Farewell to the Ford Focus ST: The End of a Hot Hatch Icon and the Rise of Its Rivals
The automotive world is saying goodbye to yet another performance legend. Following the departure of the Renault Mégane RS earlier this year, Ford has officially ended production of its beloved Focus ST, closing the book on more than two decades of hot hatch heritage.
Images of the last Ford Focus ST, finished in a striking red shade, recently surfaced on social media. The final unit rolled off the assembly line at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany on September 26, 2025 — a symbolic date marking the end of an era for fans of accessible performance cars. Surprisingly, the car didn’t receive any special badging or commemorative plaques, leaving enthusiasts to lament the quiet exit of one of Europe’s most respected driver’s cars.
End of an Era for the Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST first hit European roads in 2002 as the ST170, a name that soon became synonymous with fun, agility, and practicality. Over four generations, the Focus ST built a loyal following among driving enthusiasts who appreciated its blend of turbocharged power, sharp handling, and everyday usability.
The latest version, introduced in 2019, featured a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 276 hp (280 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Its front-wheel-drive setup, electronic limited-slip differential, and dynamic drive modes made it one of the most engaging hot hatches on sale. A minor facelift in 2022 added updated styling and a tech boost to keep it fresh against rivals like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai i30 N, and the Cupra Leon.
While the Focus RS had always been the wilder sibling — with its all-wheel-drive system and over 350 horsepower — the ST was widely praised for offering the perfect middle ground between daily comfort and weekend thrills.
What Comes Next for Ford?
Sadly, the Focus ST’s farewell is part of a broader trend at Ford. The brand will officially end production of all Focus models in November 2025, marking a major shift away from traditional hatchbacks and sedans in favor of SUVs and crossovers.
That means Ford’s European passenger car lineup will soon consist entirely of models like the Puma, Kuga, and Mustang Mach-E. This mirrors consumer demand, as drivers increasingly favor practicality and higher seating positions over compact performance models. Still, it’s a tough pill to swallow for purists who grew up idolizing the Fiesta ST and Focus RS — two icons that helped define an entire generation of affordable performance cars.
Hot Hatch Rivals Still Carry the Torch
With Ford stepping out of the hot hatch segment, competitors are poised to fill the gap. The Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai i30 N, and Toyota GR Corolla are now among the last of their kind — performance hatchbacks that still put driving fun above all else.
The Hyundai i30 N, in particular, has proven itself as a worthy successor to the ST’s spirit, combining affordability with track-ready performance. Meanwhile, Volkswagen continues refining the Golf GTI and Golf R, ensuring that the hot hatch formula remains alive, even as the automotive world shifts toward electrification.
Looking Toward an Electric Future
Although this marks the end for the Focus ST, it may not be goodbye forever. Ford has already confirmed plans to develop future electric performance models under the ST and RS sub-brands. Whether a battery-powered Focus ST successor ever materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — enthusiasts are hungry for EVs with character and soul.
For now, though, the end of the Focus ST serves as a reminder of what we’re losing as automakers pivot toward efficiency, electrification, and mass-market appeal. It’s truly the end of an era for hot hatch lovers.
