Ford Focus ST buying guide
Ford Focus ST interior and technology
Unsurprisingly, the interior of the Ford Focus ST is very similar to that of the standard Focus. The dashboard features a prominent touchscreen and a selection of materials, and the steering wheel features buttons for the cruise control, audio and menu functions. For the ST, these are joined by a red S button that takes you straight to the hardest, most performance-oriented settings.
The ST also gets a handful of exclusive badges, new graphics for the screens and half-leather heated sports seats that should keep you snug through fast corners and sudden direction changes.
In 2022, Ford facelifted the Focus range, and the most noticeable change is a much larger touchscreen. This runs Ford’s very latest infotainment system, while the climate controls have moved to the bottom of the screen and are no longer physical buttons.
Standard equipment for the ST includes adaptive LED headlights, 19-inch grey alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, a heated steering wheel and a B&O premium audio system. The ST treatment also includes upgraded suspension, model-specific bumpers and, for petrol cars, a limited-slip differential to improve cornering performance.
Ford Focus ST boot space and dimensions
Like the standard Focus, the Focus ST hatchback is a smidge under 4.4 metres long, with the estate version coming in at under 4.7 metres long. All STs get parking sensors at both ends and a reversing camera, so parking and manoeuvring should be as easy as accelerating to the speed limit.
It’s worth noting that the ST’s standard-fit B&O sound system includes a subwoofer that reduces boot space a little, so the ST isn’t quite as good at load-lugging as cheaper Focuses without this audio equipment. Cars with a tyre repair kit get slightly more boot space than cars with a mini spare wheel.
Ford Focus ST engine range explained
Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost petrol
With an adapted engine from the Ford Mustang, the petrol-powered Focus ST boasts 280hp and a sub-six-second 0-62mph time. That makes it one of the fastest hot hatches on sale. Even the standard Focus is a hoot to drive so the Focus ST, with its various chassis upgrades, is even more entertaining on a twisty backroad. The engine is responsive, the steering is spot-on and the manual gearbox is addictive.
Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue diesel
The 190hp diesel engine sacrifices a little on-the-edge performance for better fuel economy than the petrol ST. You still get the go-faster styling and the range-topping kit list, and the diesel may prove to be easier to live with – especially if you spend a lot of time on motorways.
