In-depth reviews

Ford Focus ST hatchback review

"The Ford Focus ST is one of the most exciting hot hatchbacks on sale, but it's no longer a cheap option next to its rivals"

Carbuyer Rating

4.2 out of 5

Owners Rating

5.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Great handling
  • Impressive technology
  • Easy to live with

Cons

  • Unproven reliability
  • Artificial engine note
  • Not the bargain it once was

Verdict - Is the Ford Focus ST a good car?

As you would expect, the Ford Focus ST is incredibly good at what it does, and boasts some of the most impressive technology in its class. However, its price has also crept up to the point that it's now more expensive than the Hyundai i30 N and on par with the more powerful Cupra Leon. While it makes it even more expensive, we’d recommend the Track Pack because not only is it likely to be Ford’s final fling for the hot hatchback, but it also sharpens up its chassis and makes it even more enjoyable.

Ford Focus ST models, specs and alternatives

The hot hatchback is practically a British institution, and the Ford Focus ST – now in its fourth generation – is one of the genre's main players. Compact, agile and practical fast cars are ideally suited to our narrow and winding roads and the ST has the advantage of being based on the best-selling and best-handling family hatchback you can currently buy.

Enthusiasts may be pleased to read that the latest Focus ST is the fastest yet, particularly in Track Pack guise. But, in true hot hatch tradition, it's a fairly practical everyday car, with a decent boot and a new exhaust setup that even gives you the option to tow a trailer. It's not short of competition, though, from old enemies like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Cupra Leon to new ones in the form of the Hyundai i30 N. Unlike many rivals, the Focus ST also comes in estate form.

Best hot hatchbacksTop 10 best hot hatchbacks 2023

The Ford Focus ST Edition was introduced in summer 2021, as a last-of-the-line special before the car was facelifted. It improves the ST’s driving experience and is instantly recognisable thanks to Azura Blue paint. The facelifted Focus ST has updated styling and technology but the previously offered diesel engine has been dropped, because UK buyers tend to favour petrol hot hatchbacks and sales of diesel cars have dwindled in recent years. The range was also expanded with a Track Pack version in 2023, which makes the ST’s handling and composure even more impressive. It’s enough of an upgrade to make its £3,000 extra cost seem like a bargain, especially when you consider that this is likely to be Ford’s last hot hatch hurrah as it switches its attention to electrified SUV models.

To ensure it doesn't get lost in the crowd, the petrol ST has a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine with 276bhp and some intriguing tricks up its sleeve. These include a new 'anti-lag' system that can keep the turbo working even between bursts of acceleration, just like a rally car, along with a clever limited-slip differential sending power to the front wheels, adaptive dampers and rev-matching software for the manual gearbox that blips the engine when you change down a gear. You'll want the manual, because the seven-speed automatic makes the ST slower and feels out of kilter with the car's hardcore setup. 

The petrol-powered Focus ST can get from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 155mph. When the 187bhp diesel version was offered, it was quite a bit slower, with figures of 7.6 seconds and 137mph. Of course, the trade-off is that it's also thirstier, returning 35.3mpg to the diesel's 53.3mpg. The automatic petrol can get to 62mph from rest in six seconds and return identical economy figures

Partnership
Need to sell your car?
Find your best offer from over 5,000+ dealers. It’s that easy.

Making the most of the extra power is a supremely talented chassis, with faster steering (now just two turns lock-to-lock) and stiffened suspension. An optional Performance Pack takes things a step further, adding the aforementioned limited-slip differential and the continuously adjustable suspension, among other things. If anything, that steering can make the Focus ST feel a little nervous on relentless British back roads, requiring the driver to get in its groove before truly gelling with it. While the Track Pack – another recent addition to the Focus ST range – might sound rather focused, we found it gives the ST the handling edge to compete with newer models like the i30 N.

Inside, the Focus ST benefits from the same big step up in quality and tech as the standard model but also gains a set of sports seats, a new steering wheel and carbon-fibre style trim. The Performance Pack even adds a shift light to show you the optimum time to change gear, while features like adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and Ford's first head-up display should make driving safer.

Safety is an area in which the ST excels, with a five-star Euro NCAP crash-test score already under its belt and the latest in safety features. Along with autonomous emergency braking, the ST also has an evasive steering assist feature that can help the driver to steer around an obstacle in an emergency.

Next Steps

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Recommended

Vauxhall Corsa review - better than ever?
Vauxhall Corsa facelift
In-depth reviews
29 Nov 2023

Vauxhall Corsa review - better than ever?

Hyundai Tucson review - a great family car
Carbuyer best family car Hyundai Tucson
In-depth reviews
23 Nov 2023

Hyundai Tucson review - a great family car

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensational performance, but it'll cost you
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
In-depth reviews
22 Nov 2023

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensational performance, but it'll cost you

Citroën C3 hatchback review
Citroen C3 hatchback front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
13 Nov 2023

Citroën C3 hatchback review

Have You Considered

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensational performance, but it'll cost you
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
In-depth reviews
22 Nov 2023

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensational performance, but it'll cost you

Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback review
Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
17 Oct 2023

Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback review

Most Popular

New 2024 Porsche Panamera – new looks, interior, and Turbo E-Hybrid model
2024 Porsche Panamera front-quarter static view
News
24 Nov 2023

New 2024 Porsche Panamera – new looks, interior, and Turbo E-Hybrid model

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
24 Nov 2023

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers

Toyota Yaris Cross updated for 2024 – new tech, trim and hybrid option
Toyota Yaris Cross static front-quarter view
News
22 Nov 2023

Toyota Yaris Cross updated for 2024 – new tech, trim and hybrid option

More on Focus ST hatchback

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023

While hatchbacks might normally be used for trips to the shops, the hot hatch power war has resulted in the fastest models being quicker than most spo…
Top 10 best hot hatchbacks 2023
Best hot hatchbacks
Best cars
26 May 2023

Top 10 best hot hatchbacks 2023

The best hot hatches combine sports car thrills with everyday usability – all at a reasonable price
Honda Civic Type R vs Ford Focus ST vs Volkswagen Golf R: which should you buy?
Honda Civic Type R vs Ford Focus ST vs Volkswagen Golf R header
News
18 Aug 2022

Honda Civic Type R vs Ford Focus ST vs Volkswagen Golf R: which should you buy?

We’ve picked three of the best hot hatches currently on the market to see which is worth your money
New Volkswagen Golf GTD Mk8 vs Ford Focus ST diesel: rivals comparison
Volkswagen Golf GTD vs Ford Focus ST header image
News
30 Apr 2021

New Volkswagen Golf GTD Mk8 vs Ford Focus ST diesel: rivals comparison

How does the new VW Golf GTD compare to Ford’s diesel-powered ST?
Ford Focus ST hatchback (2015-2018)
In-depth reviews
22 Mar 2019

Ford Focus ST hatchback (2015-2018)

"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"
Watchdog: Cover confusion over approved used Ford
News
24 Jan 2017

Watchdog: Cover confusion over approved used Ford

Buyer looking for clarification over what recovery package is included with his Focus ST
New Ford Focus RS 2016 - prices, details and specs
Ford Focus hatchback
16 Sep 2015

New Ford Focus RS 2016 - prices, details and specs

Ford's latest performance hatchback has a top speed of 165mph
Prices announced for new Ford Focus ST
Ford Focus ST hatchback
29 Oct 2014

Prices announced for new Ford Focus ST

Order book opens for sporty Focus, which is available with a diesel engine for the first time
Ford Focus hatchback (2011-2014) review
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2014

Ford Focus hatchback (2011-2014) review

"The Focus is great to drive, full of technology and very refined, but a small boot means it’s not the most practical five-door around."
Best Ford deals 2014
Ford Ka hatchback
16 Sep 2014

Best Ford deals 2014

Save thousands of pounds on the cost of a new Ford with our guide to the best Ford deals
Ford Focus 2014: release date, price and specs
Ford Focus ST hatchback
2 Sep 2014

Ford Focus 2014: release date, price and specs

The new Ford Focus will cost from £13,995, arriving in showrooms in November 2014
Car sales rise for the 26th consecutive month
Ford Fiesta hatchback
7 May 2014

Car sales rise for the 26th consecutive month

Next eight months set to beat forecasted car sales by more than 100,000 units
Ford Focus ST to get diesel engine
Ford Focus ST hatchback
13 Mar 2014

Ford Focus ST to get diesel engine

Diesel Ford Focus ST arrives in summer 2014 and will rival Volkswagen Golf GTD
Geneva Motor Show 2014 videos
Audi TT coupe
6 Mar 2014

Geneva Motor Show 2014 videos

Watch our selection of videos featuring important cars from the Geneva Motor Show
Ford Focus gets efficient new petrol engine
ford focus hatchback 2013 new ecoboost engine
Ford Focus ST hatchback
12 Aug 2013

Ford Focus gets efficient new petrol engine

The Ford Focus will soon get a 1.0-litre petrol engine that qualifies for free road tax
Ford Focus hatchback (2004-2011)
In-depth reviews
28 Jun 2013

Ford Focus hatchback (2004-2011)

“This is one of the best small family cars to drive and offers a range of powerful diesels. ECOnetic versions offer great fuel economy."
Ford Focus Electric 2013 now in production
Ford Focus ST hatchback
14 Jun 2013

Ford Focus Electric 2013 now in production

The Ford Focus Electric is now being made in Germany alongside the standard Focus

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
20 Apr 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors 2022
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors 2022

Top 10 best electric cars 2023
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
15 Nov 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
17 May 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023