2015 Ford Focus ST Preview

Introduction

Until the new and highly anticipated 2016 Focus RS makes its way to the streets, the tuner-oriented ST will remain the top-dog hot rod of the Ford Focus lineup. For 2015, this 5-door hatchback sports revised front and rear styling, revamped interior with updated controls and extra storage capacity, and an entertaining 252-horsepower EcoBoost engine joined by a stick-shift gearbox. Those without the ability to row their own gears--or the interest in learning--need not apply.

Exterior Features

Like all 2015 Focus variants, the ST hatchback receives revised exterior styling highlighted by sleeker headlights and taillights, as well as a redesigned hood and fog lights. Helping to separate the 2015 Focus ST from the rest of the pack is a lower body kit that gives the car a more aggressive appearance, along with a choice of standard or optional 18-in. alloy wheels that provide a glimpse at red brake calipers, and the exclusive center-mounted hexagonal exhaust tips. Other exterior bits include a unique grille insert, power turn-signal mirrors, and a rear spoiler.

Interior Features

Inside, the 2015 Ford Focus ST proves that it's more than simply a base model tricked out with a powerful engine. The list of standard features is long and includes such notable mentions as push-button start, racing-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum trim, fast-charging dual USB ports, programmable MyKey keyless entry system, 6-speaker sound system, and more.

Optional Features

For buyers with spare money to spend on extras, the 2015 Focus ST offers a host of upgrades. Optional are group packages that bundle together Recaro front bucket seats, HID headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, Sync with MyFord Touch infotainment system, leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, and a touch-screen navigation system.

Under the Hood

Ford offers the updated 2015 Focus ST with a single powertrain combination that consists of a 6-speed manual transmission mated with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that produces 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. The Focus ST is front-wheel-drive only--no all-wheel-drive option is offered. Complementing the go-fast mechanicals is a chassis that has been retuned to deliver improved handling, according to Ford.

Fuel Economy

Though it's built for speed and performance, the 2015 Ford Focus ST remains fairly efficient with an EPA fuel-economy rating of 32 mpg on the highway. Around town, that figure drops to a noticeably lower 23 mpg, bringing the overall average to 26 mpg. It's worth mentioning that Focus fans on the hunt for better fuel economy will find what they're looking for in non-ST models fitted with the base 2.0-liter engine (EPA-rated up to 38 mpg) or the 1.6-liter EcoBoost (rated up to 40 mpg).

Safety

Every 2015 Ford Focus ST is equipped with a number of safety-related items as standard equipment, such as a rearview camera, 7 air bags, and 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake assist.

In government crash tests, the 2015 Ford Focus hatchback (including the ST) received an overall rating of 5 (out of 5) stars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not crash tested the 5-door hatchback version of the 2015 Ford Focus.