Latest news with #FORD
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Beloved Ford hot hatch officially goes off sale in the UK after 23 years and four generations as orders dry up
FORD has confirmed that one of their most popular cars has officially gone off the market in the UK. The American car giant announced that its Advertisement 2 Stock is still available in dealerships, but customers cannot place new orders Credit: Alamy 2 Ford confirmed that 170 models are still unsold in the UK Credit: Getty The Focus ST was first launched 23 years ago, but has since disappeared from dealer price lists. But for those wanting to get their hands on some of the last remaining cars, the US firm said that 170 are still unsold in the UK. Stock is still available to buy in Advertisement Read more in Ford "But there are around 170 built and unsold currently available within the UK dealer network. "This includes 30 of the special ST Edition variant in Azura Blue.' Ford introduced Focus ST to the world in 2002, with the initial ST170 version. It was powered by a 2.0 litre Advertisement Most read in Motors Live Blog Breaking In 2005, Ford introduced the second generation - the ST500 - with a meatier 2.5 litre engine. Ford Escort van becomes the fastest front wheel drive Ford on the planet Developed alongside Volvo and Mazda, it was powered by a Volvo five-cylinder engine, allowing it to hit 60mph in 6.8 seconds. But the US manufacturer ditched Volvo in 2010 and introduced the Focus St Mk3 with its own engine. It introduced a more powerful four-cylinder turbo and lowered the suspension - putting the 0-60mph time at 6.5 seconds. Advertisement And finally the Mk4, featuring a slightly larger 2.3 litre engine, which was the first version to offer automatic transmission. It remains the fastest iteration of the Focus ST, reaching 60mph in 5.7 seconds. Ford could well be responding to industry trends, with hot hatch cars generally being phased out across the board. Other big manufacturers, including Hyundai, Peugeot and Toyota have started pulling cars off the market as a result of the low interest. Advertisement It comes as the Ford Focus is set to be phased out completely, with its production life cycle terminating in November this year. The move was first announced in 2022, but Ford's European chief Martin Sander He added: "In the long run, we are still deeply convinced that EVs will be the future and we will see a significant increase in volume. "By the end of this year, we will have a full range of electric vehicles and we are quite flexible to adapt to market demand. Advertisement "For the next couple of years, we have a broad choice. "Basically, our customers have the power of choice to pick what they want." The Ford Focus was first rolled out in 1998, off the back of their Escort model. It was one of the last hatchbacks with a manual gearbox. Advertisement However, Ford is now putting more efforts into their Mustangs and Broncos to boost profits. This comes after Ford sales in Europe fell 17 per cent in 2024, the first full year without the
The South African
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Kylie Jenner accused of ‘mommying' Timothée Chalamet
Kylie Jenner sparked a lively debate among fans after a behind-the-scenes clip from the 70th David Di Donatello film festival in Rome went viral. The footage, shared by French designer Haider Ackermann, shows Kylie tenderly using a lint roller on her boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet. This was just before their red carpet debut as a couple. The moment was sweet, yet it divided viewers on whether Kylie was playing the role of a caring partner or, as some put it, 'mommying' the 29-year-old actor. In the clip, Timothée, looking sharp in his double-breasted suit with a white flower on his lapel. He smiles as Kylie carefully removed lint from his outfit. The couple's preparation was part of a FaceTime call with Ackermann, who later praised their teamwork on Instagram. 'Miss K, you're hired!!' and calling Timothée 'BROTHER elegantly in TOM FORD' receiving the award for cinematic excellence. Kylie, 27, stunned in a fitted black Schiaparelli gown, doing her own hair and makeup for the event. She shared on Instagram, 'Makeup by meee,' showing her hands-on approach to the night's glam. Fans were charmed by the couple's dynamic, with some calling the lint-rolling moment 'wifey behaviour' and 'too cute.' Others criticised it as Kylie making Timothée 'a dependent child' and part of a 'Jenner circus' that they say could harm his career. One fan wrote, 'Looks like his mommy. Acts like his mommy. You are making Timmy a dependent child, like an appendage to Kylie Jenner. He is losing fans because of this Jenner circus.' Another added, 'I dream of the day when Timmy will surround himself with people who truly love and care for him. Shame on you and this whole PR circus.' Yet others defended the couple, saying the moment was simply a sign of love and care. 'They're basically husband and wife already' and 'When Kylie is part of the glam squad, you know it's serious business'. The couple, who began dating in spring 2023, had been expected to make their red carpet debut at the Met Gala, but Timothée opted out. This was reportedly because of his passion for the New York Knicks basketball team. A source told the Daily Mail that Kylie Jenner respected his decision and did not pressure him to attend, allowing them to enjoy their relationship on their own terms. As the couple continues to navigate fame, they seem determined to keep their relationship authentic. In a world where image is everything, Kylie's lint-rolling gesture might just be a small but powerful symbol of partnership, one that resonates beyond the glitz and glamour. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
