Prices revealed for all-new 2019 Ford Focus ST

Ford has revealed prices for the new Focus ST, with the entry-level 187bhp diesel model starting at £29,495 and the 276bhp petrol costing from £31,995. Estate versions of both are available and you can choose from a manual or automatic gearbox. The 2019 Ford Focus ST - the most powerful ever - will arrive this summer.

Choose the petrol estate model and you’ll be parting with £33,095, although this is likely to be higher if you spec an automatic gearbox. As the automatic won’t be available from launch, Ford hasn’t revealed pricing, but expect to pay around £1,500 more across the range. Just like the last Focus ST, there’ll be different trim levels called ST-2 or ST-3. The first batch of cars will all be in the higher ST-3 trim level - Ford says the majority of buyers choose it - and there’ll be an optional Performance Pack.

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Ford claims 0-62mph acceleration of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 155mph for the petrol Focus ST hatchback model, putting it straight into direct competition against front-wheel-drive hot hatch rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the latest Renault Megane R.S. and the Peugeot 308 GTI.

The diesel hatchback model produces 187bhp and completes the 0-62mph sprint in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 137mph. The engine has lots of torque, which is available from just 1,500rpm, making overtaking a breeze. It’s the most powerful diesel engine ever found in a Focus, and produces double the torque of the first-generation Focus ST170.

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Both the petrol and diesel variants will be available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox. The latter comes with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters and can optimise gear changes based on your driving style and environment. The new Focus ST also features Ford’s quickest ever steering system - requiring only two-turns from lock-to-lock.

New performance features on the Ford Focus ST include an optional Performance Pack, an electronic limited-slip differential that improves both traction and stability plus larger all-new brakes. There are also selectable driving modes that adjust the steering, brakes and computer controlled suspension to offer more agile handling or improved ride quality as required.

The 2019 Focus ST also gets a number of visual changes to separate it from the standard models in the Focus range, including a deeper front bumper and honeycomb grille, adaptive headlights, a larger roof spoiler and twin exhaust pipes that now sit either side of the rear diffuser. Alloy wheels can be specced in 18-inch or optional 19-inch wheel sizes. Paint colours include the famous “Orange Fury” hue and the “Ford Performance Blue” among the seven available finishes.

In the cabin, the Focus ST gets Recaro seats unique to this model, an ST-embossed sports steering wheel, satin silver trim and contrasting grey stitching throughout the cabin. Also included is Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard.

The new Focus ST gets an array of new safety tech from the standard Focus models, including a useful head-up display, adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology that can the car hold it's lane in traffic. Road sign recognition is also included along with ‘Evasive Steering Assist’ to help steer the car automatically around a slow-moving or stationary vehicle.

How will the new Ford Focus ST compare to the outgoing model? To find out, check out our Ford Focus ST review, or take a look at the Carbuyer picks for best hot hatchbacks you can buy in 2019.