Another Excellent Hot Hatch Has Just Been Discontinued | Carscoops
The end of the Ford Focus ST production is disappointing for fans, but it could provide an advantage for brands like VW and Hyundai, which continue to offer hot hatches in their ranges.
The last Ford Focus ST has been completed at the Saarlouis plant in Germany.
Production of the Focus ST concludes after four generations, having first been introduced in 2002 as the ST170.
Next month, the production of standard Focus models will also come to a halt.
This marks the conclusion of yet another beloved hot hatch, and enthusiasts will surely miss it. Following the farewell of the Renault Megane RS, the Ford Focus now joins the list of departures. With the Focus' exit, Ford's entire hot hatch lineup is gone, following the earlier discontinuation of the Fiesta ST.
Recent social media posts featured images of the last Focus ST produced at the Saarlouis plant in Germany. Finished in red, this vehicle rolled off the assembly line on September 26 without any special features or commemorative elements to highlight its significance. At this point, it remains uncertain which market this specific vehicle will be sent to.
End of an Era
The sporty Focus has been available through four generations since its introduction in 2002 as the ST170 in Europe. Prior to this, the Focus SVT was exclusively sold in North America. The current Focus ST has been on the market since mid-2019 and is powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 276 hp, typically paired with a six-speed manual transmission. For the 2022 model year, Ford made minor aesthetic updates to keep pace with its competitors.
While it never reached the performance levels of the previous Focus RS with its all-wheel-drive system and enhanced power, the ST proved to be a lively and capable rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Renault Megane RS, and Hyundai i30 N.
Europe Loses a Favorite
Unfortunately, the end of the ST is just part of the broader picture. Ford will cease all Focus production in November, leaving the company without a traditional passenger car offering in Europe other than SUVs. Consequently, its regional lineup will consist entirely of crossovers and SUVs. While this shift may not excite driving enthusiasts, Ford is simply adapting to the significant market demand in that direction.
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Another Excellent Hot Hatch Has Just Been Discontinued | Carscoops
Although the discontinuation of the Ford Focus ST is unfortunate for fans, it may advantage brands like VW and Hyundai, which continue to offer performance hatchbacks in their range.