Ford Focus ST Review 2026
Ford Focus ST Verdict
280PS, 420Nm petrol EcoBoost engine.
On sale summer 2019.
Find out more about the Ford Focus ST
New Focus ST on sale in summer 2019 with prices from £29,500 for the diesel and £31,500 for the 280PS 2.3 Ecoboost petrol.
Available as a five-door hatchback or estate, the new Focus ST is powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine producing 280PS and 420Nm of torque. There will also be a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel version with 190PS and 400Nm.
Based on the excellent new Focus, the ST model is set to be as comfortable as it is fun to drive, says Ford. The position of the Recaro front seats has been finely tuned - suggesting they might not be as high up as they were in previous models - while tweaked engine mounts provide an increase in refinement.
An ST-embossed aluminium gear knob and scuff plates add a sporting touch to the interior, along with a sport steering wheel, alloy pedals and metal grey stitching. There's also Ford's SYNC3 multimedia system, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The petrol 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.
Selectable drive modes will be offered for the first time on a Focus ST, along with an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). This will ensure the front-wheel-drive system responds quickly to changing grip levels and driver inputs.
Buyers get the choice of a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lag technology developed on the Ford GT supercar will be introduced on the Focus ST to ensure immediate power delivery when in Sport or Track drive modes.
Also new is rev-matching technology which automatically blips the throttle on downshifts, available as part of the optional Performance Pack for 2.3-litre EcoBoost manual models.
Exterior colours include Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury - both exclusive to the ST in the Focus range - along with Frozen White, Magnetic Grey, Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black. Buyers can choose between 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Ford Focus ST models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4388–4668 mm |
| Width | 1975–1979 mm |
| Height | 1458–1492 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1534–1569 kg |
| Boot Space | 443–1620 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–12500 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £32,510–£33,710 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | D–I |
| Official MPG | - |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TDCi 190 ST Ecoblue 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.3L 280 ST EcoBoost 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.3L 280PS ST EcoBoost Auto 5dr | £33,710 | - | 5.8 s |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TDCi 190 ST Ecoblue 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.3 280 ST EcoBoost 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.3 280 ST EcoBoost Auto 5dr | £32,510 | - | 5.7 s |
Model History
- February 2019: New Focus ST announced
- July 2019
- June 2020: Pricing for the new seven-speed automatic gearbox option for Ford' s hot hatch has been revealed, carrying a £1450 premium over the standard fit six-speed manual.
- August 2021: Ford Focus ST Edition announced
- October 2021: Updated Ford Focus ST revealed
February 2019
New Focus ST announced
Available as a five-door hatchback or estate, the new Focus ST is powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine producing 280PS and 420Nm of torque. There will also be a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel version with 190PS and 400Nm.
Based on the excellent new Focus, the ST model is set to be as comfortable as it is fun to drive, says Ford. The position of the Recaro front seats has been finely tuned - suggesting they might not be as high up as they were in previous models - while tweaked engine mounts provide an increase in refinement.
An ST-embossed aluminium gear knob and scuff plates add a sporting touch to the interior, along with a sport steering wheel, alloy pedals and metal grey stitching. There's also Ford's SYNC3 multimedia system, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The petrol 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.
Selectable drive modes are offered for the first time on a Focus ST, along with an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). This will ensure the front-wheel-drive system responds quickly to changing grip levels and driver inputs.
Buyers get the choice of a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lag technology developed on the Ford GT supercar will be introduced on the Focus ST to ensure immediate power delivery when in Sport or Track drive modes.
Also new is rev-matching technology which automatically blips the throttle on downshifts, available as part of the optional Performance Pack for 2.3-litre EcoBoost manual models.
Exterior colours include Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury - both exclusive to the ST in the Focus range - along with Frozen White, Magnetic Grey, Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black. Buyers can choose between 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels.
July 2019
The new Ford Focus ST went on sale in the UK in summer 2019 from £29,500 for the diesel and from £31,500 for the 280PS 2.3 Ecoboost.
June 2020
Pricing for the new seven-speed automatic gearbox option for Ford' s hot hatch has been revealed, carrying a £1450 premium over the standard fit six-speed manual.
The Focus ST gains a seven-speed automatic transmission, available on EcoBoost petrol variants of the hatchback and estate.
The rotary gear selector is installed in place of the conventional gearstick, while steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters can select gears manually. The Sport button and Drive Mode selector function are carried over from the manual car.
Ford claims that the Adaptive Shift Scheduling functionality of the new gearbox optimises performance, although it adds 0.3sec to the 0-62mph time. Fuel consumption is unaffected, with both cars claiming an unchanged 34.4mpg.
The 2.3-litre petrol engine in the Focus ST delivers 280PS at 5500rpm and 420Nm of torque from 3000rpm to 4000rpm.
August 2021
Ford Focus ST Edition announced
Ford has revealed a new, special edition version of the Focus ST five-door hot hatchback that enhances driving dynamics with upgraded suspension and light-weight wheels for ultimate road and track driving experiences, alongside unique exterior and interior specifications.
The Focus ST Edition is available to order in selected European markets, including the UK priced from £35,785. The most dynamic version yet of the fourth generation Focus ST offers true driving enthusiasts the opportunity to tailor the driving dynamics to their personal preference using a Ford Performance-tuned adjustable coilover suspension system.
Cornering responses and driving dynamics are further enhanced with standard flow-formed alloy wheels that reduce unsprung weight, and Sports Technologies including a hydraulically-activated electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) and selectable Drive Modes, including Track Mode, contributing to an even more rewarding and confident Focus ST driving experience.
Ford Performance has developed the Focus ST Edition exclusively in five-door hatchback body style to ensure the lowest possible weight for optimised control and precision, and with the 2.3‑litre EcoBoost petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission, 1 for maximum driver engagement.
A unique exterior is distinguished by an Azura Blue finish unavailable elsewhere in the Focus line-up, eye-catching high gloss black detailing and a distinctive black roof. Interior enhancements include part-leather Recaro sports seats, blue detail stitching and a red ST starter button.
October 2021
Updated Ford Focus ST revealed
Features sporty new exterior styling and alloy wheel designs, a head-turning Mean Green paint option and all-new, in-house developed Performance Seats. The Focus ST continues to be offered with a high performance EcoBoost petrol powertrain and five-door or wagon body styles.
