Mild Steroid / Ford Focus 2012.

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Mild Steroid
Published: 17/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
Bangkok Post: Newspaper section: Motoring



The all-new Focus hasn't even hit the showrooms, yet Ford has revealed the looks of the ST that will launch in 2012

Why is Ford in such a hurry?

We'd also like to ask that question, because the all-new Focus _ which made its world premiere in Detroit in January this year with regular engines _ hasn't rolled onto the market yet. The third-gen Focus goes on sale in Europe in mid-2011 and a year later in Thailand. Maybe Ford wants potential buyers of the performance-oriented Focus to start saving money now.

And just how powerful is the ST?

The only figure Ford has disclosed was the 250hp output _ 25hp more than the outgoing model. But sources in Europe say the engine has been carried over, that is, the Volvo-sourced 2.5-litre inline-five turbo. With such power, the ST outnumbers the Volkswagen Golf GTI's 210hp and falls just 10hp short from the Golf R.

Will the ST be offered a twin-clutch 'box?

Again, Ford has said nothing about the transmission. A six-speed manual is highly likely to be standard, especially for the Brits. But considering that the GTI has a dual-clutch automatic for those who don't like dipping the pedal with their left foot, Ford should be generous in offering one as an option. In fact, the regular Focus already has a six-speed twin-clutcher.

But the RS only went manual...

True, but that was because the Focus RS was meant to be a true driver's car with 300-350hp under the bonnet. The ST is meant to be a Focus with intermediate performance _ just the way the Subaru Impreza WRX and STi co-exist in showrooms. But unlike the Scoobys, the ST and RS are front-drivers, with electronic diffs preventing the wheels from going too wild.

Will Ford Thailand import the ST?

Ford once teased the Thai public with the previous generation ST at one motor show here, but it never went on sale due to the 220hp tax barrier that would immediately rocket its price to B4m in imported form, despite a 2.5-litre engine. The Impreza WRX, for instance, has its 2.5-litre engine detuned to exactly 220hp resulting in a B2.42m pricetag _ roughly the same level as the Golf GTI. The 300hp STi, on the other hand, costs B3.95m.

What about building it in Thailand?

Even though Ford's new plant in Rayong will focus on C-segment vehicles like the Focus saloon, hatchback, C-Max, S-Max et al, the ST seems a tough call. Sure it won't face 80% import duty, but it will still be slapped with 50% excise tax. Ford can "detune" the ST to 220hp to enjoy 35% for a circa B1.3.-1.5m pricetag. But whether that's going to happen is another matter entirely. Irritating tax regime, eh? Read the Chevy report on this page below.

http://bangkokpost.com/auto/autopreview/196708/mild-steroid