New Ford Focus ST

Along with the new line of Focus' - Ford will also reveal the new Focus ST at the Paris Motor show.

The current Focus is popular due to its power, handling and overall hot hatch appeal but, it was never the trend setter when it came to looks. The Focus ST's to date have been pretty modest looking, with just a body kit and slightly larger rear spoiler setting it apart from a normal Focus.

The 2012 ST uses a retuned version of Ford’s four-cylinder, turbocharged Ecoboost engine, now producing 247bhp. That figure puts the Focus on a par with Renaultsport’s Megane 250 and lifts it above the 223bhp of the old model.

The new ST's styling takes the latest five-door Focus’s looks to new extremes, with massive air intakes, side skirts and a roof spoiler. Ford’s head of design, Martin Smith is quoted as saying,  

“The new Focus ST is more of an overt performance car than its predecessor in response to customer feedback. We knew that the Focus ST customer wanted something less subtle than the standard design, with a more sporty feel.”

Ford is trying to re-establish it self as a performace car manufacturer after its Cosworth powered Escorts and Sierra's ceased production in the early 90's. A new RS is under consideration, but it’s so early in its development cycle that a debut before 2013 is unlikely.