| Special Edition Model | Ford Focus ST500 |
The highly rated
Focus ST is to get a range-topping special edition, with just 500 set for UK customers. The ST500 will only be available in metallic black and feature silver bonnet and side stripes - an homage to the Le Mans win of 1966, in which the GT40 locked out all three podium spots.
Despite a unique exterior appearance, it's the Focus's extras that seek to justify the £20,495 price tag - some £2,200 over the standard ST3. Luxurious red leather now cossets new bum-hugging Recaro sports seats, whilst automatic Xenon head lights, rain-sensing wipers and a solar-reflecting windscreen also come as standard on the 500.
For all its new bells, whistles and go-faster stripes, Ford has neglected the ST500's 2.5-litre 223bhp Duratec motor. And so the Focus still hits 60mph from standing in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 152mph.
A new facelifted Focus ST will hit show rooms in March 2008, with recently revealed press shots showing a new gaping trapezoidal front grille and sleeker Mondeo-esque headlights. With more standard features available, prices are impressively set to undercut the outgoing model - starting at £17,995 for the three-door and £18,595 for five-door models. Watch out for our review of the new Focus coming soon on the
Ford Road Tests page.
Kyle Molyneux - 11 Nov 2007