Ford unveils plusher Focus ST-3 from $47,990

FORD has upped the luxury stakes of its Focus ST hot hatch by launching the ST-3; a new limited-run flagship for the Focus range that adds a heap of extra creature comforts to the existing ST package.

Priced from $47,990, 200 ST-3s will enter showrooms carrying a $3100 premium over the regular ST (now known as the ST-1) with the extra outlay netting buyers a panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker B&O sound system, head-up display, power adjustment and heating function for the front seats and an advanced front lighting system.

The rest of the ST-3’s standard kit list reads the same as the ST-1’s with highlights including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite navigation and the Ford PassConnect embedded modem, a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, wireless phone charging, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, Recaro sports seats, LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers among others.

Visually the ST-3 is identical to the ST-1 save for the camera-based active headlights and sequential LED indicators.

It’s a similar story under the bonnet too with the ST-1’s powertrain going completely untouched, meaning the turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine still churns out 206kW of power and a class-leading 420Nm of torque.

Unlike the standard car however which is available with the choice of either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, the ST-3 will ship exclusively with the torque converter with a Ford Australia spokesperson telling GoAuto the self-shifter was the “best choice for the ST-3”.

“While prioritising driver involvement and dynamic ability, the seven-speed automatic reflects the Australian C-segment hot hatch buyer’s use of the Focus ST as a multi-purpose performance hatch that doubles as a shared family vehicle,” they said.

According to Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO Andrew Birkic, the regular Focus ST has already “attracted a passionate following” with the ST-3 set to drive the appeal up even further.

“The premium equipment levels add an extra touch of prestige to the Focus ST’s already highly-regarded performance credentials, with the technology and innovation our enthusiast customers expect in a hot-hatch,” he said.

Due to arrive in local showrooms later in the year, the ST-3 will also herald the arrival of a subtle spec change for all versions of the Focus ST with the existing Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber being swapped out in favour of Pirelli P-Zeroes.

Ford sold 356 Focuses through the first quarter of 2021, accounting for a slim 1.3 per cent of the sub-$40,000 small car segment, well and truly off the pace of its Japanese and Korean rivals like the Toyota Corolla (7381/27.6%) and Hyundai i30 (6676/25.0%).

2021 Ford Focus pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs