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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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

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

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”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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)
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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)
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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

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

Model reviewed: Estate range
“The Ford Focus ST Estate proves that you can have your family car cake and eat it with a high-performance topping, thanks to its tremendous urge and sharp handling. However, some people will undoubtedly find it simply too extreme for everyday use.”
Read review