El Ford Focus ST, one of the references among the European sports compacts, will cease production in November of this year 2025The decision marks the closing of a chapter that began in the late 90s, when Ford Focus opted to renew the C segment with a model packed with innovation, strong performance, and a groundbreaking design. Since then, the Focus has evolved over several generations, and the ST version has always been known for its excellent balance between everyday usability and affordable sportiness.
The final farewell of the Focus ST is part of the large-scale restructuring that the American manufacturer is undertaking in Europe. The historic Saarlouis plant in Germany, where the various versions of the Focus were produced, will cease operations. With this, Ford is closing one of the last bastions of its conventional passenger cars, increasingly focusing on an offering focused on SUVs and electrified models. And the worst part is that its farewell is getting closer, as the order book for the ST version has already closed in some countries... Fly if you want one...
End of Focus ST: causes and context…
The decision to put an end to the Ford Focus ST is not due to a lack of demand or technical problems, but rather to a combination of factors where market trends and regulatory pressure weigh heavilyThe rise of SUVs, the commitment to electrification, and the need to reduce emissions have led to the marginalization of traditional hot hatches, which are gradually disappearing from the catalogs of major brands.
During these years, The Focus ST has established itself as one of the most appreciated sports compactsIts 2.3 hp 280-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine offered powerful acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in less than six seconds, and allowed for a well-tuned chassis and advanced technology, but all without sacrificing five seats, a generous trunk, and a relatively competitive price compared to much more expensive or radical rivals.
Last units and the future of the Focus
According to Finn Thomasen, head of communications for Ford of Europe, There are no longer any orders available for the Focus ST directly from the factory, although it is still possible to find some units in stock at various dealerships.This represents the last chance for those who want to get their hands on one of the most charismatic sports compacts of recent decades.
The disappearance of the ST version is accompanied by the cessation of production of the entire Focus family in Europe. This measure follows the path of other iconic models from the manufacturer, such as the Ka, Fiesta, and Mondeo, which have been discontinued as part of the same transformation process. The brand has indicated that, for the time being, the Mustang will be the only classic passenger car to remain in the European portfolio, although its electrified range is dominated by SUVs and crossovers such as the Puma, Explorer, and Mustang Mach-E.
A goodbye with a taste of nostalgia
The gap left by the Focus ST will be difficult to fillIts combination of versatility, performance, and reasonable price made it a beloved car among the European public. Although the automotive industry is moving toward electric vehicles and sporty SUVs, the disappearance of this model reflects the radical change the sector is undergoing and the challenges facing those seeking affordable and fun sporty compacts.
With the retirement of the Focus ST, Ford closes a cycle that began in 1999, leaving behind an icon of the C-segment. The transformation of the range, the closure of its historic facilities in Germany and the commitment to electrification underscore that, although the Focus could return in electric format in the future, its stage as a combustion-powered "hot hatch" is coming to an end, marking the close of an era for fans of the most dynamic driving style.
Collaboration with Volkswagen and the possibility of an electric comeback
Looking to the future, Ford is strengthening its strategic collaboration with Volkswagen. This alliance opens the door to possible new electric models that could recover legendary names such as Focus, Party o Ka, but this time built on Volkswagen-sourced platforms (MEB) and manufactured in factories like Almussafes (Valencia). Although there's no official confirmation yet about the electric return of the Focus ST, the possibility is on the table as part of the electrification process planned for the coming years. Patience...
Source - Drive
Images | ford
