Focus lifts the lid on go-fast hatch

Ford plans a go-fast version of its new Focus - but is staying hush-hush on the details.

Ford is readying an all-new hot hatch version of the Focus, likely to be badged the ST and available in some markets from late next year.

The carmaker is staying tight-lipped about the car's exact details but the company's product development boss Derrick Kuzak confirmed that the go-fast model was indeed on the way.

"It will get an EcoBoost turbocharged engine, be exciting to drive, great to look at and certainly worth waiting for," Kuzak said.

The new model will ditch the current car's 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine for a more efficient and more powerful direct injection EcoBoost unit.

The new engine is thought to be a 2-litre offering 185kW.

Along with 350Nm of torque, it should rocket the new ST from zero to 100km/h in six seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h.

And while enthusiasts will miss the sound of the old ST's warbling five-cylinder unit, they'll welcome the new car's increased efficiency, including torque vectoring and a range of driving modes.

Expect fuel economy of 8 litres/100km (35mpg) and CO2 exhaust emissions of 175g/km.

The new Focus five-door hatchback will go on sale in New Zealand next year, followed later by the ST.

In Britain, Ford will launch a last-of-the-line RS Clubsport before embarking on a replacement for the RS which will get the same 2-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine, hooked up to a hybrid system, complete with four-wheel drive.