Recaro sports seats standard in
all models. Dual tailpipe now
exits in the centre, Mr Venter.
The, err, focus on the new improved version
of the Ford Focus ST performance model,
launched in South Africa this past month, has
been in key areas of ride and handling and
driver satisfaction through sharper responses.
Firstly, the front end of the chassis has been stiffened appreciably by using thicker structural
brackets in the engine bay and also employing a new arc welding technique to ensure
greater torsional rigidity – so important when a
hot hatch like this is put through its paces.
The suspension has also been revised with
new front springs and matching damper-unit
tuning. Stiffer location bushings are fitted to
the lower control arm and rear spring links,
and the result, says Ford, is a sharper, dynamic reaction to directional changes. In
this regard, the electronic power assistance
system on the steering has also been revised
to match the new suspension set-up.
Another innovat