New Ford Focus ST 2020 tuned to Subaru WRX STI-slaying 243kW/515Nm

Ford tuning-specialist Mountune has released its first performance upgrade kit for the new-generation Focus ST, taking engine outputs to 234kW/515Nm.

Turning the wick up from 206kW/420Nm requires very little modification however, with just an mtune smartflash ECU upgrade and a new high-flow panel filter required.

As a result, Mountune is promising a more aggressive launch control, louder exhaust noise and a recalibrated wet driving mode, as well as a 5.2-second zero to 100km/h acceleration time in the front-drive hot hatch – some 0.5s faster than the stock Focus ST.

It’s little wonder that Mountune has managed to liberate more performance from the 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet of the ST, as the same unit is found in the latest Focus RS flagship serving up 257kW/440Nm.

Pricing for the full kit is set at £499.17 ($A1009.36), though the new Focus ST is not due in Australian showrooms until June.

When Ford’s latest hot hatch does arrive, it will start at $44,690 before on-road costs for the six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic – the latter a first for the Focus ST.

The upgrade Focus ST would outpunch more expensive – and, in some cases, all-wheel-drive – rivals such as the 213kW/380Nm VW Golf R, 221kW/407Nm Subaru WRX STI, 221kW/400Nm Renault Megane RS280 Trophy and 228kW/400Nm Honda Civic Type R.