Ford Focus ST review – interior and tech
New digital interface highlights an inoffensive cabin
There’s little to complain about with the ST’s cabin, as while it’s not the most inspiring design, it’s functional and well built. It also has a considerably better driving position than the previous few Focus models. The main touchpoints are sound, with good adjustment in wheel and seat. Some may find the flat-bottomed steering wheel rim a little chubby and the gearshift action a little notchy, but Ford has generally got the basics right, including well-spaced pedals.
The figure-hugging Recaros of the pre-facelift model have been replaced in the 2022 update, with new in-house seats that are both heated and electrically adjustable. They’re just as supportive as the old seats, and unlock a little more rear legroom thanks to their reprofiled seatback.
The other big upgrade for the facelift is the huge new digital interface. In fact, it’s so big that it only just fits onto the dashboard’s ledge, looking sort of like a 60-inch television that’s been crammed onto a too-small mantle. But the flipside is that the new screen is a huge improvement over the last one, with much clearer graphics and higher resolution. The air con controls have now been integrated into the system, but they’re static on the screen, and aren’t a deal breaker (unlike those found in a modern Golf or Leon).
It’s also spacious inside, and the 375-litre boot is much more generous than the mean little cubby of its predecessor – it’s 60 litres larger than before.
