Paris 2010: 2012 Ford Focus ST

Ford has been introducing new vehicles and significant refreshes at a frenetic pace, and clearly has momentum in the marketplace.

One of the company's efforts - to reduce cost by globalization - has yet to be implemented fully. We will start seeing that even more so as time goes on.

One of the best examples of that is the Ford Focus. We've already seen the standard car, but now the hatchback performance model is being previewed with the Focus ST showcar.

Instead of a sedan, the Focus ST is in hatchback guise, the form of vehicle Americans have always been averse to. The sedan model Focus has to be one of the most handsome and upscale compacts we've ever seen, inside and out.

The Focus ST hatchback doesn't mess with that too much, however there is a change that is very apparent. The grille has been changed to be a large, nondescript expanse.

The headlights and fascia have lost the nice detailing that is apparent on the production sedan Focus. Odd, because normally concepts are better than their production counterparts - not in this case.

We'll have to wait to see what the production Focus ST looks like. This should be extremely close to the final product though - it is a preview concept, after all.

The good news is that the rest of the vehicle looks very good as a hatchback, particularly the rear, which is taught and modern. Its just too bad about that front end.

The interior doesn't disappoint either, with a modern, sporty look befitting of the Focus ST's performance intentions. Top notch? Definitely.

The real news here is the powertrain, being the first EcoBoost application in a small car. Ford's EcoBoost powertrain has made waves for its performance and attributes of high power generation while still returning good fuel economy figures.

We've witnessed that for ourselves on numerous test vehicles. The benefit for the V-6 EcoBoost models is V-8 power with V-6 fuel economy.

That also looks to play true with 4-cylinders providing V-6 power with 4-cylinder economy. Expect EcoBoost to be spread across Ford's lineup very soon, with the 4-cylinder model debuting first in the new Explorer.

Here, the Focus ST has a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder making 247 horsepower. The Focus ST will be the hottest Focus hatchback until the new RS arrives. Ford says to expect the Focus ST to make a launch in all global markets (read: United States) in early 2012.