Ford Performance line-up updated for 2022

FORD Australia has released details of its 2022 Ford Performance range by announcing the pricing and specification for its Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Mustang line-ups.

The high-performance trio are due in local showrooms early next year; the Fiesta ST will arrive in Q1, while the Focus ST and Mustang variants are expected in Q2. 

The updated Fiesta ST (from $33,490, plus on-road costs) features a redesigned front mask, including a larger grille and new front splitter (with Ford Performance branding). A new grey surround adorns the grille of the sporty five-door hatch, which comes standard with a Performance Pack, which, in our market, incorporates a launch-control function, digital instrumentation, a mechanical limited-slip diff and Ford’s patented force-vectoring springs.

New Ford Performance seats are also standard; they feature 12-way electrical adjustment and four-way lumbar support. Other additions include Matrix LED headlights with auto high-beam, a wireless device charging pad, plus access to FordPass Connect.

Importantly, the upgraded Fiesta ST delivers more torque – the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine now produces 320Nm at 4500rpm (+30Nm) and drives the Ford’s front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Power output remains unchanged at 147kW (at 6000rpm).

The Fiesta ST is available in seven exterior colours, with an all-new black roof and matching mirror-cap option (+$500) available on all colours (excluding Agate Black). The line-up of available exterior-paint finishes includes Frozen White, Race Red, Mean Green, Magnetic Grey, Moondust Silver, Boundless Blue, and Agate Black. Metallic paint attracts a $650 premium.

Meanwhile, the Focus ST (from $47,490, plus on-road costs) has undergone similar changes; like its Fiesta ST sibling, it sports an enlarged grille. 

The newly incorporated Dynamic Pixel LED headlights – available only on the Focus ST X – are “more aggressively styled”, Ford says, with new DRLs wrapping around the assembly to create a new signature graphic. The lights also integrate fog and cornering elements into one unit.

Ford’s updated Focus ST comes equipped with new 10-spoke Torqued alloy wheels, a 13.2-inch centre-stack screen with a SYNC4 infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and corded Android Auto connectivity, a wireless charging pad, FordPass Connect, blind-spot assist and intersection assist (as part of the AEB system).

The revised hot hatch’s Ford Performance seats offer 14-way electric adjustment, four-way lumbar support and heating as standard.

The Focus ST remains powered by Ford’s 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol EcoBoost motor, which delivers 206kW and 420Nm. The unit drives the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission in combination with an electronic limited-slip diff.

The up-spec Focus ST X (from $51,990, plus on-road costs) is available exclusively with an automatic transmission and additionally features 19-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display,  adaptive sports suspension, plus a panoramic sunroof (and the Dynamic Pixel LED headlights).

Paint colour options for the Focus ST extend to six and the black roof option (offered on Fiesta ST) is also available. Colour options include Frozen White, Race Red, Mean Green, Magnetic Grey, Fantastic Red, and Agate Black. Metallic paint attracts a $650 premium.

For Mustang, the flagship model of the Ford Performance range, we find a new GT California Special variant joining the local range alongside Line Lock functionality. 

Paint colours change for 2022 with Yellow Peel, Antimatter Blue, Velocity Blue, Twister Orange, and Iconic Silver dropped from the palette. Two new colours, Mischievous Purple and Eruption Green, will be available from March production. 

The full range of colour options now includes Race Red, Oxford White, Carbonized Grey, Shadow Black, Rapid Rd, Mischievous Purple, Eruption Green, Atlas Blue, Cyber Orange, Grabber Blue, and Dark Matter Grey. Metallic paint attracts a $650 premium.

Engine and transmission options remain unchanged.

But it’s the California Special (from $67,290, plus on-road costs) that arguably adds the most excitement to the updated MY22 Ford Mustang range. 

Based on the Mustang GT Fastback and Convertible, the special cosmetic package is said to reference the original version’s black-out grille, side accent stripes and rear fender scoops.

The Mustang GT California Special also features an Ebony Black badge and Race Red script on the boot lid, a GT/CS denotation on the grille, and bespoke five-spoke 19-inch machined alloy wheels. The front-end also features a larger front splitter, with a performance rear wing available on the Fastback model.

Inside, the California Special wears rich black Miko suede door card inserts and suede-trimmed seats with GT/CS embossed logos and red contrasting stitchwork. The instrument panel is finished in carbon hex aluminium with a California Special badge placed on the passenger side.

The Mustang range is available with a variety of optional extras, including Recaro seats ($3000), Magneride suspension ($2750), forged alloy wheels ($2500), lustre nickel-alloy wheels ($500), body stripes in white or black ($650) and a high-rise spoiler ($750).

2022 Ford Fiesta ST pricing*:

2022 Ford Focus ST pricing*:

2022 Ford Mustang pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.