Why the Ford Focus ST Was a World Beater

Why the Ford Focus ST Was a World Beater

The Ford Focus ST may be out of production today, but its powerful sport-like drivetrain and practical hatchback design made it a highly popular model during its time. While now not available new, this performance bargain vehicle is available used at certified used Ford dealers. The Ford Focus ST variant has been popular in the American market for years because it offers small-displacement, high-horsepower, and sharp handling, all in a single compact vehicle.

Focus SVT: The First Generation

The Ford Focus SVT was the very first generation of the Focus ST line. This hatchback could make 170 horsepower without the need for turbo and was equipped with a six-speed manual, as opposed to the five-speed of the standard model.

Many people loved the Focus SVT's handling because of its precise steering, sharper reflexes, and excellent braking. Every aspect of this vehicle had been improved upon from the standard variant, from the brakes and suspension to the brakes to the tires and even the engine's compression ratio. Despite its low cost, the Focus SVT had promising specs and prepared the American market for what was to come in later generations.

Focus ST: The Second Generation

The second generation of the Focus ST lasted from 2008 to 2011. This second-generation ST was surprisingly not offered as a hatchback and only came in two- and four-door sedan options. It was also not offered with any high-performance trim, something that shocked consumers.

In fact, the second-generation Focus was the last two-door sedan ever created by Ford and remains difficult to find even to this day. This was definitely a step back for Ford and the Focus, but fortunately, future improvements created the most versatile, powerful, and practical ST on the market.

Focus ST: The Third Generation Onwards

In 2012, Ford introduced the third generation of the Focus ST. This generation saw a return of both hatchback and standard sedan designs, as well as the high-performance trim options, increasing its popularity among consumers. This was the moment when the Focus ST became well known among consumers. The newer Focus ST came with a six-speed manual, a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, and an upgraded suspension. These upgrades brought the Focus ST the legendary status it has today.

In 2014, the Focus ST underwent another facelift which included a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. Because the previous ST was only available for two years, it is rare to find on the market today, but this later version of the third generation is quite prevalent. With well-bolstered Recaro bucket seats, revised bodywork, and flashy new paint options, the ST stood out from the rest of the Focus variants. Additionally, it featured 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, making driving it comfortable and easy.

The Ford Focus ST Legacy

While the Ford Focus ST isn't in production anymore, it maintains a legacy thanks to its enjoyable driving experience, flexible storage space, and modern appearance. It is still a popular option in the used car market due to its ability to combine the space and practicality of a hatchback with the fun and handling of a sports car. While available first-generation options are becoming harder to find thanks to their age, third-generation models can be found at used Ford dealers across the country.

The Ford Focus ST offers a smooth ride and amazing power dynamics while still offering a great price. To the average person, it appears to be yet another late-model compact car, blending in with everything else in the parking lot. However, don't let its appearance fool you because the Ford Focus ST is a stealth sports car. Its smooth drive and easy handling make the Focus ST a powerful hatchback.

Certified Pre-Owned Ford Vehicles in Miami

If you are looking for a certified, pre-owned Ford vehicle in Miami, Midway Ford Miami's used car inventory is chock full of the best used Ford vehicles currently available. All used vehicles at Midway Ford Miami  are Blue Advantage certified and include a free Carfax vehicle history report. Browse our selection of available used Ford vehicles and view detailed information about each one.

The Ford Focus ST was the most advanced version of the Ford Focus available at the time of its release. It combined both power and practicality into a single vehicle. This sporty hatchback was designed with all the best features to make owning it an experience worth talking about.

The Legendary Focus ST

While no longer in production, the Ford Focus ST was a legendary variant of the Ford Focus. Designed with all the latest technology available at the time, the Focus ST included all the best features and upgrades to make driving it an enjoyable experience. This mid-sized family car was chock full of practical and exciting features; with advanced technology, flexible storage space, modern touches, and amazing performance, it's no wonder the Ford Focus ST garnered so much attention.

Modern, Fresh Focus Design

The Ford Focus ST introduced a fresh and confident exterior thanks to Ford's "human-centric" design philosophy, which gives each Focus variant its own distinct personality. Ford's Focus ST included a variety of modern touches, from the increased height of the bonnet to introducing LED lights as a new standard for all Focus variants.

Ford's Focus ST was the sportier option for the Focus line, which included a uniquely proportioned trapezoidal upper grille, supported by a gloss black honeycomb finish alongside broader side vents and a deeper lower grill. The ST variant also included modern touches like a discrete spoiler, a rear diffuser, and side skirts.

Electrified Performance to Elevate Your Driving Experience

The Ford Focus ST was one of the first Focus variants to offer electrified options to enhance efficiency while still keeping the fun-to-drive experience that has been a key part of the Focus appeal for more than 20 years. This included Focus' EcoBoost Hybrid engines following the introduction of a seven-speed Powershift automatic transmission option, with WLTP fuel efficiency of 5.2 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 117 g/km.

The electrified Focus ST dual-clutch Powershift transmission delivered seamless acceleration and smooth, fast gear changes. In Sport Drive Mode, the automatic gearbox held lower gears for sportier responses. The transmission offered manual gear selection, with sporty paddle-shifters as standard on all ST-Line variants.

Technology to Make Your Life Easier

Ford's Focus ST featured all the latest technology offered at the time. This included the SYNC 4 communication and entertainment system, which uses a sophisticated machine learning algorithm to learn from drivers' behavior and deliver more accurate suggestions and search results over time. A 13.4-inch touchscreen supported this with an intuitive interface designed to make it easy to find the information and controls needed with just a tap or two. The touchscreen was one of the first to incorporate controls for functions such as heating and ventilation that were previously activated using physical buttons, resulting in a cleaner and less cluttered center console.

The SYNC 4 communications and entertainment system also enabled Ford Power-Up wireless software updates, which allowed new updates to constantly improve the Ford Focus ST over time, improving ownership over time by reducing the need for repairs and enhancing existing features.

Focus on Practicality

In addition to having the latest technology and upgrades, the Focus ST was also designed to include the practical features everyone knows and loves from the Ford Focus line. This included upgrades to the luggage space from previous models, including a high-quality cropped carpet, an additional side load net, two twin LED lights to provide clearer illumination, an adjustable load floor, and more.

The Focus ST also featured a wet zone with a water-resistant lining that could be inserted in the luggage space for storing items such as umbrellas and wetsuits. The lining could be removed for cleaning and draining, and the luggage space could even be split into wet and dry zones when needed. The included quick guide makes understanding all the configurations of the luggage space easy and efficient, allowing users to set up their Focus ST in whatever configuration they need.

Test Drive Your New Favorite Ford in Miami

While the Focus ST has been discontinued, the Ford Focus line is now better than ever, with all the best features of the Focus ST variant and more. There is Ford for everyone from sedans, SUVs, trucks, vans, and more. If you're ready to find your new favorite Ford in Miami, contact us at Midway Miami to schedule your test drive. Additionally, ask about our used vehicle line to test drive a Focus ST. Our experts will help you find the right Ford model for your needs.