horse power more, standard Recaro seats, 18 inch alloy wheels and four years of warranty.
Of course the ST achieves five stars with the NCAP crash tests just as its less refined Focus brothers and sisters.
Engine Data
2.5 Duratec ST: five cylinders in line with exhaust manifold to the vertical front, 2522 ccm, 166 kW/225 HP at 6000/min, 320 Nm at 1600/min, 0 to 100 km/h in 6,8 seconds, topspeed 241 km/h, fuel consumption (urban, extra urban/combined): 13,8/6,8/9,3 litres (95 octane unleaded).
|
Traduccion
