Ford Focus ST review - Reliability and safety
Safety comes as standard with the Focus ST, and reliability shouldn’t be an issue, either
With the latest Focus ST sitting on an all-new platform, it will take some time to build a full picture of reliability. That said, its engine is an evolution of the unit used in the previous Focus RS model and a lot of other common components will be in use throughout the Focus range, so we’d expect the ST to be pretty dependable.
There’s a raft of safety kit offered as standard, including adaptive cruise control with lane centring assist, traffic sign recognition and a blind spot warning system. An optional head-up display system is also available.
The latest Focus achieved a full five-star rating when tested under more stringent Euro NCAP testing procedures. Adult safety was rated at 85%, child occupant safety was even better at 87%, while the car scored 72% for pedestrian safety.
In our 2023 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, Ford finished 28th out of 32 in the best car manufacturers rankings – well behind Skoda (20th), Hyundai (17th) and Kia in sixth place. The brand will be pushing for a much higher finish next time around.
Warranty
Ford offers a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty for all Focus models, including the ST. There is the option, at extra cost, of extending this for up to 4 years/80,000 miles, or 5 years/1000,000 miles. The extended warranty is transferable to a new owner if you decide to sell the vehicle, which will potentially increase the resale value.
UK and European roadside assistance is included for 12 months, which can be extended for a further year if you opt to service the vehicle at a participating Ford dealer.
Servicing
For a one-off payment, the Ford Protect Service Plan covers the cost of recommended scheduled services for up to three years, while for those that prefer to spread the cost of servicing, Ford offers the Service Assure Monthly Payment Plan.
