Can the diesel-powered estate version of the new hot Ford Focus excite in quite the same way as the petrol hatchback?
This is the far extreme of the new Ford Focus ST family from the petrol hatchback that we’ve already reviewed. The 2.0-litre Ecoblue diesel engine will be offered in both the hatchback and estate, and it’s the practical wagon we have here.With 187bhp, this is the most powerful diesel-powered Focus to date, but it’s still substantially down on power compared to the 276bhp 2.3-litre ST Ecoboost.Diesel buyers must make other concessions, too. The Ecoblue will be offered only with a six-speed manual gearbox, not offering the Ecoboost’s optional seven-speed automatic. It’s also 42kg heavier and therefore slower: Ford’s claimed 7.7sec 0-62mph time is respectable but some way off the petrol estate’s 5.8sec.Estate versions of the Focus ST ride on passive dampers, rather than the standard adaptive set-up of the petrol hatchback, while diesel hatchback buyers will be able to opt for the active system. The diesel also does without the clever electronically controlled limited-slip differential.Recompense comes from the Ecoblue engine’s far superior economy – 58.7mpg combined on the official test – and lower price; at £30,595, it’s £2500 cheaper than the Ecoboost.
Source: Autocar
