FordPhasesOutFordFocus: Rationale Behind Discontinuation Unveiled
Hangin' it up: The End of an Era for Hot Ford Hatchbacks
For decades, Ford reigned supreme in the UK's automotive scene, with the Escort, Fiesta, and Mondeo leading the charge. But times have changed, and Ford's slipped down the ranks, leaving its iconic fast hatchbacks behind on the road to electrification.
Today, Ford lags behind brands like Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, and Kia. The Puma may have taken the top spot in 2024, but it was the only Ford to make the top 10. So, what's going on? The answer lies in a shift away from heartland models like the Fiesta and Mondeo, replaced by crossovers and electric SUVs like the Explorer, Capri, and Mustang Mach-E.
Yet, even as Ford's position in the UK market wanes, there's still a strong emotional connection between the company and its fans. The fervor surrounding the Capri name's comeback is testament to that. And let's not forget about the fast Fords—those sleek machines that truly felt like cars we could call our own.
Fast Fords: A Brief History
From the XR2 and XR3 to the RS Turbo, RS Cosworth, and ST models, fast Fords have formed part of our automotive zeitgeist for decades. Legends like the Focus RS have given us some of the hottest hatches of recent years. But, alas, with the Focus production due to end in 2025, the ST represents the end of an era for fast Fords as we know them.
The Focus ST may not have scaled the heights of its predecessors, but it held its own against the Golf GTI. Now, with production due to finish, the ST signs off with a special edition—the 'Edition.' Only 300 units will be made, all painted in bright Azura Blue and equipped with flow-formed alloy wheels.
Race-Ready Performance
The Focus ST Edition represents a significant upgrade from the standard car, featuring an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, KW adjustable coilover suspension, and lighter wheels with sticky Pirelli tires. It's a track-focused machine, designed to deliver a more engaging driving experience than the standard ST.
While the 280hp 2.3-liter engine remains unchanged, reconfiguring the components and tuning the suspension should provide a more responsive and agile ride. But be warned; the ride is a bit firm, and you'll need to dig deep into your wallet, as the Edition starts at £44,000—a steep increase over the standard ST's price.
Yesterday's News or Timeless Classic?
The Focus ST Edition may be a bit rough around the edges and expensive, but its limited production run makes it destined for collectability among enthusiasts who grew up with a love for fast Fords.
With the automotive world tilting towards electric cars, it's no surprise that Ford is focusing on electrification and committing resources away from models like the Focus ST. But there's something to be said for cars that don't rely on batteries to deliver an adrenaline rush, cars like the Focus ST.
So, as the Focus ST Edition signs off and Ford moves on from its hot hatchback heritage, we're left with a bittersweet feeling—a blend of nostalgia for what's been lost and excitement for what's to come. Here's to hoping that the legacy of fast Fords lives on in future generations, powered by something more than petrol.
Tim Pitt writes for Motoring Research.
Ford Focus ST Edition
PRICE: £44,000
POWER: 280hp
0-62MPH: 5.7sec
TOP SPEED: 155mph
FUEL ECONOMY: 34.9mpg
CO2 EMISSIONS: 185g/km
Context and Enrichment
- Market Shifts: The UK car market has experienced a shift towards more environmentally friendly vehicles, with a growing interest in electric and hybrid cars. This trend has led to pressure on automakers like Ford to adapt and compete with more sustainable alternatives.
- Competition and Strategic Decisions: The rise of Asian brands, such as Hyundai and Kia, has intensified competition in the UK market. Ford has had to make strategic decisions, such as focusing on more profitable lines like SUVs and performance vehicles, to maintain its competitive edge.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: As consumer preferences for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles grows, traditional automakers must adapt to remain relevant. This often involves significant investments in electrification and rethinking their product lineups.
- The Future of Performing Cars: The rise of electric and hybrid vehicles may force manufacturers to reimagine the performance segment with innovative technologies and strategies to balance performance with sustainability.
- Fast Ford Models: The Focus ST represents the last of Ford's hot hatchbacks for the foreseeable future. This raises questions about the future of the performance hatchback market, as well as the legacy of iconic fast Ford models like the Focus RS.
- Electrification and the Evolution of Performance Cars: The shift towards electrification in the automotive industry may impact how we perceive and develop performance cars. Battery-powered vehicles have unique characteristics that could offer exciting new possibilities for developing fast cars, while raising challenges related to range, charging infrastructure, and cost.
- The shift towards electric vehicles in the industry has led to a strategic focus on electrification and a reduction in the production of traditional cars like the Focus ST, as Ford bids farewell to its fast hatchback heritage.
- The Ford Focus ST Edition, with its electronically controlled limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, KW adjustable coilover suspension, lighter wheels, and sticky Pirelli tires, offers a unique driving experience, catering to fans of fast Fords.
- Despite Ford's focus on electric SUVs such as the Mustang Mach-E, the automotive industry may yet see a resurgence of performance cars, as some enthusiasts maintain a strong emotional connection to the lifestyle and industry that once centered around traditional cars like the Focus ST.
- Regardless of the technology powering future performance cars, the nostalgia for classic models like the Focus RS, XR2, XR3, RS Turbo, RS Cosworth, and ST models will continue to live on in the hearts of car-maintenance enthusiasts.
- The UK automotive industry's focus on finance and transportation is evolving, with electricity becoming an increasingly important factor in car maintenance and the production of new models, with brands like Ford embracing this change and moving away from traditional combustion engines.
- The Puma's top spot in the UK market in 2024 is an unlikely achievement for Ford, as it transitions from heartland models like the Fiesta and Mondeo to crossovers and electric SUVs.
- With the Focus production ending in 2025, the Focus ST Edition serves as a reminder of the rich history of the fast-movement within the automotive industry, where brands like Ford have left their mark on the transportation landscape of the lifestyle industry.
