Ford Focus ST

Summary

The Ford Focus ST has long been the ‘sensible’ performance version of the mass-selling hatchback range, a true ‘hot hatch’ with extra potency but not quite to the outlandish standards of the Focus RS. The all-new fourth generation model launched in 2019 is no longer just a hot hatch – today the range includes an estate, a diesel engine and even an auto-gearbox version.

The basic recipe is the biggest engine – a 2.3-litre petrol of 280hp or 2.0-litre diesel of 190hp – and lots of additions to emphasise the sportiness. These include bespoke front and rear bumpers and grille, bigger spoilers, sporty suspension, Recaro seats, stainless steel scuff plates – you get the picture…

Generally testers like the ST – Auto Express dubs it “a terrific all-rounder, ranking among the very best hot hatches on the market”. However they add criticisms, mainly over the car’s expensive starting price.

Reviewers point out that rivals offer more power for less money, and better in-car technology, but where the Focus ST fights back is in its excellent handling, long a Ford plus point. Evo says that “with an entertaining chassis and punchy (yet controllable) power delivery, it’s become a much easier car to recommend.”

Ford claims bespoke styling for the Focus ST but testers disagree, Top Gear commenting that “the new Focus’s panels are too billowy for the road-sucking stance and taut purpose we want in a hot hatch.”

Top Gear is also less than impressed with the diesel, dubbing it “definitely the second-string powertrain” even if Ford pleads that it is more powerful and twice as torquey as the original Focus ST petrol engine. And several testers conclude that without bold visual styling the ST is “too normal most of the time”.

As of January 2024, the Ford Focus ST holds an Expert Rating of A, with a score of 71% for both new and used car calculations. It’s helped by low CO₂ emissions and a decent safety rating, while media reviews and running costs are average.

Focus ST highlights

Potent performance
Excellent handling
Docile when pace not needed
Improved quality and refinement

Focus ST lowlights

Pricey
Steering not natural
Not visually aggressive enough
Rivals offer better in-car tech

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £37,650 on-road

Launched: Summer 2019
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST is neither the fastest nor the cheapest hot hatch, but it’s up there with the very best.” (Ellis Hyde)
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Model reviewed: ST Track Pack (2023)
Score: 9 / 10
“The fourth generation Ford Focus ST isn’t the perfect hot hatchback, but the new Track Pack does wonders for its ride and handling.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Automatic 2022
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST offers outright performance and chassis composure blended so skilfully with accessible entertainment value that it remains a true benchmark among its competitors. Some rivals are quicker but more serious-feeling and sometimes less fun. Others are miles more powerful, with four-wheel drive, but manage to make such small marginal gains as a result. The Focus ST remains an enduringly appealing hot-hatch sweet spot.”
Read review

Model reviewed: ST Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“For fast Ford fans the Focus ST Edition is the pinnacle, and it’s a fitting send-off before a newly updated ST arrives shortly. It looks the part, and the extras give a subtle extra breadth of ability, with more comfort and control than the ST – but it’s not night and day.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Ford Focus ST Estate offers all the thrills of the standard hot hatch, but in a more practical package.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Even a slightly uninspired cabin and a subtle lack of mechanical authenticity compared with the very finest hot hatches can’t stop the Ford Focus ST from taking its place as the best all-round package among its talented peers.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.3-litre petrol automatic hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
The Focus ST auto is an impressive, quick car with a broader appeal across the spectrum of families, because it’s easy and smooth for anyone to drive. But there’s no doubt the manual is where it’s at for drivers.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Estate
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s happiest in its muscular mid-range, and on a test route that included the demanding Col de Vence road near Nice, the EcoBlue proved willing to pull without complaint on steep gradients from less than 2000rpm in fourth and fifth gears.”
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Model reviewed: 2.3-litre petrol manual hatchback
Score: 9 / 10
“Ford’s engineers say that while the Focus ST is primarily developed for road use, it shouldn’t feel out of its depth at the trackdays many customers frequent.”
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: Line X
Score: 7 / 10
“Ford has given the Fiesta a thorough work over, equalling a car that heads to retirement at the top of its game. If you’re still thinking of getting one, this Fiesta ST remains deserving of serious consideration against more modern rivals.” (Martyn Collins)
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Car+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Ford’s efforts with the new Focus ST have largely paid off.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual ST Estate
Score: 8 / 10
“While a diesel estate might not seem the obvious choice for a sports model, this Focus ST makes a compelling case for itself with its mix of efficiency, performance and appealing styling.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST is one of the most exciting hot hatchbacks on sale but is no longer a cheap option when compared with its rivals.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST Estate is just as good to drive as the hatchback but has a much bigger boot.” (Ben Custard)
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Estate range
“If you’re looking for hot hatch pace, but aren’t prepared to give up estate space, the Ford Focus ST Estate is happy to help.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST is the quickest hot hatch Ford currently sells and it’s one of the most practical fast family cars around. Some less roomy alternatives are a little quicker, however.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual estate
“The Ford Focus ST looks great and makes an appealing case as an efficient performance diesel, but it can’t help feeling a little lukewarm compared with the full-fat petrol ST.”
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Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 2.3-litre petrol manual estate
Score: 8 / 10
“For some, the Ford Focus ST is a bit too toned down, but not for me. You get bespoke front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, black 19-inch alloys and red brake calipers. Enough to make the ST stand out as special, but not so much as to attract unwanted attention.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 8 / 10
“For 2022, Ford’s given the Focus range a refresh that’s carried across to the ST. Together with some updated styling and tech, there are a few other reasons why the updated ST might just have taken a few steps up the hot hatchback ladder.” (Jordan Katsianis)
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Model reviewed: Focus ST Edition
Score: 9 / 10
“If a Focus ST is a must-buy, the Edition is an absolutely crucial upgrade, just don’t go expecting to outplay a Civic Type R or i30 N by doing so.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“The Focus ST is characterful, fast and capable: everything it needs to be to take on the class leaders.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The petrol Ford Focus ST hits 62mph in less than 6.0 seconds – half a second quicker than the old model, and potentially as fast as the Honda Civic Type R.”
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Model reviewed: 2.3-litre petrol manual hatchback
“The Focus ST has in recent years lived in the shadow of the smaller Fiesta ST, and we suspect it will continue to do so. It’s quick and good to drive, but there’s no shortage of cars that are quick and good to drive. The Focus ST is easy to live with, but keen drivers will find more excitement in rivals.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 8.4 / 10
“If driving thrills are at the top of your list of priorities but you still need a thoroughly practical family car, the Ford Focus ST hot hatch is well worth a look. It’s got plenty of space inside for passengers, and the estate version offers extra boot space if the hatchback isn’t big enough.” (CJ Hubbard)
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The Scotsman+

Score: 8 / 10
“As Ford prepares to discontinue the Focus, the latest ST honours the hot hatch ideal as a thrilling family car.”
Author: Matt Allan
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: 2.3-litre petrol Estate
“The ST estate is the best Focus ST I’ve yet driven and a fantastic fast family Ford. There’s no denying how brilliant that storming drivetrain is in a smart-looking machine like this, which can convincingly lap a track one minute and then heft a load of junk to the tip the next.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 2.3-litre petrol manual hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s hard to resist the Jekyll and Hyde nature of this souped-up Ford. You could use it as a daily driver then take it to a racing circuit. With performance that in some aspects surpasses the most recent Focus RS, the ST is an astonishing car with a terrific engine.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 7 / 10
“All told the Focus ST remains a quietly great all-rounder, but one that’s no longer a conspicuous bargain or the most rambunctious car in its class, which may mean it struggles to stand out from a talented crowd.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.3 276bhp
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s fantastic.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift range)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST is not as fun to drive as the Toyota GR Yaris, but it is well priced and well equipped against its major competitors. Plus, it’s just as practical as the regular Focus, making it perfect for performance-hungry families.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 75%

While the specific Ford Focus ST has not been tested by Euro NCAP, the overall Focus range was last tested in 2019 and the top five-star rating earned applies to all models. Testers praised the active safety systems while in the impact tests all scores were at least marked as ‘adequate’ and most ‘good’, with maximum scores in several areas

More safety recognition

Thatcham Research rated the Ford Focus as one of the ten safest new cars for 2019

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Ford Focus ST has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. If the Focus ST is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 827
Average repair cost: £669.73
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Ford Focus range, including the ST model, has a reasonable reliability score of 66%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers not just the current-model Focus, but previous models as well and all the powertrain options from entry-level diesels to top-spec ST and RS models, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re looking at a used car.

Of most concern is that engine problems are both the most common type of fault and also the most expensive, with an average repair bill of more than £1,200. Gearbox problems are also expensive and not uncommon.

The good is that other problems tend to be relatively inexpensive to repair. However, if you’re looking at a used Ford Focus ST then you should make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	47 mpg	C	34 – 53 mpg	B – D
Diesel models	58 mpg	B	50 – 63 mpg	A – B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	127 g/km	A	114 – 188 g/km	A – C
Diesel models	126 g/km	A	110 – 148 g/km	A – B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	27	B	27 – 27	B – B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£164	A
Year 2	£412	A
Year 3	£660	A
Year 4	£895	A
Year 5	£1,203	A
Overall	£3,334	A

The Ford Focus ST is a pretty affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy for petrol models sits at around the market average, and diesel models are the fuel efficient choice. Insurance premiums are comparatively low and service and maintenance costs over the course of five years of ownership should be excellent.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ford Focus ST has received

2020

DieselCar & EcoCar Awards – Best Hot Hatch

2019

Top Gear Awards – Best Hot Hatch
Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Hot Hatch

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Ford Focus ST, you might also be interested in these alternatives

There are so many hot hatch rivals to the Focus ST, challenging it on both aggressive performance and equally aggressive visuals. The most popular include the Honda Civic Type R, the Hyundai i30 N and the Renault Megane RS. Premium brands also get in the act, with the BMW M135i, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and Audi S3 to choose from.