Ford Focus ST Mk3
2013-2018
The Focus ST Mk3 represents Ford's commitment to affordable performance, delivering genuine driving excitement without sacrificing practicality. Its combination of turbocharged power, sharp handling, and five-door versatility made it a standout in the competitive hot hatch segment.
Quick Take
The Focus ST Mk3 was Ford's hot hatch entry that combined everyday practicality with genuine performance capability. Built in Germany, it featured aggressive styling, a punchy turbocharged engine, and surprisingly sophisticated chassis dynamics for its price point.
Best For
Key Strength
EcoBoost Torque Delivery
Watch For
Torque Steer Issues
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Built on Ford's global C-platform and developed by Ford Team RS, the Focus ST carried forward the legacy of European Ford performance cars. The Mk3 generation marked Ford's return to serious hot hatch competition, competing directly with the Volkswagen GTI and Subaru WRX.
Design Philosophy
Ford prioritized driver engagement over pure power figures, creating a car that felt quick and agile rather than brutally fast. The design emphasized functional aerodynamics and aggressive styling cues that telegraphed the car's performance intentions while maintaining everyday usability.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The 2.0L EcoBoost engine delivers strong mid-range punch with minimal turbo lag, providing accessible performance across the rev range. Power delivery is smooth and linear, with a satisfying surge of torque that makes overtaking effortless and city driving engaging.
Chassis Dynamics
The ST's suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, with minimal body roll and impressive grip levels for a front-wheel-drive car. The steering is direct and communicative, while the limited-slip differential helps manage torque steer and improves cornering traction.
Sound Signature
The exhaust note is purposeful without being obnoxious, with a satisfying growl under acceleration and subtle pops on deceleration.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder produces 270hp and 270lb-ft of torque, with peak torque available from just 2,000rpm. This low-end grunt makes the ST feel significantly more powerful than its power figures suggest, delivering strong acceleration in any gear.
The EcoBoost engine responds exceptionally well to modifications, with simple tunes yielding 300+ horsepower gains. The platform has become a favorite among tuners due to its robust internals and extensive aftermarket support from companies like Cobb, Mountune, and Ford Performance.
Honest Tradeoffs
The combination of front-wheel drive and substantial torque creates noticeable torque steer, especially when launching hard or accelerating through corners. The electronic limited-slip differential helps but can't completely eliminate the inherent chassis limitations.
While functional, the interior feels budget-conscious with hard plastics dominating most surfaces. The Recaro seats are excellent, but the overall cabin ambiance lags behind competitors like the Golf GTI or Civic Si.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for enthusiasts who need a practical daily driver that can handle family duties while delivering weekend fun. Appeals to those who appreciate European driving dynamics at an American price point.