Ford Focus ST Estate review
The Ford Focus ST Estate mixes the sharp handling and turbo performance of the ST hot hatch with the versatility of an estate car body
With the Focus ST Estate, Ford has created a hot hatchback with a difference. Not only does it come with sharp handling and a powerful 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, but it also has a versatile boot that adds a big slice of practicality. In fact, there’s only one other car like it in the class: the Skoda Octavia vRS Estate. From the C-pillars forward, the Focus ST Estate is identical to the hatchback, including the same aggressive nose featuring a large mesh grille and deep front spoiler. At the rear, the estate is 204mm longer than the hatch, but it gets the same central exit exhaust. On the road, the ST Estate is just as fast as the hatch, and the handling is the same, too. If you want a quick car that won’t draw much attention, the Focus ST Estate is a great pick.
Our choice: Ford Focus ST Estate
Styling
The Ford Focus ST Estate looks similar to the hatchback, with a deep front spoiler, large mesh grille and five-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the passenger area is identical, with Recaro seats up front and a secondary instrument pod on top of the dash. At the back, the ST Estate is 204mm longer than the hatch, but despite this extra length, the Focus still looks smart.
Driving
The Focus ST Estate is just as capable as the hatch in a straight line and in corners. Clever suspension settings allow the ST to put all of its 247bhp to the road through the front wheels with the minimum of fuss, and the flat torque curve means acceleration is strong through the rev range.
Reliability
The standard Focus hatchback scored five stars in its Euro NCAP crash test, so the Focus ST Estate should be equally safe. It comes with stability control as standard, while Ford’s engineers have tuned the ST to put its power to the road with the minimum of fuss. No major issues have been reported with the standard Focus, and the ST version is sure to continue that trend.
Practicality
The Focus ST Estate has a 476-litre boot that expands to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. However, there aren’t many clever touches, such as load dividers or a false boot floor, while the Octavia vRS Estate can carry more luggage. One major oversight for the Focus ST Estate is the fact that the centre-exit exhaust means it’s not possible to attach a towbar. Cabin space is the same as the standard Focus ST, so rear legroom is reduced by the large Recaro front seats.
Running Costs
The Ford Focus ST Estate carries a £1,000 premium over the hatchback, and comes in the same ST, ST-2 and ST-3 trims. Compared to the only other hot estate in the class, the Skoda Octavia vRS, the ST is around £2,000 less. Even though the ST Estate can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds, the turbo engine is quite economical, and is capable of 39.2mpg.
