Ford of North America has their SVT high-performance division, and since Ford of Europe has a long history of making go-fast cars that are different from their New World counterparts, it’s no surprise that Team RS exists to pump up Old World Fords. The Focus ST is one of those Team RS-created gems. ST stands for “Sport Technologies,” and the Focus packs plenty of those. Under the “bonnet” is a five-cylinder, turbocharged engine lifted from then-corporate-sibling Volvo. An excellent powerplant that makes heaps of power, but more important than the horsepower figure is the torque band—all 236 ft-lbs. are available from 1,600 RPM, giving the ST the grunt to sharply pull off the line or on the exit of a corner. The Focus has always been an excellent driver’s car, and the ST is no exception, with the typical handling tricks all present here: stiffer suspension, bigger anti-roll bars, and grippier rubber join forces to give the Focus a neutral balance. Drivers will surely also appreciate the Focus’ sharp duds, as the second-generation Focus lines and ST-specific hot hatch bits give it a rakish yet grownup presence.
