4th-gen Ford Focus ST estate/wagon debuts at last

The fourth generation of the Ford Focus ST is available in two body styles: hatchback and estate/wagon, with the latter only just coming to the market. Let us see what it has in stock.

Just like its hot catch counterpart, the family-friendly all-rounder ships with a choice between a 2.0-liter EcoBlue turbo diesel unit rated at 190 hp (142 kW) and a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo gasoline engine capable of 280 hp (209 kW). Both can be had with a six-speed manual transmission, but you may opt for seven-speed automatic with the gas burner.

There are actually a few more perks to choosing the gasoline version. First, it ships with an electronic diff lock and adaptive suspension in base. Second, you may pay extra to get the Performance Pack, which includes a new extreme Track Drive mode, launch control, and gear-dependent torque adjustment. Diesel owners get nothing like this, not even with cash.

The EcoBoost-equipped Ford Focus ST makes a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.8 seconds, thus only being 0.1s behind the hatchback in terma os acceleration performance. The EcoBlue is another story, managing the same thing in 7.7 seconds.

You will easily tell the new ST wagon from the standard Focus by its different bumpers, a large rear spoiler, and wheels either 18 or 19 inches in diameter.

Moving on to the cabin, there is a sports steering wheel, Recaro bucket seats, and a few special trim elements. The trunk measures 608 liters (21.5 cubic feet) with the rear seats up or 1,653 liters (58.4 cu.ft.) with them folded down.

Sales in Europe begin this summer, with the gasoline version priced at €34,100 and above.

Photos: Ford