Ford Focus ST review - MPG, CO2 and running costs
Despite a high list price, the Focus ST is cheaper to insure than rivals and offers both petrol and diesel power.
Despite offering strong performance, the Focus ST still manages to return decent economy figures. The diesel model is particularly frugal, although opting for petrol power won’t leave you constantly standing at the pumps, either.
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine manages a maximum of 34.9mpg on the combined cycle, while the EcoBlue diesel is naturally more economical at 53.3mpg. Emissions are 187g/km and 140g/km of CO2 respectively, which means the VED road tax first year rate for the petrol model is £895, although this cost is wrapped up in the overall on-the-road price. From year two onwards, you’ll pay a standard rate of £155 per year.
In comparison, a Renault Megane RS 300 manages a maximum 33.6mpg, under WLTP testing, while emitting 192g/km of CO2. The more powerful Honda Civic Type R is little less efficient, only delivering 33.2mpg.
Insurance
Insurance for any hot hatch owner is generally a high cost to bear, but the Focus ST remains competitive in this area. Petrol models sit in group 34, while the oil-burning hatch and estate will realise cheaper premiums, as both are in group 23. In comparison, the Honda Civic Type R is given an insurance rating of 40 and the Renault Megane RS 280 occupies group 35.
Depreciation
The previous-generation Focus ST didn’t perform well in terms of depreciation, with the petrol hatchback model struggling to keep 40% of its new value after three years. This time around our experts predict the new five-door hatch will retain 44% over a typical three-year/36,000-mile ownership period, while the estate fares even better, worth almost 46% of its original price over the same period.
