car, Ford Promises Focus ST will be “Exactly” the Same Worldwide
Frequently, when automakers “Americanize” models for the U.S. market—changing them to meet our safety and emissions regulations, but also to suit the perceived tastes of stateside consumers—it results in dumbed-down vehicles. For one recent example, head over to the Volkswagen side of the room and check out the latest Jetta.
It’s with cautious optimism, then, that we greet Ford’s announcement that the upcoming Focus ST “will offer exactly the same exciting driving experience wherever it’s on sale,” whether that’s North America, Asia, or Europe. With a comparison-test victory already rung up by the workaday Focus, we’re thinking this means the ST will be good everywhere it’s sold, rather than Ford subjecting the rest of the world to something awful.
Also accompanying the Ford-supplied “spy” photos was confirmation (for the umpteenth time) that the Focus ST will pack a direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter four making 247 hp and 260 lb-ft. The company says that its Volkswagen GTI challenger will feature heavily bolstered seats, plus “highly tuned” electric power steering—as opposed to a lowly tuned setup, which is to be avoided at all costs.
We’re happy to hear Ford’s assurance that the ST will be as right as it should be. But words only count for so much; we’ll reserve actual judgment until we can spend time ripping around in one on our test loop.
Frequently, when automakers “Americanize” models for the U.S. market—changing them to meet our safety and emissions regulations, but also to suit the perceived tastes of stateside consumers—it results in dumbed-down vehicles. For one recent example, head over to the Volkswagen side of the room and check out the latest Jetta.
It’s with cautious optimism, then, that we greet Ford’s announcement that the upcoming Focus ST “will offer exactly the same exciting driving experience wherever it’s on sale,” whether that’s North America, Asia, or Europe. With a comparison-test victory already rung up by the workaday Focus, we’re thinking this means the ST will be good everywhere it’s sold, rather than Ford subjecting the rest of the world to something awful.
Also accompanying the Ford-supplied “spy” photos was confirmation (for the umpteenth time) that the Focus ST will pack a direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter four making 247 hp and 260 lb-ft. The company says that its Volkswagen GTI challenger will feature heavily bolstered seats, plus “highly tuned” electric power steering—as opposed to a lowly tuned setup, which is to be avoided at all costs.
We’re happy to hear Ford’s assurance that the ST will be as right as it should be. But words only count for so much; we’ll reserve actual judgment until we can spend time ripping around in one on our test loop.
No comments:
Post a Comment