Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus ST

The Ford Focus ST is the second hot hatch from Ford to make it into this list of the best hot hatchbacks – and that’s telling of just how good the firm is at making them.

Ford Focus ST-3 2013 front action

The Ford Focus ST is the second hot hatch from Ford to make it into this list of the best hot hatchbacks – and that’s telling of just how good the firm is at making them. The Ford Focus ST was beaten to the top spot by its smaller brother, the Fiesta ST, but it’s still up there with the best when it comes to driver involvement.

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Ford Focus ST review

That’s the biggest strength of the Ford Focus ST – how good it is to drive. It gets a 247bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which can take it from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, and it sounds great thanks to a system that boosts engine noise for the driver when accelerating hard. There’s no automatic gearbox either – the Focus ST only comes with a slick six-speed manual gearbox.

Thanks to a torque-vectoring system the Focus ST is one of the best handling cars in its class, beating big-name rivals like the Volkswagen Golf GTI to that title. The steering is fast and accurate, and there’s plenty of feedback – this is a proper driver’s car. The ride is a bit firm, but the Recaro seats are really supportive and comfortable.

The Ford Focus ST might only be available in five-door form, but it’s definitely still a stylish car – it gets a sporty mesh grille, a central exhaust pipe, a front splitter and a rear wing. Large alloy wheels complete the look, and a range of bright colours means the ST will always stand out from the crowd. This isn’t a car for those who want to blend in, but it’s not too outlandish.

It’s not the most practical hatchback around – the boot is 64 litres less than the Volkswagen Golf GTI – but the interior is full of useful storage cubbies and the rear seats are big enough for three adults – though they won’t want to sit there for a long journey. It’s much more practical than the three-door Renaultsport Megane 265, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,675
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,951
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

Nissan Qashqai

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