Ford Bids Farewell to Focus ST as Era of Sporty Hatchbacks Ends in Europe

The last Focus ST rolls off the line. Ford's European strategy shifts towards SUVs, with the Puma ST set to fill the sporty hatchback void.

, and ASMedia

2025 October 2 . 4:39 AM

1 min read

In this picture there are trucks in a line which are on either side of the road. The trucks are in... — In this picture there are trucks in a line which are on either side of the road. The trucks are in red and white in color. On the top right, there is a building and a tree. In the background there are trees, buildings and a sky.

Ford Bids Farewell to Focus ST as Era of Sporty Hatchbacks Ends in Europe

Ford has bid farewell to the Focus ST, with the final unit rolling off the assembly line at the Saarlouis plant in Germany. The sporty hatchback's production has ceased, marking the end of an era for Ford in Europe. The last Focus ST, powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo engine generating 276 horsepower and paired with a six-speed manual transmission, has left the production line. Since its debut in 2002 as the ST170, the Focus ST has been a popular choice among European sports car enthusiasts. Ford has announced that the next model to take over the sport hatchback role in Europe will be the Ford Puma ST. However, this move is part of a larger shift in Ford's European strategy. By November, the company will discontinue the entire Focus lineup, exiting the traditional passenger car segment in Europe. Ford's regional portfolio will then consist solely of crossovers and SUVs. The end of the Focus ST production signifies a significant change in Ford's European offerings. While the Ford Puma ST is set to fill the sporty hatchback void, the discontinuation of the Focus lineup signals a commitment to SUVs and crossovers in the European market.