The 1st generation Ford Focus arrived at dealers in 1998, and, with its ground-breaking ‘New
Edge’ styling, was a real shock to the public, and changed the way that cars were designed. The excellent chassis and handling of the standard car meant it was ripe for a ‘hot’ version.
So, in 2002 Ford announced the ST170, fitted with the 2-litre 16v Double Overhead Cam unit,
with variable inlet valve timing. This increased the power from 130bhp in the standard 2-litre
engine to 170bhp. It wasn’t really the engine that the car cried out for, but Ford knew that they had a new version coming out soon, the Focus RS, and didn’t want the ST170 to take away any of the limelight.
Mick bought this low mileage ST in December 2024 and has fitted a new cambelt, water pump, and Scorpion stainless steel exhaust. He has also sorted out a headlight earthing issue and has serviced the car.