Ford Focus ST review – MPG and running costs
MPG will hover in the low 30s, but you won’t get much better than that
The Focus ST is capable of a combined 33-36mpg whether hatchback or estate, with CO2 emissions of 179g/km for each. The auto shrinks this range down to 34-35mpg. In reality, the lower figures for both are about right for day-to-day use, so it’s not quite as thirsty as the Hyundai i30 N, but is noticeably less efficient than its GTI or Audi S3 German rivals.
The standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres are of high quality, but do have a relatively high wear rating. Half-decent sidewalls also make them pretty resilient, so there won’t be any FK8 Civic Type R antics with tyres bursting over the slightest of potholes.
Ford’s 2.3-litre engine has also proven to be reliable, and despite the high torque figure, the engine is actually fairly under-stressed in this European tune. Build quality in this generation of Focus has also been proven to be resilient, and despite some average plastics on the inside, the cabin resists wear well.
Splash out on the Track Pack and those Trofeo R tyres will be the biggest replacement cost, as while they’re tough around a track, their even lower wear rating will mean they’ll need replacing more often. If you’re a fan of trackdays, the Brembos will also be worked hard. While they’ll be more resilient to constant usage on a track than the standard brakes, it doesn’t reduce wear, so make sure you factor in the cost of the more expensive pads and discs.
