When discussing special edition Ford cars, many sites spend the column inches discussing the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 50th anniversary model
A special edition is something far more practical; it’s a way of getting a lot of features and increased spec at a special price.
Ford has been famed for its special edition XR3i’s and Cosworth’s in the past and it has some fine sporty and feature laden options right now as well.
The Ford Focus ST is one of Ford’s current flagship performance cars. It has an economical 2litre EcoBoost engine which not only gives decent fuel economy it also propels the car from 0-62mph in a phenomenal 6.5 seconds.
One of the cleverest features of the Ford Focus ST which can be found at a cheap price on motors.co.uk is ‘short arm steering’. This is a facility whereby the more that you turn the steering wheel the harsher and more progressive the turning angle becomes – a real rally type feature which is also very practical. Interestingly, the engine tone on the ST is mostly very quiet, but when you accelerate hard you get a blast of throttle sound. This ingenious feature gives you the sports type feeling when you want and doesn’t lumber you with a constantly roaring exhaust. The Ford Focus ST’s cabin is thoroughly fitting with sports seats and a dynamic looking cockpit.
Ford is looking to enhance the ST brand further by introducing a Fiesta ST in 2013. It’ll do 0-62 in a mind blowing 6.9 seconds and is powered by a 1.6 EcoBoost engine which is said to be around 20% faster than its 1.6 equivalents.
These new special edition Fords are remarkably nimble due to innovative suspension, balancing and braking systems. You can turn the ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) on or off – typical of genuine sports cars.
Ford will be hoping that the ST’s could be talked of in the same breath as special editions like the XR3i in years to come.