Demon tweaks

Facelifted Focus ST still a fave hot hatch

- COLIN GOODWIN

The recent facelift given to the Ford Focus was a minor affair and you’ll need sharp eyes to spot the external changes.

Up front they’re limited to a repositioned Ford badge and headlamp units that are both slimmer and contain the foglights.

At the back the revisions are even more subtle with just a change to the tail lamps. Oh, and the wheels get a new look.

Inside there’s more to talk about. The headline change is a new infotainment screen which, at 13.2in, Ford claims is the largest in its class. More important than size is function and this screen with its Sync4 software is easy to use with clear graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.

These are minor alterations but enough to justify a road test of the similarly facelifted Focus ST.

This generation of the venerable model is going to be the last with an internal combustion engine. And when the ST goes, my heart will be heavy because I love hot hatches, and this happens to be a very fine one.