The Ford Focus ST170, released May 2003,rounds out the Focus range and adds a high performance three door hatch to the model line up. The Focus range has been on sale in overseas countries for the past six years [Australian release was in September 2002]  and released in Australia to replace the long running and popular Ford Laser. Earlier Laser models included the TX3 sports variants, and now the ST170 has positioned itself to fill this void, whilst also tackling the latest hot hatches
from Peugeot, Mazda, Toyota and others.
Available in manual form only, the ST170 is priced at $37,000 RRP, certainly not cheap for a small hatch but in the same price category as the sports hatches offered by other manufacturers.
The ST170 is fully optioned with air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and driver and  pssenger airbags are some of the extensive list of features available.
Styling changes have been made internally and externally to give the ST170 a more aggressive performance look and set it apart from the standard 2.0 litre Zetec 3 door. The Focus was designed and developed in Germany but the ST170 body kit, including front rear and side skirts, and a rear deck lid spoiler were designed in Australia. Unique 15 spoke alloy wheels complete the sports appearance. The ST170 is only available in one colour, Imperial blue.
The ST170 is more than just a body kit and a set of alloy wheels grafted on to the entry level
hatch. The heart of the vehicle is the engine, in this case, the Ford Duratec two litre. The engine develops 127kW at 7000 rpm and 196Nm of torque at 5500 rpm, over 30kW
more power than the two litre Zetec engine fitted to other models in the Focus range. This
output has been achieved by some considerable re- engineering to the two litre Zetec unit. Download

Appearing in local showrooms in 2002, the first series Focus attracted lots of comment with its cutting  edge look. Now there’s an all new second generation, and while it retains some of the original’s design cues its styling is definitely more restrained. Buyers will have a choice between five door hatch and four door sedan, the three door not coming our way this time. Major improvements include a more
powerful 2.0litre Duratec engine fitted to all models plus additional standard safety features. Across the board price reductions over the LR series will give buyers some added incentive to check out the newcomer.
VALUE FOR MONEY:
PRICING
Prices start at $20,990 for the CL hatch and sedan, while the LX versions come in at $24,990. The Zetec (hatch only) is $27,490.
Add another $2,000 to each for the “Sportshift” automatic transmission. Topping the range is the Ghia sedan (auto only) at $30,990.
STANDARD FEATURES
Standard items on our Zetec test car included air-conditioning, electric power steering, remote central locking, power windows, cruise control, single CD player, 17” alloy wheels, sports bodykit and 10mm lower sports suspension.  Download