Shropshire Star

Ford Focus ST leaks online months ahead of public reveal

Images of upcoming hot hatch surface ahead of 2019 reveal, showing racier looks over current range-topping ST-Line

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Images of the upcoming Ford Focus ST hot hatch have surfaced online, months ahead of a rumoured reveal date.

Uncovered by motoring news website Carscoops, the pictures give a clear view of what is believed to be the ST — showing racier looks over the current range-topping ST-Line.

Up front, it gains a completely redesigned bumper incorporating a honeycomb mesh grille and a large splitter. New side skirts are also present, along with gloss black door handles.

It’s at the back of the car where things get drastic. Gone is the trademark ST centre-mounted exhaust, with quad units placed at either side of the diffuser. Another distinctive exterior feature includes its black alloy wheels, which house red brake calipers.

(Carscoops)

The interior of the car is recognisable as the current generation of Ford Focus, but new additions include ST-specific seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and carbon-effect trimmings.

With the car rumoured to be revealed in early 2019, performance figures are not yet known. However, it’s thought power will come from a detuned version of the previous-generation Focus RS’ 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produced 345bhp and 440Nm of torque. It’s also expected power will be sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

(Carscoops)

A new Focus RS is expected to follow at a later date — with reports from Autocar suggesting it will be a hybrid model, with an internal combustion engine sending power to the front wheels while an electric motor drives the rear axle.

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