Discontinuation of Ford Focus ST Production
Another popular hot hatchback has officially ceased to exist. This first applied to the Renault Megane RS, and now the last Ford Focus ST has rolled off the production line. This means the entire Blue Oval sports hatchback lineup has also been discontinued, following the earlier halt in production of the smaller Fiesta ST.
The Last Unit from the Factory
Photos of the last Focus ST, manufactured at the company’s plant in Saarlouis, Germany, were recently published on social media. The red car left the plant on September 26 and does not appear to have received any individual details that would distinguish it from other ST models. It is also not reported which market it is intended for.
Model History and Specifications
The sports version of the Focus has been sold in four generations since its first introduction in 2002 as the ST170 in Europe. It was preceded by the Focus SVT, which was sold exclusively in North America. The current Focus ST has been on sale since mid-2019 and is equipped with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost gasoline engine producing 276 hp, which is standardly paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Ford conducted a minor facelift for the 2022 model year so its hot hatchback could compete with rivals.
Market Position and Competitors
Although the Focus ST lacks the power to compete with the previous generation Focus RS and is not equipped with the same complex all-wheel-drive system, it served as a reliable competitor for cars such as the VW Golf GTI, Renault Megane RS, and Hyundai i30 N.
Ford’s Future in Europe
The end of ST production is not the only bad news for Focus fans. Production of the entire lineup will cease in November, leaving Ford without any traditional passenger car for sale in Europe that is not an SUV. This means its model range in the Old Continent will consist entirely of SUVs. Automotive enthusiasts may be disappointed, but if this is what the market demands, then manufacturers are practically forced to obey its wishes.
This decision reflects a general trend in the automotive industry, where demand for compact and mid-size cars is decreasing in favor of larger and more versatile SUVs. The loss of iconic models like the Focus ST could have long-term consequences for driving dynamics and the availability of affordable sports cars. Many experts believe that electrification could become a new path for the revival of such models in the future, but for now, it is the end of an era for classic hot hatchbacks.