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. This is the third-generation version which was available as a hatchback or estate from 2012 until its removal from sale in 2018.
A hot hatch that Car Key‘s Richard Bush said “will happily put a smile on your face just as quick as it will save you money at the pumps”, the Focus ST received positive reviews from the British motoring media during its time on sale, praised for its raw performance and value-for-money, as well as its practicality. The diesel versions were also particularly highlighted for their fuel economy.
“The Ford Focus ST is not the fastest, sharpest-handling, or best-looking hot hatch”, explained Mat Watson when he wrote for Auto Express. “None of that matters, though. For most people, most of the time, it’s the most fun hot hatch currently on sale.”
No longer in production, the third-generation Ford Focus ST holds an Expert Rating of 76%, based on 17 reviews published by British motoring sources. This score currently surpasses the percentage score of the current Focus ST model.
Focus ST highlights
- Impressive performance
- Good value-for-money
- Petrol and diesel engine options
- As practical as a regular Focus
Focus ST lowlights
- Steering lacks feedback
- Comparatively small boot
- Some of its rivals were faster
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £22,005 on-road
Launched: Summer 2012
Last updated: Summer 2015
Replacement due: Summer 2018
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
“The Ford Focus ST hits the spot for many reasons. Not only is there a choice of body styles, but you can also choose your fuel. In fact, it’s so talented that it scooped our 2012 Best Hot Hatchback award. And what was true then is just as true now; the Focus ST’s talents, affordability and wide-ranging appeal make it easy to recommend. What are you waiting for?” (Richard Dredge)
Read review
Model reviewed: Estate range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It seems strange that hot wagons aren’t more popular, because this 2015 Ford Focus ST Estate delivers all the handling, speed and excitement of the hatch, with genuine family-friendly practicality.” (Jack Rix)
Read review
Model reviewed: ST3
“The Ford Focus ST is not the fastest, sharpest-handling, or best-looking hot hatch. None of that matters, though. For most people, most of the time, it’s the most fun hot hatch currently on sale.” (Mat Watson)
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual ST3 hatchback
Score: 9 / 10
“Facelift for the Ford Focus ST brings with it an even sharper drive and a bargain price.” (Mark Tisshaw)
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Considering the handicap that creating a car for all could have been, the Ford Focus ST is a superb effort.” (Matt Prior)
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual estate
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST Estate is very appealing in terms of power versus practicality and cost-effectiveness.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual ST3 hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“Going fast and harnessing speed on a country lane is not a problem for the Ford Focus ST diesel. It will happily put a smile on your face just as quick as it will save you money at the pumps.” (Richard Bush)
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Facelift ST hatchback
Score: 6.2 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST offers great value and proper performance in a practical hatchback body. It’s a bit raw, but it’s very exciting to drive.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST isn’t as classy as the Golf GTI but it’ll put a bigger smile on your face.” (Mat Watson)
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Fast Ford formula is alive and well in the Focus ST: everyday usability meets serious performance at an affordable price.” (Antony Ingram)
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST delivers fast and affordable for daily use.”
Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual estate
“The Ford Focus ST diesel estate is genuinely fun to drive and impressively good on fuel. Rivals are, at a push, more practical – and their interiors feel a little more robust.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST has something unique, it is the only mid-sized performance hatchback that also comes in estate form. That will be welcome news for families who enjoy the pleasure of driving but also need that extra space to transport their kids and all the paraphernalia associated with them.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual estate
Score: 6 / 10
“The Ford Focus ST Estate needs to be more than fast in the age of the jackbooted Tory Stasi with their surveillance cameras.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“The question is whether the Ford Focus ST can plausibly take on the Golf GTI. The answer is yes — but only in petrol guise; the diesel version, which we tested recently against its VW rival, fell a little short.” (Giles Smith)
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“Chassis modifications make this a real hot hatch contender, but with a price that borders on making it a bargain. Not a car for lots of motorway miles, but in a Ford Focus ST you’d be hunting out the back roads anyway.” (Chris Knapman)
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: ST estate
“The Ford Focus ST Estate is fun, but not comfortable.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2011
Date expired: January 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 71%
Notes on safety rating
The third-generation Ford Focus was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2011 and awarded a five-star rating. This rating also stood for the performance-enchanced Focus ST.
However, this rating expired in January 2019 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Ford Focus to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Ford Focus ST was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production cycle as it pre-dated Green NCAP’s formation.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 421
Average repair cost: £684.91
Last updated: May 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of May 2023, the Ford Focus is slightly above average for reliability with a score of 56%, according to exclusive data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers the current Focus and Focus ST model lines, as well as previous (pre-2018) models, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re looking at a used car.
The good news is that most of the potential Focus problems are relatively inexpensive. Braking and electrical system problems are comparatively cheap, but unfortunately the big-ticket expense, engine issues, is also the most common Focus fault. Gearbox faults are less common, but are also quite expensive.
If you’re looking at a used Ford Focus, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ford Focus ST has received.
2015
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Hot Hatch
2012
- Auto Express Awards – Best Hot Hatch
- Top Gear Awards – Best Hot Hatch (estate)
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Ford Focus ST, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Audi RS 3 | BMW M135i | Cupra Leon | Honda Civic Type R | Hyundai i30 N | Mercedes-AMG A 35 | Mini Countryman John Cooper Works | Renault Megane RS | Skoda Octavia vRS | Toyota GR Yaris | Volkswagen Golf GTI
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Ford Focus ST at The Car Expert
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