Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus ST-3

So, does the latest Ford flier shake up the hot-hatch market?

The new Ford Focus ST is one of the most eagerly anticipated hot hatches of the decade. Following in the wheel tracks of a stellar line-up of high-performance Fords, it’s been tasked with booting the VW Golf GTI off its place at the top of the pocket-rocket pecking order. So, has the ST got what it takes to deliver a knock-out punch to its heavyweight rivals?

Advertisement - Article continues below

Well, it certainly packs plenty of visual aggression. Riding 10mm lower than the standard Focus, the new car looks purposeful and muscular, with a gaping trapezoidal grille, deeper side sills, a large tailgate spoiler and a centre-exit exhaust pipe.

It’s not as classy as the grown-up Golf or as sleek as the coupe-like Renault, but its performance potential is clear to see.

The Focus is only available as a five-door hatchback or versatile estate, which means it beats the three-door Renault for space and practicality. Plus, the hatch’s 363-litre boot is 13 litres larger than the Golf’s. But it’s worth bearing in mind that the volume shrinks to 316 litres if you swap the standard puncture repair kit for a space-saver spare wheel.

Inside, a few racy additions separate the ST from lesser Focus models. For instance, driver and front passenger get chunky Recaro seats, while the steering wheel and gearlever are embossed with an ST logo. And as with its predecessor, on top of the dash is a trio of extra dials that monitors the engine’s turbo boost level, oil temperature and oil pressure.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

X6

2018 BMW

X6

49,382 milesAutomaticPetrol4.4L

Cash £24,399
View X6
A4 Avant

2025 Audi

A4 Avant

35,470 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,299
View A4 Avant
XC40

2020 Volvo

XC40

55,835 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £21,999
View XC40
EQA

2023 Mercedes

EQA

35,890 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,199
View EQA

The rest of the cabin is standard Focus fare, which means robust construction and decent-quality materials. The trouble is, it doesn’t feel quite as upmarket as the Golf, while the fussy layout of the dashboard isn’t as intuitive as the VW’s straightforward design.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s what lies under the bonnet that most keen drivers will be interested in, though. The ST uses a tuned version of the Mondeo’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine and produces 247bhp – that’s 25bhp more than the old 2.5-litre five-cylinder ST – as well as a muscular 340Nm of torque. This showed in our on-track performance tests, where the Focus was comfortably quickest in the in-gear runs, needing only 6.1 seconds to sprint from 50-70mph in sixth. The VW was a full 1.6 seconds slower than that.

In the real world, the Ford feels even quicker than its rivals. The EcoBoost’s power delivery isn’t as dramatic as the Renault’s, but the Focus pulls with relentless force from idle all the way to the engine’s rev limit. Adding to the fun is a growling exhaust note that sounds very similar to its predecessor’s characterful five-cylinder engine.

As you’d expect from Ford, the new ST is in its element on a twisting back road. Incredible composure, strong grip and light-footed agility allow it to rival the Renault for driver thrills.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Better still, there’s a clever electronic torque vectoring system that mimics a limited-slip differential, delivering strong traction out of tight corners. The Focus is also barely affected by wayward torque steer, which is partly due to an updated electric power-steering set-up that eliminates any wriggle through the steering wheel under hard acceleration.

The quick, accurate steering also has a variable-ratio rack, which helps provide the feedback and adjustability you expect in a sporty Focus. Powerful and progressive brakes, plus a precise gearbox, also impress.

But the ST’s party trick is to mix traditional hot-hatch thrills with grown-up comfort and refinement. On the motorway, its cabin was the quietest here, while the suspension isolates occupants from the worst bumps and potholes. Add the electrifying mid-range pace, and the Ford is an effortless long-distance tourer.

Plus, the Focus is as cost-effective to run as it is fun to drive. The entry-level car costs £21,995, while our top-spec ST-3 is £25,495 – a hefty £2,985 less than a manual Golf. CO2 emissions of 169g/km also make the Focus the cheapest company-car choice.

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: The first performance version of the current Focus, the new ST is the car fast Ford fans have been waiting for. Can it snatch the class crown?

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,800
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £14,998
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,450 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025