GALLERY: 2019 Ford Focus ST Mk4 – 276 hp, 430 Nm!

The all-new, fourth-generation Ford Focus ST will be making its debut in the UK this weekend, with European sales slated to commence shortly after. The car itself needs no introduction – power comes from a 2.3 litre EcoBoost twin-scroll turbocharged mill that makes 276 hp and 420 Nm, all of which are sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or the new seven-speed automatic.

A diesel option is available as well, with power coming from a 2.0 litre EcoBlue variable geometry turbo engine offering 187 hp at 3,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm. This is still front-wheel drive only, but it’s also the only one to get Torque Vectoring Control.

No matter which variant you prefer, there’s no denying its good looks, especially when finished in the bright Orange Fury paint you see here. The equipment list includes adaptive LED headlights, LED tail lights, ST-specific exterior styling, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Other paint options such as Ford Performance Blue, Frozen White, Magnetic (grey), Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black are available, as well as the Magnetite Matte finish.

Besides sitting 10 mm closer to the ground than the regular Focus, the Focus ST gets new items as well. One such feature is the selectable drive mode (Slippery/Wet, Normal, and Sport) as well as anti-lag, which enables boost pressure to build faster on demand and offering immediate power delivery in Sport mode.

The EcoBoost ST also gets an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD; sharpens response), whereas the electric power-assisted steering has been revised, and it’s said to be better than that of the Fiesta ST. Other features include Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), which monitors suspension, body, steering and braking inputs every two milliseconds and tailors damping response accordingly.

Those who opt for the Performance Pack will get upgrades like Track mode, launch control, and auto rev-matching for the manual transmission. Automatic versions get steering-mounted shift paddles with Adaptive Shift Scheduling.

Inside, there’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel with ST badging, Recaro seats with partial leather and Miko Dinamica materials, ST-embossed aluminium gear knob and scuff plates, alloy foot pedals, and an eight-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

UK models get Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring, Active Park Assist 2 (automatic transmission only), head-up display, and segment-first Evasive Steering Assist. The last system helps drivers steer around slow-moving or stationary vehicles, thereby avoiding potential collisions. Would you pick this, or the Golf GTI?

GALLERY: 2019 Ford Focus ST Mk4 five-door hatchback

GALLERY: 2019 Ford Focus ST wagon

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