The Sport Wagon Enthusiast

All hail the new Focus ST Wagon! Such enthusiasm comes relief after years of frustration over Ford’s inferior products (especially in the United States), but also because the Focus Wagon was not expected to be unveiled at Frankfurt. The surprising unveiling compounded this editor’s delight when images and specs on the new 5-door were released. 

The ST Wagon checks off all the proper enthusiast boxes: six-speed manual, a torquey turbocharged engine, a centrally mounted dual exhaust, 18-inch alloys, and perhaps best of all, seductively desirous RECARO racing seats. How do you like these apples now Japan?

Debuting alongside the new Focus ST Hatchback, with which it shares its powertrain, the ST Wagon packs a new 247 horsepower EcoBoost four-cylinder developing an impressive 265 lb-ft of torque. Zero to sixty should take about six seconds, with a top speed between 145 and 155 mph. Not only is the new 2.0L boosted four quite powerful, but Ford says it should reduce CO2 and fuel consumption by over 20% compared to the outgoing Focus ST. Or you could pay twice as much for a BMW 135i, Audi S3, or forthcoming Mercedes B-Class AMG from Germany.

While power is sent to just the front wheels, Ford has fitted several electronic systems to improve handling and drivability, namely an electro-power assisted steering and a torque steer compensation system. Power is also probably electrically limited in gears one and two to prevent the front wheels from following engine torque.

Ford: Bring THIS wagon to America, ASAP, and you will have our undying gratitude (and we’ll forget your past failures much quicker).  

September 9th, 2011 (Source: Ford Europe)