Ford’s legacy in the hot hatch market has come to an end after 45 years of producing high-performance models. The latest casualty is the Focus ST, marking the conclusion of a lineage that started with iconic models like the Fiesta Supersport and Escort RS. This decision reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards compact SUVs, prompting Ford to discontinue its hot hatch offerings globally.
The Focus ST, a staple in Ford’s lineup for over two decades, will cease production later this year as order books close in the UK. While the hot hatch torch is passed to SUVs like the Puma ST and Explorer ST, traditional passenger car enthusiasts are left without an ST-branded model. The dwindling demand for hatchbacks has led Ford to prioritize SUVs over performance-oriented compact cars.
In a strategic move to align with market trends, Ford has phased out models like the Fiesta ST and Focus ST, with the latter’s production ending in November 2025. The Focus ST, with its potent 2.3-litre turbo engine delivering 206kW of power, was the performance flagship in the final-generation Focus range. Despite its discontinuation, there are no plans for a special ‘final edition’ variant to commemorate its departure.
Australia witnessed an earlier exit of the Focus ST, following the discontinuation of other Focus variants like the ST-Line and Active grades. The absence of a hyper-hatch Focus RS in the final-generation lineup further underscored the ST’s significance as the performance pinnacle. The Focus ST Edition, featuring enhancements like lightweight wheels and adjustable suspension, serves as a fitting farewell to the model in the UK market.
Industry experts attribute Ford’s decision to end its hot hatch lineage to changing consumer preferences and the growing popularity of SUVs. The transition away from traditional hatchbacks towards SUVs reflects a broader shift in the automotive landscape, with automakers adapting their product portfolios to align with evolving market demands.
Despite the end of an era for Ford’s hot hatch offerings, enthusiasts can still find performance-oriented models like the Puma ST and Explorer ST in the brand’s current lineup. While the Focus ST’s departure marks the end of an iconic era for Ford Performance, the company remains committed to delivering innovative vehicles that resonate with modern consumers.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, manufacturers face the challenge of balancing heritage models with emerging trends in consumer preferences. Ford’s decision to exit the hot hatch market signifies a strategic shift towards SUVs, reflecting a broader industry trend towards versatile, high-performance utility vehicles.
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