Ford Focus ST 2007 review

The idea of a special-edition hot hatch is enough to get any enthusiast’s mouth watering, and the ST500 is no different. It turns heads thanks to its exterior styling, and the cabin is just as dramatic. It’s a shame that the changes don’t extend to the dynamics, but the ST500 drives brilliantly and even represents good value. Couple that to the fact only limited numbers are available, and it’s a desirable machine.

Fast Fords have always held a special place in the nation’s heart. And with legendary predecessors such as the Escort RS2000 and RS Cosworth, the Focus ST is carrying on that tradition. It’s not quite a collector’s item – although maybe this new special edition could change that.

Called the ST500, it’s been built to celebrate the success of the current hot hatch, which is due to make way for a revised and facelifted car in the middle of next year.

The name doesn’t refer to its horsepower, though – under the bonnet lurks the same 222bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine as before. Instead, it relates to the number of models that will be available.

With 100 of the 500 cars already sold, potential buyers had better be quick, so Auto Express took a test drive to see what the lucky few can expect.

Based on the range-topping ST-3, the ST500 adds a host of cosmetic tweaks and carries a price tag of £20,495 – that’s £500 more than the car on which it’s based.

Walk up to the new model, and one thing is for sure: it looks the part. All ST500s are painted metallic black with silver stripes – colours that echo those of the GT40 that took victory in the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Unique ST500 badges finish the exterior off, while inside, there’s scarlet red leather upholstery, red-trimmed carpets and ST500 badges. The look is subtle, although it suits the ST500’s exclusive and upmarket image. The special edition is also equipped with automatic xenon headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

Dynamically, the ST500 is no different to any other Focus ST. As well as leaving the engine untouched, Ford’s engineers have kept the suspension settings the same. And that’s no bad thing – the ST is one of the best all-round hot hatches on the market.

There’s lots of torque at low revs and a real surge of power at full throttle, all of which is underwritten by a characterful five-cylinder engine note.

Factor in accurate, well weighted steering, great body control and an amazingly comfortable ride, and the ST remains a talented all-rounder. In fact, only VW’s Golf GTI really comes close to offering the same combination of real-world usability and fun.

Unfortunately, the turbocharged engine is notoriously thirsty, and des­pite Ford’s official economy claims, most owners are likely to average only around 25mpg. The ST also suffers from limited steering lock, which can make three-point turns tricky.

So what’s the verdict? Well, if you want simple, fast thrills, the £17,095 entry-level ST makes the most sense. But if you fancy a slice of blue oval motoring history, the ST500 represents decent value for money.

Rival: VW Golf GTI Edition 30
Another limited-run model, the Edition 30 gets styling updates, a 30bhp power boost to 227bhp and stiffer suspension. However, it costs nearly £2,000 more than the ST500.