Ever since its first-generation, Focus provided a sportier version named ST.
Later on, an RS version with more ponies under the hood and race-inspired technology took the flagship role.

When Ford updated the fourth generation of the Focus in 2020, it couldn’t leave the ST version aside. Even though the car was not fuel-efficient and the carmaker had to deal with European penalties for that. It was built because a flagship model was needed. Something to brag about. And thus, the Focus hot-hatch returned as a different kind of animal in the Focus stable.

There is an important change at the front fascia, where the carmaker installed a black honeycomb grille that sported the Ford badge in the middle. It was flanked by the LED headlights with an option for Dynamic Pixel LED lamps. The foglight was also included on their inner side. Its daytime running lights were converted into turn signals when needed. From its sides, the 18” light-alloy wheels were standard, with an option for a 19” set sported a unique design for the ST version.

Ford bragged about their in-hose designed and developed front sport bucket seats with high bolstering for the interior. They were made for excellent lateral support during high-speed cornering. With its TFT display instead of analog dials, the ST version tried to ditch the older gauges but provided more information for the driver. A 13.2” large infotainment display that featured the SYNC4 system sat atop the center stack.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed the same 2.3-liter powerplant mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Yet, a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) was on the options list for those who didn’t enjoy the three-pedal setup.

Ford was one of the pioneers in the hot-hatch segment.
The carmaker has been offering the Focus ST and the mighty RS for more than one generation. In 2019 it came with the new generation of the FWD Focus ST hot-hatch, and it has only 5 doors but the same need for speed as its predecessors.

There is a new generation of the 2.3-liter engine, which can also be found on the Mustang mounted longitudinally. Ford even borrowed an ALS (anti-lag system) from the rally world and installed it in the new ST. It takes effect only when the car is in sport or track-drive mode. With all these upgrades, the new engine offers 280 HP and 420 Nm (309 lb-ft). The car may be ordered either with a six-speed manual transmission or with a new seven-speed automatic with shift-paddles behind the steering-wheel.

For the diesel lovers, Ford also offers a 2.0-liter EcoBlue engine, with 190 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. But only the EcoBoost gasoline engine has the intelligent limited-slip differential (eLSD).

Performance numbers are on top of their game, with the gasoline version toping the 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in 5.7 seconds and the EcoBlue version in 7.6 seconds.

Both variants comes with a new infotainment system, which is ready to pair with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In 2014, the Ford Focus ST came with a mild refresh showing itself for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the same year.
Delivering the same daily day-to-day usability it now comes with new chassis control technologies, a retuned suspension and steering as well as bespoke tire specification to ensure an even more thrilling experience.

The exterior changes come with a new dark grey body paint, slimmer headlights, slightly revised bumper lines, and new rims, while the interior is garnished with satin chrome door grab handles, illuminated aluminum scuff plates, Recaro seats, as well as a range of advanced technologies.

Shown for the first time at the Paris Auto Show in 2010, Ford’s hot-hatch was a smooth combination of a sport’s car capabilities and the practicality of a hatchback.
For 2012, the old 5-cylinder engine was replaced by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that developed 250 hp.

The tweaked suspension stiffened the ride, however, the ST’s handling was improved considerably, taking turns with no body roll at higher speeds.

The ST offered the power of a supercar within an ordinary body and at a reasonable budget. It seems that the ST offered a better driving experience than the competitors on the market at the time.

For 2012, Ford didn’t offer a 3-door version of the Focus ST.

In the sprint to 100 kph, the ST needed only 6.5 seconds, fast enough for enthusiasts to enjoy the ride.

Compared to the Renault Megane Cup and the Astra VXR, the Focus ST was more practical, offering, for starters, 5 doors. However, the trunk size was smaller than the one the Golfi GTI featured.

The ST was offered in three trim levels: ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3. The base version didn’t look very different from the models in the Focus range, however, it featured Recaro sport seats.

The ST-2 added part-leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and automatic wipers.

The top of the range offered fully powered and heated leather seats, bi-xenon headlights, rear parking sensors and keyless entry, however, choosing the ST-3 would bring the ST’s price to around $25,495.