Ford refreshes sporty ST range for 2022

Ford lifts wraps on the 2022 Focus ST, Fiesta ST and Mustang.

Ford unveils a trifecta of performance model updates for 2022, with re-equipped ST twins (Focus and Fiesta), as well as a special pack for the Mustang.

2022 Ford Focus ST: What's new?

• Re-designed looks. The front-end of the 2022 Focus ST has been given a once over. It now features a noticeably larger grille. Designers also neatened up the appearance by placing the blue oval badge on the grille, rather than on the upper surface of the bumper. Stylists slimmed down the headlamps for a more dynamic appearance. The Daylight Running Lights now snake around the headlight, giving the Focus ST a distinctive vibe.

• New trim grade. Ford is adding ST X to the ST Focus line-up. This model is only available with an automatic transmission. It also has a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension that adapts to the conditions and Dynamic Pixel LED headlights.
• The latest tech. Ford has given the Focus ST all the latest tech. The standard ST trim has LED headlights, with built-in fog and cornering lamps. The ST X model features Dynamic Pixel LED headlights, with an adaptive beam that adjusts to the road.

• Heated Ford Performance seats. Front occupants have 14-way power-adjustable seats, with 4-way lumbar support.
• Levelled up infotainment system. Ford has updated the in-car infotainment to its latest SYNC4 system. SYNC4 features an all-new layout and can control the climate system. Additionally, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every 2022 Focus ST has wireless charging.

• FordPass Connect. FordPass Connect, first seen on the Ranger in Australia, is an app that controls features of your vehicle. For the ST, you can remotely unlock and lock your Focus, locate the vehicle, start it from your phone and set the air-con before you get in. You can also view helpful things like tyre pressures, the status of the security system and how much fuel you have left.
• New wheels. Ford has developed a set of new wheels for the 2022 ST. These feature 10-spokes, grouped together in pairs. They aren't quite as iconic as the first-generation Focus ST's wheels, but they do have a purposeful aesthetic to them.
• Driver assists. The ST now has Blind Spot Assist, which will pull the car in the opposite direction if a driver is about to change lanes and have a collision. Intersection Assist scans the road ahead at junctions for oncoming vehicles and will apply the brakes if needed (at speeds of up to 30km/h).
• Contrast roof. Buyers who want to tweak the look of their Focus ST can optionally pay $500 for a black contrast roof.

2022 Ford Fiesta ST: What's new?

• Refreshed clothes. The 2022 Ford Fiesta ST has also gone under the knife, receiving a fresh new front-end. Like its big brother, designers have fixed the Ford badge neatly to the enlarged, grey-surround front grille. Below the grille sits a sharp new splitter, emblazoned with Ford Performance logos.
• More torque. Unlike the Focus ST, Ford engineers have given the Fiesta ST a booster-shot of performance. They managed to squeeze an extra 30Nm from the engine, taking the total from 290Nm to 320Nm. That will be very noticeable if you're upgrading from an older Fiesta ST.
• Performance package. All Fiesta STs now benefit from a Performance Pack. This includes launch control and its own display integrated into the digital instrument panel.
• Handling tweaks. The Fiesta ST also has an old-school mechanical Limited-Slip Diff (LSD) which, when combined with Ford's "force-vectoring" springs, should result in a precise steering feel and response.
• New tech. Fiesta STs now lay claim to Matrix LED headlights, that, like the Focus ST X, can adjust the lighting beam to suit road conditions. Again, as per the Focus ST X, there's a Glare-Free High Beam function that aims to avoid dazzling on-coming road users. A 12.3-inch driver's instrument display also features a shift light, as well as launch control infographics. Ford explains that the screen is also easier to read than previous generation Fiesta STs thanks to a wide colour spectrum. Mirroring the Focus ST, the Fiesta ST has FordPass Connect. There's a wireless charging pad too, for those with compatible smart devices.
• Improved seats. Ford bolts in seats from its Performance division for the driver and front passenger. These have 12 directions of adjustment, 4 of which are lumbar support. Ford says they are intentionally shaped to hold the driver when cornering hard.
• Black roof and mirror caps option. Matching the Focus ST, the Fiesta ST now has a contrasting roof/mirror cap available as an extra.

2022 Ford Mustang: What's new?

• Line lock, as standard. Drag racers will be happy with this change, as line lock makes its Australian premiere. This function activates the front brakes while letting the rear wheels spin free – to do a burnout. Drag racers do this before every pass, so they can warm up the rear tyres, but others will find this a fun addition. You can see it in action here:
• California Special pack. Back in 1968, a group of Californian Ford dealers made a limited-edition Mustang. That started a tradition for Ford, where most generations of the Mustang have seen a Californian Special built at some time. For the 2022 Mustang GT California Special, Ford adds:
  • A California Special Appearance Package. This pack brings a blacked-out, honeycomb grille, a black strip down each side of the vehicle and a rear fender scoop, which certainly gives the pony car a more muscled appearance. On the tailgate, there's a California Special badge. At the pointy end, Ford installs a splitter, lifted from the GT Performance Pack.
  • 5-spoke, 19-inch alloys. These 5-spoke, machined wheels are painted in a dark grey.

  

  • A California Special interior. The California Special Mustang interior wears a synthetic suede, called Miko®. This material is applied to the door trims and parts of the seat upholstery. The seats feature embossed California Special branding.
• Revised paint options. For 2022 Mustangs, Ford is ditching 5 paint colours, while making Mischievous Purple and Eruption Green available from March.

2022 Focus ST, Fiesta ST and Mustang pricing and availability

The 2022 Fiesta ST has a recommended Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) of $33,490. Metallic paints cost $650 extra. The Fiesta ST is expected in Q1 of 2022.

The 2022 Ford Focus ST starts from $47,490 (MLP) for a Focus ST Automatic or Manual model. The Focus ST X auto takes the MLP to $51,990. Metallic paint is a $650 option. Ford says the Focus should arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2022.

The Mustang range starts from $52,590 (MLP) for a 2.3-litre High Performance manual fastback model. At the upper end of the range, the 5.0-litre California Special Convertible costs $77,990. You can expect the 2022 Mustang in Q2 of next year.

Pictures: Supplied