Ford Closes Order Books On Last Remaining Hot Hatch

The world will never run out of hot hatchbacks, but their population has narrowed through the years, with automakers slowly culling the few examples remaining. The latest one to get the axe is the Ford Focus ST, which predates the ultimate death of the Focus nameplate in Europe. And while America may have already moved on from the Ford hot hatch several years ago, the death of the Focus ST represents a major loss for enthusiasts worldwide.

According to Autocar, Ford has already closed the order books for the Focus ST despite the model still appearing on the automaker’s website for British customers. The model was still open for orders in April but was removed from the updated dealer price lists sent out on May 26. The Focus follows the death of the Fiesta in 2023 after nearly five decades in production. The writing was on the wall as early as 2020, so we’re not entirely surprised.

A Few Examples Are Left On Dealer Lots

With Focus ST orders now closed, European customers are left with no choice but to choose between standard Focus variants that are turbocharged and mild-hybrid. They are powered by a 1.0-liter three-pot EcoBoost engine, producing either 123 or 153 horsepower. In its final form, the Focus ST was powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that churns out 276 hp and 310 lb-ft.

However, there’s still hope if you are lucky enough to be on that side of the pond. According to Ford UK, while it is confirmed that factory orders aren’t available “at the moment,” there are still around 170 units that are built and unsold, which can be found in Ford dealerships around the UK. 30 of those remaining come in the special ST Edition trim, painted in Azura Blue (pictured above).

Only One ST Model Left In Europe And It’s A Crossover

The death of the Ford Focus ST comes at a time when hot hatchbacks have become increasingly expensive. For example, the Honda Civic Type R, which starts at $45,895 in the US and £51,905 in the UK (around $70,000 at current exchange rates), has become ridiculously unattainable, as are other five-door performance cars. The Ford Focus ST was one of the affordable few that could bring a smile.

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For now, at least in Europe, there’s still an ST model left in the lineup in the form of the Ford Puma ST. It’s a crossover, though, plus Ford hasn’t actually gone all out with its performance, with its output only about half of what the Focus ST could offer; it’s more of a replacement for the Fiesta ST than the Focus. Still, there’s a glimmer of hope, particularly with Ford’s wording in its statement to Autocar. Plus, the automaker also revealed plans to bring back the ST and RS badges, though on different nameplates.

Source: Autocar