Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus ST vs rivals

We see if the new Focus ST can live up to the Ford hot hatch legend as it tackles the Renaultsport Megane and VW Golf GTI

Ford Focus ST vs rivals

Britain’s love affair with fast Fords stretches back nearly half a century, to when the legendary Lotus Cortina first broke cover. So the arrival of the latest Focus ST hot hatch is big news indeed.

The newcomer has all it needs to take home class honours: a new 247bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine, uprated chassis and very aggressive looks. To find out if it can, we’ve driven one of the first production models to the south of France to meet two of its toughest rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The VW Golf GTI really needs no introduction. Our reigning hot-hatch champ is a great all-rounder, especially in range-topping Edition 35 trim. Setting the standard for driver thrills is the revised Renaultsport Megane. With its punchy 261bhp turbo engine, sharp chassis and sleek looks, it presents a stern challenge to any class newcomer.

So can the brand-new Focus ST topple these very capable rivals in its road-test debut and join the ranks of the truly great fast Fords?

Verdict

So, has the new Focus ST been worth the wait? Oh yes. As we’ve come to expect from Ford, this latest hot hatch is fast, fun and great value.

It certainly has the measure of the Megane in this test. The revised Renault is still very rapid, thrilling to drive and great to look at. But it’s hobbled by its three-door layout, noisier cabin and less robust build.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Focus

2024 Ford

Focus

22,843 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £17,495
View Focus
Focus

2023 Ford

Focus

21,284 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £15,079
View Focus
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

87,608 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £10,697
View Focus
Focus

2023 Ford

Focus

71,806 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,497
View Focus

There are no complaints about the Golf’s rock-solid quality, while its upmarket cabin and premium image are unrivalled here. It also packs a strong blend of driving fun and grown-up refinement, while in Edition 35 form the GTI is faster than ever. Yet ultimately, it trails the Ford.

The ST fits the hot hatch bill to perfection. It’s huge fun on a back road blast, yet also a refined cruiser and extremely practical family car. And like all fast Fords, the Focus is affordable to buy and run. It takes a well deserved victory.

Winner
Ford Focus ST-3
★★★★★

We were expecting great things from the new Focus ST, and it didn’t disappoint. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost delivers a knock-out punch, while the car’s ride and handling balance is sublime. An attractive price tag, versatile interior and generous equipment are the icing on the cake.

2nd
VW Golf GTI Edition 35
★★★★

After four years at the top, the Golf GTI has finally suffered a road test defeat. The original hot hatch is still an engaging and desirable car, but in Edition 35 guise it’s expensive and starting to show its age. Standard model is cheaper, but can’t match the firepower of the Ford or Renault.

3rd
Renaultsport Megane 265
★★★★

The revised Megane is still the first choice for pure driving thrills, even without the hardcore Cup chassis, while uprated engine delivers explosive pace. Yet it lacks its rivals’ all-round appeal and three-door body limits its family-car credentials.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Ford Focus

Ford Focus

RRP £20,955Avg. savings £2,461 off RRP*Used from £6,895
Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra

RRP £26,090Avg. savings £4,722 off RRP*Used from £12,500
Ford Puma

Ford Puma

RRP £21,035Avg. savings £2,231 off RRP*Used from £10,999
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,589 off RRP*Used from £10,999
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG IM6 vs Tesla Model Y: has Tesla’s popular SUV finally met its match?
MG IM6 vs Tesla Model Y - front tracking

MG IM6 vs Tesla Model Y: has Tesla’s popular SUV finally met its match?

Should Tesla be worried by MG’s arrival in premium territory? Our M25 trip sets the scene for head-to-head
Car group tests
18 Oct 2025
High prices from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and others have opened the door to Chinese brands
Opinion - Chinese brands

High prices from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and others have opened the door to Chinese brands

China has become the third best-selling car-producing country in the UK, and Mike Rutherford thinks it’s only a matter of time before it passes Japan …
Opinion
19 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Superb Estate iV PHEV can do it all for only £235 a month
Skoda Superb Estate - front full width image

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Superb Estate iV PHEV can do it all for only £235 a month

Our Deal of the Day for Sunday 19 October is an award-winning family wagon at a price that’s very difficult to ignore
News
19 Oct 2025