The Focus is one of the most iconic nameplates for Ford, but that is still not stopping the blue oval from dropping it entirely, including the hotter ST variant. On September 26, the final Ford Focus ST hot hatch – or rather warm hatch by today’s standards – has reportedly rolled off the production line in Saarlouis, Germany, marking the end of an iconic chapter in performance hatch history.
The news first broke out through a Reddit post and has since caught the attention of many automotive enthusiasts, despite no official word from Ford regarding its demise. The rest of the Focus lineup, however, has already been confirmed to cease production sometime in November this year, with no plans in sight for a successor in the future.
For its immediate future, Ford has recently announced a USD5 billion (around RM21 billion) investment plan for a new electric vehicle (EV) platform for cheaper models. Set to debut on an EV truck, the platform will also make its way to new electric SUVs in the near future.
In Europe, the final version of the Ford Focus ST comes with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine producing 280 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 249 km/h. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, both paired with an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that improves grip when exiting corners.
ALSO READ: Ford pours USD5 billion to develop a new “revolutionary” platform for cheaper EVs
For now, the Ford Focus is still being produced in Europe with three engine options in six different configurations. This includes a 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild-hybrid with 125 hp or 155 hp, a 1.0-litre EcoBoost pure petrol engine with 100 hp or 125 hp, and a 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with 95 hp or 120 hp.
With only about a month left before the regular Focus ends production too, it feels like a tragedy to see the end of a hatchback that once swarmed the streets of Malaysia and around the world.
ALSO READ: Ford Mustang GTD becomes the first American car to crack 7 minutes at the Nurburgring
