Ford Focus ST (2012 – 2015) Review
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Ford Focus ST (2012 – 2015) At A Glance
Fitted with impressive 250PS EcoBoost engine. Available as a hatchback or an estate. Great value for money compared to other hot hatches.
Despite 'symposer', engine may be too quiet for some hot hatch fans. Engine can develop a wiring problem.
Ford’s ST brand has come a long way over the last 12 years, slowly transforming the humble Focus into a potent hot hatch that harks back to the fast Fords of the 1980s. Now in its third generation, the Focus ST is faster, lighter and more economical than ever before.
As you’d expect, the latest ST is very different from the standard Focus, with a lowered chassis (10mm) and a new front and rear end. Ford further enhanced the exterior with a light facelift in 2015, which enlarged the grille and slimmed down the front and rear lights.
Muscular rocker panels and a large rear spoiler define the shape of the car, while a hexagonal mesh grille and LED lights complete the hot hatch appearance. Inside the changes are more subtle, with Recaro sports seats, leather gear knob and ST stitching.
The interior was given a through refresh in 2015 and the button heavy dashboard was replaced with a clean, clutter free design. The steering wheel was also improved, with easier to use on-board buttons and improved finger grips.
Under the bonnet the old Volvo derived 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine has been ditched in in favour of Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder unit. Power is an impressive 250PS, which brings the 0-62mph down to a Golf GTI matching 6.5 seconds.
Ford has also improved fuel efficiency, with the new engine returning a claimed 39.2mpg and emitting 169g/km of CO2. Ford’s in-house Team RS has also worked on the car, re-designing the air intake and exhaust systems and using a clever engine calibration to deliver a notable 360Nm of torque.
From 2015, the Focus ST gets a diesel engine for the first time, with a turbochargd 2.0-litre engine producing 185PS and 400Nm of torque. Although lacking the punch of its EcoBoost counterpart, the diesel unit will return a claimed 67.3mpg, while emitting just 110g/km of CO2.
Power is delivered to the front-wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, which has been optimised with sporting ratios carefully matched to the performance characteristics of the engine.
The demons of torque steer are (partly) contained with the use of an electronic compensator, which feeds back into the power steering to counter any disruption in the handling. Sports suspension and high performance brakes also come as standard.
Available as a five-door hatch or estate, there are three trims to choose from – ST1, ST2 or ST3 – and the top spec models feature heated seats, xenon highlights and dual-zone air con. Ford also offers a range of unique paint schemes for the ST, which range from the traditional racing blue to the extravagant bright orange Tangerine Scream.
Reviews for Ford Focus ST (2012 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
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Ford Focus ST (2012 – 2015) handling and engines
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 23–37 mpg
The Focus ST has two engines to choose from - a 2.0 EcoBoost petrol with 250PS or a 2.0 turbodiesel, with 185PS.
The 2.0 EcoBoost engine is a big improvement over the previous Volvo sourced 2.5-litre powerplant, which would provide great speed, but drink fuel in equal amounts. In comparison, the EcoBoost is much more frugal; returning almost 10mpg more, which isn’t bad when you consider it is more powerful than the outgoing five-cylinder engine. On the road the Focus ST gives a quick and spirited drive. The 0-62mph sprint takes 6.5 seconds and the ST will easily exceed 150mph, if unchecked.
However, for all its plaudits, the EcoBoost engine is a lot quieter than the old 2.5-litre unit and lacks the throaty revs that gave the old car so much character. That said the four-cylinder engine is smooth and refined, with a nice turbo flow and 360Nm of torque. Most of the power comes through in the mid-rev range, but there’s also plenty of low-level torque, with the Focus ST happy to sit in high gears in town without objection.
The 2.0 TDCI has les power, but boasts more torque, with 400Nm compared to the EcoBoost’s 360Nm. Economy is also better for the diesel, with a claimed 67.3mpg and 110g/km of CO2, which lowers the Focus ST's BiK rate by a considerable margin.
However, the 185PS diesel is considerably slower than the 250PS EcoBoost, which means the 0-62mph sprint takes 8.1 seconds. Power is also limited, with the torque expiring around 4000rpm, which means the six-speed 'box needs considerable work. Thankfully, the ST's nimble handling remains, which means the driver gets a meaningful connection with what's happening between the wheels and the road.
Unlike some rivals - the Vauxhall Astra VXR and Renault Megane Renaultsport - the Ford doesn’t have a limited slip differential. Instead the Focus ST uses an electronic compensator, which feeds back into the power steering to counter any torque steer.
Obviously, forcing up to 250PS into the front wheels is going to present some handling issues, but for the most part the electronic system copes well and it’ll take a fair amount of abuse in the corners before it’ll give up its hold of the road.
The upgraded sports suspension stiffens the ride, but doesn't make it overly harsh and even heavy potholes can be skipped over in relative comfort. We took our test car on a number of long trips and were impressed with its manners and refinement.
Admittedly, things get a tad hairy on wet or slippery surfaces and you'll need your wits about you if want to drive hard and stay out of trouble. The Focus ST isn’t best suited to winter roads and we found ourselves fighting the wheel to keep control under hard acceleration, in both the petrol and diesel versions. Clearly this car has some issues with torque steer and its limitations are magnified when the going gets tough, with a wet drain cover or puddle all that's needed to jolt the front wheels off their indented course.
For some drivers the viscous levels of torque steer will be a bit too much - especially in the wet - but we actually enjoyed the experience. In our view, hot hatches should be a lively and fun experience and the Focus ST provides this by the bucket load.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0T EcoBoost 250 | 39 mpg | 6.5 s | 169 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Ford Focus ST (2012 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
77%
Real MPG
23–37 mpg
MPGs submitted
119
Ford Focus ST (2012 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 316–1215 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4362 mm |
| Width | 2010 mm |
| Height | 1484 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2648 mm |
The ST’s cabin architecture follows closely with that of the top spec Focus, with a high quality feel and finish throughout. The dashboard features soft touch materials and there are plenty of smooth lines and curves to please the eye. The digital display on the dash top adds to the upmarket feel and all of the buttons and knobs feel like they’ve been put together with some purpose.
To inject some sporty razzmatazz, Ford has added a leather gear knob, alloy pedals and a scattering of ST logos; it’s an understated approach to a hot hatch interior, but one that works in our view.
There’s also a set of Recaro sports seats, which are comfortable and offer plenty of support. If you specify the mid-level ST2 trim the seats get upgraded to partial leather, while ST3 buyers get the full leather Recaro treatment in the front and back.
As with much of the ST interior, the dashboard and steering wheel are almost identical to the standard Focus, with an intelligent layout and a set of easy to read dials. The ST does get an additional instrument cluster on top of the dash to show turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature though, which is good for hot hatch enthusiasts, but will be little more than a novelty for most other drivers.
A Sony infotainment system is fitted as standard on ST2 and ST3 models, with steering wheel mounted controls and voice activated commands, along with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. All of the systems are simple to understand and we had little trouble connecting our MP3 player and mobile phone, although Sony's scattergun approach to button layout leaves a lot to be desired as it clutters up the overall impression of the dashboard.
The 2015 update saw Ford reduce the number of buttons on the dash board, which gives the Focus ST interior a cleaner, clutter free appearance. Improvements were also made the seating material and interior trim, although quality isn't as high as you would expect at this level. For example, on our test car, the seats rubbed against the centre arm rest and we also noticed a few rattles, with loose bit of plastic.
Like the standard model, the ST has an abundance of space and it’ll happily accommodate four adults or double up as transport for the school run. It also boasts plenty of luggage space, with 316 litres in the hatchback and 476 litres for the estate version, which will cope with everything a family can throw at it. The boot floor is practical and accessible, with a square boot floor with a wide opening with a small lip, which makes loading and unloading easy. The back seats fold down really easily too, which again adds to the ST's practical nature.
Ford Focus ST (2012 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4362 mm |
| Width | 2010 mm |
| Height | 1484 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2648 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1437 kg |
| Boot Space | 316–1215 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 12500 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Alternative | Full-size spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £22,295–£25,795 |
| Insurance Groups | 34–36 |
| Road Tax Bands | H |
| Official MPG | 39.2 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| ST 2.0T 250 5dr | £22,295 | 39.2 mpg | 6.5 s |
| ST-2 2.0T 250 5dr | £23,795 | 39.2 mpg | 6.5 s |
| ST-3 2.0T 250 5dr | £25,795 | 39.2 mpg | 6.5 s |
Model History
October 2010
Ford revealed details of the new Focus ST
At the heart of the second generation Focus ST is a high-output 250PS derivative of the efficient and advanced new manifold in head 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine.
Succeeding the Volvo derived turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit of the current European model, this unique 250PS Ford EcoBoost engine is being specially developed for the new Focus ST to ensure that the car gets the muscular performance – and the inspirational sound – which it deserves. It also marks the first application of the four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine in a high performance model.
Compared to the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine used in other Ford vehicles, the 250PS unit features re-designed intake and exhaust systems and a unique engine calibration to deliver the desired level of power and responsiveness. The engine retains the strong torque delivery which is a feature of Ford EcoBoost designs, with a broad, flat torque curve offering a maximum output of 360Nm.
One of a completely new generation of downsized, high-efficiency, low-CO2 petrol engines from Ford, the manifold in head 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost is a lightweight, all-aluminium design which combines three technologies – high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing – to create an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to petrol engines in this power range.
This ultra efficient 250PS engine therefore not only delivers over 10 per cent more power and torque than the current 2.5-litre unit, it is also estimated to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 20 per cent.
The standard transmission for the Focus ST is a 6-speed manual gearbox, optimised with more sporting ratios carefully matched to the performance characteristics of the engine. Tyre size of all 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle.
Ford Team RS performance vehicle specialists have a mission: to ensure that the new Focus ST delivers the pure performance and handling everyone expects from a genuine Ford ST model.
Compared to the standard Focus, the ST model will feature a comprehensive range of enhancements including a chassis lowered by 10mm, a substantially different variable ratio steering system, high performance brakes and unique suspension tuning, that will enable the vehicle to deliver the acclaimed ST handling agility and poise.
Naturally, the ST will also benefit from the performance improvements being delivered by the next-generation Focus vehicle architecture. Features like a stronger, stiffer body structure, optimised front and rear suspension system designs, and a new electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system all contribute to superior vehicle dynamics and improved refinement.
The new Ford Focus ST features a distinctive sports exterior, providing significant functional and aerodynamic benefits and clearly differentiating the ST derivative from other models in the new Focus family. The Focus ST features unique front- and rear-end designs, together with muscular extended rocker panels and striking new alloy wheels based on the classic Y-spoke ST pattern. The more sporting design language is particularly evident at the front, where the twin upper and lower grilles of the standard car are replaced by a prominent new one-piece design incorporating a hexagonal mesh finished in high gloss black.
The front spoiler has a deep central splitter framed by small motorsport-inspired spoiler blades on either side, which sweep round and encompass the fog lamps. The spoiler blades are linked to the rest of the body lines through the grille structure, which is reminiscent of the similar treatment in the current Focus RS model. The more assertive, sporting character of the front is completed by details like the gloss black finish to the headlamp bezels, and the bold red ST badge on the one-piece grille.
From the side, muscular extended rocker panels emphasise the lowered chassis, and the bold wheel arches are filled with 19-inch alloy wheels which are the latest evolution of the classic Y-spoke ST wheel. The rear bumper and lower fascia have prominent diffuser-style vents on either side which mirror the form of the front spoiler blades.
Rear lamps with a dark smoked tint enhance the sporty feel. The new Focus ST has a high-performance exhaust system, which exits the vehicle through a central dual-pipe outlet. The exhaust outlet has been given a highly-distinctive design treatment with a strong kinetic form which emulates the design themes on the rest of the car.
The car’s aerodynamic package is completed by a highly effective integrated roof spoiler, which has been optimised to deliver improved high-speed stability and reduced drag.
May 2012
Focus ST goes on sale
Priced from a competitive £21,995, which undercuts the prices of rivals such as the Golf GTI.
All Focus ST are powered by a 4 cylinder 2.0-litre chain cam direct injection EcoBoost turbocharged engine, with a power output of 250PS, EC fuel economy of 39.2mpg and emissions of 169g/km. The chassis and steering have all been tuned to improve handling .
The ST comes with a striking body kit, featuring a central exhaust, trapezoidal front grille and large alloy wheels . If buyers really want to stand out, Tangerine Scream orange paint is offered as an option.
Three trim levels are offered – ST, ST-2 and ST-3. The ST comes on 18 inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle, cloth trimmed Recaro seats, manual air-con, keyless start, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. ST-2 models get partial leather trim, an improved audio system , rain sensitive wipers, auto headlights and a Quickclear screen.
Top models benefit from full leather trim, heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, keyless entry and power folding mirrors.
The Focus ST hatchback is priced from £21,995 and the estate from £23,095. Orders taken from June 2012. First deliveries September 2012. 169g/km puts the Focus ST outside the limit for many companies and means heavy tax on BIK for company drivers. So rather than price it to be discounted to fleets (or anyone prepared to haggle) Ford has priced it at a level to appeal directly to private buyers.
What to watch out for
Some Ford Focus ST seem to have a wiring fault (both in the UK and in the USA) and this leads to serious stalling issues. Reader bought a used 2013 Focus ST with 8k miles in April 2014. By May 2014 the car began to stall approaching roundabouts, showing engine warning light, "service now" and “hill start assist not available” messages and very irregular idling, at first intermittently, then getting worse and becoming diabolical. Dealer unable to replicate error code whilst on diagnostics, so investigated under Ford Technical Ref. FU14G020988, but dealer said Ford would not authorise repair work unless the error code showed. After first visit, they said it needed a week’s work, involving removal of dashboard and more. Car also suffers loss of power on overtake, economy has dropped from 32-34mpg to 26-28mpg. 3 'ST gauges' for turbo, oil temp and oil pressure also ceased working. FocusST.org gives a DIY cure from the USA which involves fixing a fault with part of the wiring loom that passes under the 'symposer' tube and claims to replicate the Ford technical fix. That is described in detail here: FocusST.org wiring fix
22-08-2014:Another report of the same fault as above, this in a September 2013 Focus ST from February 2014.
03-09-2014:Full TSB dealer fix for Focus ST wiring problem that causes stalling. Dealer fixes with replacement wiring splices, SP963 and SP959 with both crimping and soldering. Fault code is P26DE-00-2F-PCM. Ford requests dealer to clear code. Road test. Clear code. Update PCM. And only after 3rd capture of above fault code would Ford advise to undertake above splices. No dashboard removal needed.
14-09-2014:Complaint that 10k mile 2 year old Focus ST bought from a Ford dealer was using a litre of oil every 1,000 miles. We'd suspect turbo oil seals from the engine having been switched straight off after some hot laps.
19-09-2014:Another report of stalling problem with 2000 mile Focus ST bought in October 2013, but dealer unaware of the TSB. This was eventually fixed with a replacement wiring loom, but Ford does not appear to have made dealers aware of the problem and only authorises repairs if a fault code shows, which doesn't always happen with this.
18-12-2017:Report of misfire in engine of 2014 Ford Focus ST at 28k miles, 5 months out of Ford warranty. Car had been serviced regularly by Ford Dealership, but now at "independent Ford garage". No error codes were recorded. On further inspection it was found that one of the pistons had suffered material loss. Only one cylinder is affected and the garage is rebuilding the engine. Questionmark over whether Ford will contribute.
17-03-2018:Report of uneven engine running of 2013 Ford Focus ST at 20,900 miles. Ford dealer traced the problem to the engine wiring harness - the problem for which the car was recalled in the USA. The harness was repaired, at a cost to me of £200, as there was no UK recall code. In February 2018, the car began displaying muptiple problems: parastic battery drain, alarm randomly going off, and the power button failing to swithc off the engine. Dealer has now told owner the car needs a new engine wiring harness, and body control module. The cost, including labour, will be £2,260. (See Docus ST wiring harness problems above.)
21-03-2019:Report of intermittent prtoblem with 2013 Ford Focus ST-2. Most of the time it starts and runs OK, but occasionally on starting it runs very badly, running very lumpy, there is a also a warning light that comes up saying 'Service Due'. If owner switches engine off and on again, the problem always disappears, but an amber warning light stays on for a few days afterwards. This happens most often on a first start in the morning, but not always, and is more likely to happen if driven hard the day before. 'Service Due' is often because of an oil contamination problem. If the oil is black, it's burned and a service is significantly overdue. Unfortunately, the 1.6 Ecoboost can also have cylinder head problems, so it's worth getting the engine thoroughly checked. If "driven hard" then another possibility is that the engine has been switched off when the turbo was red hot. This carbonises the oil in the oil feed and oil return pipes to the turbo restricting the flow of oil to the bearing. These pipes probably need replacing and you need to idle the engine for a minute or two before switching off after ragging the car, after a long ascent or after constant speed on a motorway.
