Spotted undergoing testing at the Nürburgring earlier this year, motoring.com.au claims that the ST will feature the same eight-speed automatic ‘box with paddle shifters as the regular Focus, albeit with likely changes, which will allow it to finally compete with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai i30 N and the Renault Megane RS.

Uncertainty though still surrounds the ST’s choice of engine after a report in April claimed that Ford had backtracked on equipping it with a more powerful version of the standard car's 1.5-litre EcoBoost motor, opting instead for a re-tuned version of the outgoing RS’ 2.3-litre mill rumoured to produce 184kW.

While this figure will mirror the output of the old ST’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost, torque will considerably be more than 360Nm, with drive again going to the front wheels. According to the Australian online platform’s post, however, the ST could even continue with the 2.0-litre mill in order to save on costs. What will be retained is the six-speed manual as the standard gearbox option.

Based on prior reports, the ST will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show next year with the RS, which will allegedly come with a hybrid drivetrain, following in 2020.