Ford is fully aware it's on to a good thing with the Focus ST, so in giving the hot-hatch a facelift the US carmaker has been very careful not to mess with it too much. Honed and sharpened with a sculpted hood, lower and wider stance, slimmer headlights, rectangular foglamps and new 18-inch alloys, the 2015 ST is looking more appealing than ever. All new Focus ST models also get hexagonal center tailpipes, while the sports bodykit includes a rear roof spoiler and body-colored side skirts.

Set to be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, the upgraded Focus ST maintains its 2.0-liter turbo-four with 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual, continuing to boast a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds and 154 mph top speed. In Europe, the Focus ST now comes with a new 2.0-liter diesel engine rated at 185 hp and 295 lb-ft. "A more responsive, balanced and refined driving experience" is promised thanks to new front shocks and springs, recalibrated electric steering, and tweaked ESP and torque vectoring settings.

A modest interior makeover extends to a new flat bottom steering wheel, redesigned center stack and more intuitive dashboard layout, Recaro sports seats, sports pedals, and satin-chrome gear lever and door grab handles. In ST3 trim, the seats boast a full charcoal black leather finish. The first 2015 Ford Focus ST models will arrive in showrooms early next year, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.