The Ford Focus ST climbs into the ring with some heavy hitters

There's no denying that the Ford Focus is a massive success story for Ford. With the Focus passing the Toyota Corolla as the best selling vehicle model in 2012, it's fair to say that it's a popular vehicle. For the performance enthusiasts, there has always been the ST derivative to keep them happy and content.

The first generation ST had a trick suspension and a wonderfully high-strung 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated motor. It proved popular but was sadly outclassed by the turbocharged hatches of the time. This prompted Ford to create a more powerful version when they released the second generation. Powered by the Duratec (Volvo Modular) 5-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged motor, the Focus ST could now compete with the likes of the Golf GTI and Astra OPC. This model may have made serious torque, but was offset by the torque steer and heavy front end.

The third incarnation of the ST saw a return to the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder setup, but this time with forced induction. It now had 184kW and 340Nm on tap and the heavy nose had been lightened, giving it better handling. It is widely regarded as a massive improvement over the second generation and the third generation has just undergone a mid-lifecycle facelift.

Facelift

The changes are subtle and it actually required parking next to a pre-facelift model in order to see the exact extent.

The grille bars have been removed up front and new headlights with a sleeker profile means that the leading edge of the bonnet has been reprofiled too. The leading edge seems to have a better fit and finish, a criticism of the older look. Lower in the front bumper, the driving lights have been made square and the angular edge squared off to create a more aggressive visage.

With the subtle changes, comes a colour that I was hoping to get the test car in, a colour known as Stealth Grey. While we're so accustomed to seeing bright, vivid colours on STs, like orange and yellow, the gloss, non-metallic grey is a welcomed change – it looks the part.

Interior Changes

The changes do not only affect the exterior, they lift the interior ever so slightly.

The biggest change to the interior is seen in the center console where the controls for the Sync system and HVAC are housed. While previous incarnations had a very busy layout with a multitude of buttons littering the fascia. This was probably the weakest point of the entire layout, along with the small and sometimes hard to read and navigate.

The new Sync 2 system has an 8-inch touch screen and the controls have been revised drastically. Ford is not out of the woods yet, but improvements are being made. The execution of the Sync 2 system seems to work better in the Fusion, especially the PowerShift automatic – you're just too busy driving in the ST to be able to poke and prod at the screen.

Mechanical

There are additional changes under the skin as well and the most evident one is the improvement to the steering. Livened up and more direct, thanks to revised anti-roll bars and suspension bushes, the updated ST changes direction better and feel more planted, with improved feedback through the steering wheel.

While it still has a tendency to get a little excitable under hard acceleration, the new electronic limited slip differential helps curb the understeering nature that comes with trying to put 184kW through the same wheels that are trying to change the chassis' direction.

With this additional front end grip comes a tail that is suddenly very alive. Lifting off the throttle mid corner will see the back end step out and the inexperienced driver facing the wrong way. It does make driving the ST on the limit a challenge, requiring a light hand and stready approach to cornering. That said, getting it right is hugely rewarding.

Adding to the fun element is the fact that the Focus ST isn't offered with a dual-clutch gearbox, only a 6-speed manual gearbox – one for the purists.

Conclusion

The Ford Focus ST appeals to a very specific demographic. While it's certainly not a difficult car to live with, many consumers look for a slightly less dramatic way to go fast. It's here where the dual-clutch equipped cars have the upper hand. For those that still want to feel in control, those who want to be an intrinsic part of going fast, the ST is the one to clammer for.

The Ford Focus ST in an ST3 trim level retails for R421 900 inclusive of VAT with and additional R6 540 getting you the only options on the list, namely 19-inch alloy wheels and a power tilt/slide sunroof.

All STs are sold with Ford's 4 year / 120 000km warranty and 4 year / 80 000km service plan.