Ford Focus, 20 Years of the Focus

Ford Focus, 20 Years of the Focus. Over the last two decades the Focus has redefined what it means to own a ‘fast Ford’. Let’s look back at some of those sporty models from the past twenty years as we delve into the history of the Focus… Words DAN WILLIAMSON / Photos VARIOUS.

Futuristic. Dynamic. Effortlessly brilliant. The Ford Focus of 1998 was a radical game-changer for the medium car sector, shaking up a market of humdrum hatchbacks with its eager handling, elevated build quality and Ford’s inimitable New Edge styling. Two decades on, we’ve witnessed the birth of a Mk4 version – another evolution of the original Focus formula: quite simply a world-beating machine. Launched at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, the first Focus was mind-blowing as a replacement for the tired old Escort. Yes, the Escort was adequate, but the car that had conquered motorsport and inspired generations to love the Blue Oval was long past its sell-by date. It was time for change. A new name. A new philosophy.

While the Focus badge signalled a break from the past, its attention to detail reinvigorated Ford’s until-then complacent attitude. Gone was the nondescript Escort styling in favour of sharp lines and trapezoidal lights, a theme echoed into styling cues in the cabin, where ergonomics and finish were notably improved. But it was under the skin that was most impressive: while a MacPherson strut front end remained, the rear boasted Control Blade suspension that scored rave reviews for its ride and driver appeal. Even the basic engine – a 1.4-litre, 16-valve Zetec – made the Focus feel alive.

UN-SPORTY 

Yet, staggeringly, Ford failed to take advantage of the agile chassis or the brand’s army of Rallye Sport followers. The hottest Focus was a 128bhp two-litre, offered in Zetec trim as the only sign of sporty intent. It took until March 2002 for that to change. The Focus ST170 was introduced under the Sports Technologies banner, representing fast road rather than motorsport intentions. As such it was a lukewarm rather than fullblown hot hatch, but it packed just enough power and poise to entertain enthusiastic drivers. Designed by Ford Special Vehicle Engineering, the ST170 boasted stacks of bespoke high-performance parts – including an engine breathed on by Cosworth. The regular 1988cc normally-aspirated Zetec was renamed Duratec ST and equipped with high-compression pistons, big-valve head, variable valve timing, high-lift cams and beefy exhaust manifold. Producing a rev-hungry 171bhp, it was mated to a closeratio six-speed Getrag MT285 transmission geared for respectable performance of 134mph and sub-eight-second 0-to-60. Its suspension was uprated, the steering was tweaked, there were bigger brakes (300mm front discs; 280mm rears) and 17in multi-spoke alloys.

Yet instead of attracting punters with wild wings and decals, Ford stayed subtle, restricting the ST170 to honeycomb grilles, new headlamps and colour-coded mouldings. A rear spoiler remained on the options list, and five-door hatchbacks and estates were offered alongside the sexier three-door. Still, at least racy Imperial Blue was among the limited range of colours.

The cabin received similar treatment, adding electro-luminescent dials and halfleather sports front seats; leather Recaros were offered in an optional Custom Pack, while a Comfort Pack included climate control and heated windscreen. Okay, the ST170 was a mainstream model rather than tyre-shredding terrorist, but 13,443 were built before production ceased in summer 2005. And, besides, the hooliganspec Mk1 RS was hot on its heels…

THE RS IS BACK! 

In October 2002 SVE revived the Rallye Sport brand from a six-year hiatus to create the first Focus RS. Designed to commemorate Ford’s rallying success, the RS was promoted as ‘the closest you can get to a road-going version of Colin McRae’s Focus World Rally Championship contender.’ It was even developed with assistance from McRae and Carlos Sainz – no wonder it’s revered as one of the finest-handling Fords of all time. Using a three-door ST170 hatchback as its base, the RS included 521 unique components, many of which were sourced from suppliers to the WRC team. At its heart was a heavily-reworked Zetec E two-litre engine, renamed the Duratec RS and housing forged pistons, modified head and Garrett GT2560LS turbo to kick out in excess of 212bhp. Top speed was 144mph; 0-to-60mph took 6.4 seconds.

Rather than the ST170’s six-speed, the RS used a regular MTX75 gearbox but reworked with close ratios, shot-peened cogs, AP Racing clutch and Quaife ATB differential to aid traction. Beefier driveshafts, WRC-width suspension arms, Sachs springs, Brembo four-pot front brake calipers and revised ABS perfected the Mk1’s amazing chassis, with WRC-style OZ alloys stuffed beneath broad wheelarches, mated to rally-look bumpers, side skirts and roof spoiler. Imperial Blue paintwork was standard, with matching blue bulbs in the indicators. The cockpit was also pretty special, containing black/blue Sparco-badged bucket seats and steering wheel, with an individually-numbered plaque on the carbon-fibre console. No optional extras were available. Produced for just one year alongside the regular Focus in Saarlouis, Germany, the RS received minor alterations (including extra stitching on the seat bases and remapped engine management software). In total, 4,501 were built.

TIME FOR AN ASBO 

By 2005 the original Focus had made way for the Mk2, an incredibly competent car, if lacking a little of the Mk1’s sparkle or quirky styling. Ford’s colourful solution was the Mk2 ST, unveiled at February’s Geneva show. Somewhat less specialised than either the ST170 or Mk1 Focus RS, the new machine was nevertheless more powerful and better equipped than ever. The basis was a regular Focus three/five-door hatchback wearing a muscular bodykit with functional rear spoiler. It was offered in a variety of shades, including rowdy Electric Orange, which led to Jeremy Clarkson calling the car a Focus ASBO. Normal folk, meanwhile, nicknamed it the ST225, thanks to its 225PS/222bhp, 2522cc five-cylinder engine, boosted by a KKK turbo. Yes, the powerplant was taken from a boring Volvo, but the ST burbled its way to 150mph, hitting 60mph in just 6.5 seconds. It handled brilliantly too. Although it lacked the RS’s limited-slip differential in its Getrag six-speed gearbox, Ford Team RS tweaked the ST with recalibrated dampers, stiffer springs, thicker rear anti-roll bar, quicker steering, 320mm front brakes and funky 18in alloys.

A selection of three specifications strengthened sales, with the basic ST including plain Recaro front seats and auxiliary gauges on the dashboard. The ST-2 added colour-keyed trim, heated windscreen and xenon headlamps, while the ST-3 gained Ebony leather upholstery and six-disc Sony CD head unit. Loads of options were offered too, including touch-screen sat nav and ST stripe kits. Official UK deliveries began in January 2006, while November 2007 brought an extra model to the line-up: the ST500, a limited edition (of 500) STs finished in Panther Black with silver stripes along the sides, bonnet, roof and tailgate. Offered as a three- or five-door hatch, each ST500 featured full ST-3 spec plus red leather trim. The Mk2 Focus received a midlife facelift in January 2008, featuring new headlamps, body styling and revised fascia. September saw Ford officially sanction mountune’s MP260 package – offering 257bhp from its bigger intercooler and remap – but it was soon overshadowed by the Blue Oval’s very own modified ST: the Mk2 RS.

FOCUS IN MOTORSPORT 

McRae. Sainz. Grönholm. Big names in the rally world, and big winners in the Focus WRC. Having less in common with a road-going Focus than previous rally-winning Cossies, the Focus WRC competed from 1999 to 2010, taking 44 victories and two manufacturers’ world championship crowns (in 2006 and ’07). Running permanent four-wheel drive, the Focus WRC was built by M-Sport around a basic Focus-shaped bodyshell and very little else. Yes, the engine was loosely based on a two-litre Duratec, but turbocharged to produce 300bhp (restricted) and well over 400lb.ft torque, it transmitted grunt through a sequential gearbox and active differentials to hit 60mph in around four seconds. Mk1 and Mk2-shaped generations of Focus WRC were produced, with each car gaining wider and wilder wings. They were replaced by the compact Fiesta RS WRC. But that doesn’t mean there was no competition career for the Mk3. Indeed, the Mk3 ST has built on the successful Touring Car career of the Mk2 Focus ST and has been a race-winner and regular podium finisher in the BTCC over recent years. And, for 2018, the Motorbase Performance team behind the Focuses currently on the BTCC grid made the switch from ST to RS, already securing podium finishes within the first few rounds of the new season. It’s sure to be a winner before the year’s out. And the Focus is destined to win many more trophies in all manner of motorsport disciplines from clubman events through to national Championships. It’s a proven race winner, and it’s not going anywhere just yet!.

Sources: Fast Ford Summer 2018

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