Verdict
A
Hot Hatch · UK · 2002-2025
Ford Focus ST
Ford Focus ST — spec data and generation history.
Years
2002-2025
Generations
3
Segment
Hot Hatch
Mid-tier Focus performance, sitting between SE and RS. Three generations: Mk2 ST170 (2002-2004) — 2.0 NA, 170 bhp. Mk2 ST (2005-2010) — 2.5 turbo I5 (Volvo-derived), 222 bhp. Mk3 ST (2012-2018) — 2.0 EcoBoost / 2.0 TDCi diesel, 250 bhp / 185 bhp diesel. Mk4 ST (2019-2025) — 2.3 EcoBoost, 280 bhp. Last ST before discontinuation.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
Mk3 ST 2012-2018 → Mk4 ST 2019-2025
BHP +30 bhp
Torque +60 Nm
0–60 mph −0.8 s
Top speed +0
MPG +0
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2005-2010
Mk2 ST
→
2.5 turbo I5 — 222 bhp, 0-62 in 6.8s.
Verdict
A
BHP
222
0–60
6.8 s
Top
152 mph
MPG
32.0 mpg
Used
£2,500-£8,000
- + Volvo I5 warble
- + Edition 30 5,000 cars
- − Volvo I5 timing belt
- − Coolant leaks
2012-2018
Mk3 ST
→
2.0 EcoBoost — 250 bhp, 0-62 in 6.5s.
Verdict
A
BHP
250
0–60
6.5 s
Top
154 mph
MPG
40.0 mpg
Used
£6,000-£15,000
- + First diesel ST option
- + 2.0 EcoBoost
- − Coolant pipe
- − Timing chain
2019-2025
Mk4 ST
→
2.3 EcoBoost — 280 bhp, 0-62 in 5.7s.
Verdict
A
BHP
280
0–60
5.7 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
36.0 mpg
Used
£18,000-£32,000
- + 2.3 EcoBoost (Mustang-shared)
- + Track Pack option
- − Wet belt 2.3 EcoBoost
- − SYNC 3 / 4 freezes
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2005-2010 · Mk2 ST
- Volvo I5 timing belt
- Coolant leaks
- Front-wheel torque-steer
2012-2018 · Mk3 ST
- Coolant pipe (degas hose)
- EcoBoost timing chain
- Brake wear
2019-2025 · Mk4 ST
- Wet belt 2.3 EcoBoost
- SYNC 3 / 4 freezes
- Discontinued 2025
Rivals
VW Golf GTI · Honda Civic Type R · Renault Mégane RS · Ford Focus RS