The Ford Focus ST is neither the fastest nor the cheapest hot hatch, but it’s up there with the very best
Find your next car here
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
From:
£7,999 cash£113 PCP
finance
Advertisement
Over the years the Ford Focus ST has developed into a terrific all-rounder, and ranks among the very best hot hatches on the market right now.
It’s not perfect of course, with a lofty starting price and a lack of practicality hindering the overall package, but many will see these shortcomings as a price worth paying for such a talented machine. And while others have moved the game on when it comes to tech, the latest Focus ST still comes with the very best stuff that Ford has to offer to keep it in the running.
About the Ford Focus ST
Not long after the Mk4 Ford Focus was launched in 2018, the hot Focus ST version came bounding in with petrol and diesel engines. The former is a 276bhp 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit that shares components with the previous entry-level Ford Mustang’s powerplant, while the 187bhp 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel was perfectly placed to take on hot diesel Octavia vRS and Golf GTD models from Skoda and Volkswagen.
A recent facelift brought in refreshed front-end styling and additional interior technology. Ford also streamlined the range, removing the diesel engine – which isn’t a huge shock given UK buyers buy petrol hot hatchbacks in much higher numbers.
More reviews
Prices start at around £35,000 for a manual petrol model, which may seem a lot, but is broadly on par with close rivals. Other hot hatches stand out by offering more power, or better in-car technology, however, so how does the Focus ST fight back?
In a word, handling. Ford has found a sweet spot with the Focus chassis (as with the smaller Fiesta ST) that makes it come to life in a corner. The performance when you turn the wheel is truly breathtaking, so much so that you can almost feel the half a century of experience that the US manufacturer has behind it making sporty cars.
As mentioned, competition is certainly fierce, with the Cupra Leon, Volkswagen Golf GTI and the impressive Hyundai i30 N all vying to snare keen drivers. More upmarket offerings include the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A35. You could also consider used examples of the aggressive Honda Civic Type R or the entertaining Renault Megane RS .
In addition to the five-door hatch bodystyle, there’s also the Ford Focus ST estate version offering more load-lugging capacity to go with the driving fun. Both the hatch and estate petrol models are front-wheel drive and offer 0-62mph times under six seconds. The diesel is able to dispatch the same sprint in around 7.6 seconds.
The ST Edition model offers an even sharper hot hatch experience, with upgraded suspension and adjustable dampers helping to raise the ST to another level. Extras such as lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels and cosmetic touches such as light blue stitching on the steering wheel and part-leather Recaro seats add a little individuality.
However, none of these come cheap, especially now the least expensive version (the diesel) has disappeared from price lists. The estate costs an additional £1,400 over the hatchback, and an automatic gearbox is available for a similar price again. By comparison, the i30 N starts at roughly £1,000 less, while the Cupra Leon is a fraction dearer in top-spec guise but offers more power and performance than the ST.
Standard kit on all Focus ST versions is impressive with eye-catching 19-inch alloy wheels in a dark-grey finish, LED headlights and taillights, sports seats and keyless entry. Solid Race Red paint is a no-cost option, with several other colours available from Ford’s Premium and Exclusive ranges.
If you're looking to buy a Ford Focus ST, why not visit our sister site buyacar.co.uk for the latest deals...
Next Steps
In this review
- 1
Verdict - currently readingThe Ford Focus ST is neither the fastest nor the cheapest hot hatch, but it’s up there with the very best
- 2
Engines, performance and driveLots of driver-orientated tech trickery keeps the ST up-to-speed with the competition.
- 3
MPG, CO2 and running costsDespite a high list price, the Focus ST is cheaper to insure than rivals and offers both petrol and diesel power
- 4
Interior, design and technologyIt’s packed with standard kit, so you’ll want for nothing if you opt for the Focus ST
- 5
Practicality, comfort and boot spaceEstate and hatch versions of the Focus ST offer flexibility, although practicality isn’t perfect.
- 6
Reliability and safetySafety comes as standard with the Focus ST, and reliability shouldn’t be an issue, either.
More on Focus ST Hatchback
Ford Focus ST Track Pack launched
Ford Focus ST Track Pack launched
The Track Pack adds uprated suspension, brakes and tyres to Ford’s hot hatch
Best used hot hatchbacks 2022
Best cars & vans
19 Aug 2022
Best used hot hatchbacks 2022
Our picks for the best used hot hatchbacks in the UK
New Ford Focus ST 2022 review
New Ford Focus ST 2022 review
The latest Ford Focus ST gets a tech boost and other tweaks to bring it up to date for 2022
Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2022
Best cars & vans
7 Jan 2022
Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2022
The best hot hatches offer giant-killing performance and a gripping drive, all wrapped in a user-friendly package
Ford Focus ST Edition vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: 2021 group test review
Car group tests
27 Nov 2021
Ford Focus ST Edition vs Volkswagen Golf GTI: 2021 group test review
The Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI have been close rivals over multiple generations, can we separate the latest iterations?
Facelifted Ford Focus ST launched for 2021 with 276bhp
Facelifted Ford Focus ST launched for 2021 with 276bhp
Ford has made some styling tweaks and a few technological changes to the Focus ST, including a new 13.2-inch infotainment system
New Ford Focus ST Edition 2021 review
New Ford Focus ST Edition 2021 review
The Ford Focus ST Edition hot hatchback is a fine swansong for the outgoing Focus range
New Ford Focus ST Mountune m365 2021 review
New Ford Focus ST Mountune m365 2021 review
Has Mountune managed to extract just the right amount of performance from the Ford Focus ST with the new m365?
Mountune releases 360bhp power upgrade kit for Ford Focus ST
Mountune releases 360bhp power upgrade kit for Ford Focus ST
Performance specialist Mountune reveals m365 package for Focus ST, offering 30 per cent power increase
New Ford Focus ST automatic 2021 review
New Ford Focus ST automatic 2021 review
Does an automatic gearbox make sense in the popular Ford Focus ST hot hatchback? We find out…
Ford Focus ST Mountune m330 review
Ford Focus ST Mountune m330 review
The easy-fit Mountune upgrade boosts the Ford Focus ST hatchback to 326bhp and a huge 515Nm and offers great value.
Ford Focus ST vs Hyundai i30 N vs Honda Civic Type R
Car group tests
16 Sep 2019
Ford Focus ST vs Hyundai i30 N vs Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is our reigning champion and the Hyundai i30 N has proved a good first attempt, but can the new Focus ST muscle in?
New Ford Focus ST 2019 review
New Ford Focus ST 2019 review
We sample the new Ford Focus ST petrol hot hatch in the UK for the first time – is it a Honda Civic Type R beater?
New 2019 Ford Focus ST: prices and specs announced
New 2019 Ford Focus ST: prices and specs announced
Ford has quietly released prices and specs for the new Focus ST ahead of its launch this summer, with the base model starting from £29,495
New Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition revealed
New Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition revealed
The new Ford Fiesta ST Performance Edition features weight-saving and suspension tweaks, and will be limited to just 600 units
Ford Focus ST review
In-depth reviews
30 Apr 2018
Ford Focus ST review
The Focus ST is a fast, fun and affordable hot hatchback that also comes as an estate
Skoda Octavia vRS 245 vs Ford Focus ST
Car group tests
16 Aug 2017
Skoda Octavia vRS 245 vs Ford Focus ST
A power boost has put Skoda’s Octavia vRS hot hatch in the sights of the Ford Focus ST, but which is better?
Peugeot 308 GTi vs Ford Focus ST Mountune vs SEAT Leon Cupra
Car group tests
4 Dec 2015
Peugeot 308 GTi vs Ford Focus ST Mountune vs SEAT Leon Cupra
We see if Peugeot's hot hatch revival continues as new 308 GTi meets Ford and SEAT rivals
Ford Focus ST diesel vs Volvo V40 & VW Golf GTD
Car group tests
23 Feb 2015
Ford Focus ST diesel vs Volvo V40 & VW Golf GTD
Ford has added a diesel to the Focus ST line-up - but can it see off sizzling V40 R-Design and class-leading Golf GTD?
Ford Focus Focus ST-1 2.0 EcoBoost 250PS
Car group tests
2 Feb 2015
Ford Focus Focus ST-1 2.0 EcoBoost 250PS
£239 per month with a £4,347 deposit (3.8 per cent APR)
Ford Focus ST diesel 2015 review
Ford Focus ST diesel 2015 review
Ford's Focus ST hot hatch gets a diesel engine and a slightly more sensible, cost-conscious persona but it's still a blast!
2014 Ford Focus ST makeover and new diesel: specs and prices
2014 Ford Focus ST makeover and new diesel: specs and prices
Ford has released full specs and pricing of the new Focus ST hot hatch, revamped for 2014 and featuring a new diesel option.
New Ford Focus ST gets Goodwood launch
New Ford Focus ST gets Goodwood launch
Ford reveals the 247bhp facelifted Ford Focus ST hot hatch and a new diesel variant at Goodwood Festival of Speed