2008 Ford Focus ST review and pictures

Ford Focus ST review:

With a dramatic new design, more equipment and more choice, Ford`s new Focus is set to reaffirm its position as the most desirable model in the segment when it goes on sale in the UK next year.

With on the road prices from £11,945, the new Focus is just £250 more than the equivalent outgoing model. This represents enhanced customer value given the array of new technology and equipment - including ESP, previously a £250 option now fitted as standard.

The restructured range offers a choice of Studio, Style, Zetec, Titanium and ST trim matched to a comprehensive line-up of advanced petrol and diesel powertrains. Transmissions include five and six speed manual gearboxes, a conventional automatic or the all-new dual-clutch PowerShift automated gearbox jointly developed with GETRAG.

In addition to ESP, every Focus is equipped with ABS, four airbags, electric front windows, CD player, central locking, height adjustable driver`s seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat, curtain airbags and Easyfuel capless refuelling system.

Style, costing from £13,445 adds body coloured door handles and mirrors, bigger wheels, front fog lamps, air conditioning, remote audio controls, trip computer, leather covered steering wheel and remote central locking.

Zetec, the expected best-seller, costs from £14,695 and adds 16-in alloy wheels, dark headlamp surrounds, sports suspension, sports seats, Quickclear heated front windscreen, perimeter alarm, driver`s seat lumbar adjustment, rear spoiler and upgraded centre console. A body colour rear spoiler, previously an option, is also included as standard.

Focus Titanium, the luxury flagship, lists from £15,445. Equipment highlights are privacy glass, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, Sony CD sound system, electric rear windows, cooled glovebox, aluminium scuff plates and footwell lighting.

As before, buyers can personalise their Focus by choosing from the long list of options, some of which have been reduced in price from the previous model.

Three-door, five-door and estate body styles arrive first with the revised Coupe-Cabriolet and sporty Ford Focus ST (priced at £17,995) following within a few months.