Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus ST Estate

The new Focus ST Estate offers all of the performance of the hot hatch but with added practicality

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your Ford Focus
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Focus ST Estate offers the same driving enjoyment, build quality, character and image as the hatchback. It also costs the same to run, with minimal extra weight despite the added luggage space. This car is a unique blend of performance and practicality that you won’t find this side of an Audi RS4 Avant.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the Ford Focus ST takes on the VW Golf GTI and Renaultsport Megane on the hot hatch front, the Ford Focus ST Estate is a unique take on a practical performance car. It takes the Focus ST hatch’s mechanicals and sporty styling and blends them with the more practical, handsome estate body. This means it has no direct rivals.

On the outside, it looks just like any other Focus ST at the front, with the unique front bumper and bolder, more aggressive grille. Walk around and you’ll see the same 18-inch alloy wheels, side skirts, rear bumper and centrally mounted exhaust as the hatchback. But from the C-pillar rearwards it’s a little different, thanks to the estate’s rising waistline and smarter LED tail lamps. The Estate keeps the bootlid-mounted ST spoiler, plus its black roof rails match the black window surrounds and detailing, in keeping with the performance look.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Focus

2017 Ford

Focus

20,705 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,697
View Focus
Leaf

2021 Nissan

Leaf

15,169 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,197
View Leaf
Corsa

2021 Vauxhall

Corsa

26,624 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,997
View Corsa
1 Series

2024 BMW

1 Series

20,879 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £21,676
View 1 Series

The Focus ST Estate comes in the same spec levels as the hatch, starting with the ST-1, which has cloth Recaro seats, DAB audio and the Ford ‘Power’ start button with proximity key. The ST-2 adds a 4.3-inch display, leather Recaros and dual-zone climate control, while top-of-the-range ST-3 gets heating and eight-way power adjustment for the front seats, as well as bi-xenon headlamps. All STs have a sculptured rear Recaro seat, as well as torque vectoring, ABS with ESP, plus a pair of front, side and curtain airbags.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This version is big on practicality, too: its larger cargo area swallows up to 1,516 litres of luggage with the rear seats folded. Unlike the hatch, which has quite a deep drop into its boot, the Estate has a flat loading area. It also loses the full-size spare wheel – luggage room drops to 1,502 litres if you choose a space-saver wheel instead of a puncture repair kit.

On the road, it’s a cracker. As with the hatch, the engine makes a warm burble that’s not quite as loud as the noise from the previous ST’s five-cylinder. But there’s a luscious turbo whistle as the bassy 2.0-litre four-cylinder summons its full 247bhp. Everything’s well weighted – from the precise electric steering to the sports pedals and six-speed gearbox’s shift action.

The ST Estate feels substantial and solid, not heavy or cumbersome, as it weighs only 24kg more than the hatch and has excellent grip from its Goodyear tyres. You can switch the ESP off, but the Ford still grips and goes, letting you power out of corners with ease. There’s still a little too much torque steer, meaning you have to grip the steering wheel firmly when you’re accelerating hard, but otherwise this car is quite civilised around town.

Ride quality can be poor on bumpy roads and, but overall there’s a blend of sportiness and suppleness on offer that’s ideal for everyday use. That sums up the Ford Focus ST Estate: it’s just as fast and fun as the hatchback, but comes in a more practical and distinctive bodystyle.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025