EcoBoost-Powered Ford Focus ST Gains 7-Speed Automatic Transmission Option

Ford has launched a seven-speed automatic transmission option for the Focus ST, with deliveries starting next month.

Offered solely with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost petrol engine with the hatchback and estate body styles, it starts at £34,710 ($43,798) and £36,110 ($45,565), respectively, in the UK. That represents a £1,450 ($1,830) premium over the six-speed manual variants.

In this spec, the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration takes 6.0 seconds in the hot hatch, 0.3 seconds slower than the stick shift version, while the top speed remains electronically capped at 155 mph (250 km/h). The wagon adds 0.1 seconds to the sprint and has an identical top speed. The 2.3-liter turbo-four still develops 276 HP (280 PS / 206 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque.

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Ford claims that choosing this version over the six-speed manual won’t affect the fuel consumption, which is WLTP-rated at 34.4 mpg UK (28.6 mpg US / 8.2 l/100 km) in both cars. The CO2 emissions increase from 187 to 188 g/km though.

The 7-speed auto ‘box comes with a rotary gear selector, instead of the conventional stick, and paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Like the six-speed manual versions, it features a dedicated ‘Sport’ button on the flat-bottomed steering wheel, which is used to access the Sport mode. There’s also a ‘Mode’ button that allows drivers to scroll through other modes.

Customers who put more miles on the clock can still get the 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine, which produces 187 HP (190 PS / 140 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque, and is matched to a six-speed manual transmission. The five-door hatchback takes 7.6 seconds to sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) and the estate is 0.1 slower, whereas top speed stands at 136 mph (219 km/h).