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Final Focus ST completed as Europe’s hot-hatch era slips away
The last Ford Focus ST left the Saarlouis assembly line in Germany on Friday, September 26 — a symbolic end to decades of Ford's hot-hatch tradition in Europe. Ford will still produce the standard Focus for a short while longer, but full production is scheduled to stop in November. For many enthusiasts, the sight of the final ST rolling off the line is proof that the classic petrol-powered hot hatch is in rapid retreat.
Why this matters
Ford had closed order books for the Focus ST months earlier, so the outcome was not unexpected. The ST's disappearance follows Ford's decision to drop the Fiesta ST a couple of years ago and discontinue other passenger cars, including the Mondeo. CEO Jim Farley has defended the shift away from smaller hatchbacks, saying they were 'loved by a lot of customers' but not profitable enough to keep in the lineup.
The impact on Ford's footprint in Europe is clear. According to ACEA data, Ford sold about 260,342 cars in the first eight months of the year — putting its market share on the continent at roughly 3.3 percent, behind brands such as Hyundai and Kia. Volkswagen Group brands continue to dominate, and even Skoda posted volumes nearly double Ford's in that period. For a company long synonymous with European hatchbacks, those numbers are sobering.
Hot hatchbacks: shrinking segment
The Focus ST's exit highlights a broader trend: the hot hatch segment in Europe is contracting under regulatory and commercial pressures. Notable casualties include the Honda Civic Type R, which has struggled with emissions compliance, and the disappearance of Hyundai's i20 N and i30 N from many markets. Classic models like the Peugeot 308 GTi are increasingly rare.
That said, there are still options for buyers who want compact performance:
- Volkswagen Polo GTI and Golf GTI/GTI-R
- Cupra Leon and other Cupra models
- Audi S3 and RS3 Sportback
- BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A35/A45
- Toyota GR Yaris (and the possible arrival of a GR Corolla built in the UK)
But tighter Euro 7 emissions standards and the 2035 horizon for new combustion-vehicle sales in the EU mean that the next decade will be decisive for petrol-powered performance hatches.
From the Focus ST to electrified performance
The Focus ST was celebrated for blending everyday usability with sharp handling and punchy turbocharged power — in recent years typically delivered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo producing roughly 270–280 hp in its most potent trims. Its chassis tuning, five-door practicality and distinctive styling made it a favorite among drivers who wanted a car that could both commute and tackle a twisty B-road.
As combustion hatches fade, manufacturers are nudging enthusiasts toward electric alternatives. Models aiming to capture some of that spirit include the Abarth 500e, Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and the Peugeot e-208 in sportier trims. EV hot-hatch equivalents are still evolving: they offer instant torque and impressive straight-line pace, but matching the weight distribution, engagement and chassis balance of a well-sorted petrol hot hatch remains a challenge.
Saarlouis plant and Ford’s future in Europe
The Saarlouis factory will stay open until the end of 2032, and around 1,000 jobs are expected to be retained even after car production winds down. Ford has hinted at new models on the way — but has not confirmed where they will be produced. Early signals suggest Ford will prioritize crossovers and SUVs, with a new Focus-sized model reportedly joining the Puma and Kuga in the lineup.
For purists there is still hope: a few marques continue to invest in small, driver-focused cars, and the aftermarket community will keep the spirit of the Focus ST alive for years to come.
"Pour one out for the ST," many will say — and while the nameplate may have ended, the legacy of the Focus ST will linger in European car culture long after the last unit left Saarlouis.
Key takeaways
- The final Ford Focus ST was built on Sept. 26; Focus production ends in November.
- Ford has reduced its small-car lineup, impacting European market share.
- Euro 7 and the 2035 combustion-era deadline are reshaping the hot-hatch market.
- Electric performance models are emerging but have not fully replaced petrol hot hatches.
Whether you mourn the passing of the Focus ST or welcome the shift to electrification, this moment marks a turning point in the story of compact performance cars in Europe.
Source: motor1
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