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Ford Focus 1.5T ST-Line: ST style without the thirst

Focus ST 2017 front dynamic
The Focus 1.5T ST-Line

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26 January 2017

Ford Focus 1.5T ST-Line

What is it?

Ford is the latest manufacturer to cash in on its sporting brand and for those who perhaps can’t afford or don’t need the proper ST, there’s now an ST-Line – a Ford Focus 1.5T ST-Line.

Replacing the former Zetec-S trim, the main changes for ST-Line models are a sportier bodykit, honeycomb grille, lowered stance and sporty alloy wheels. Inside, there are sports seats and a leather steering wheel.

What’s hot

    • The 1.5-litre turbo EcoBoost engine, which is best described as a more than adequate performer. It boasts a less than ST-like 148bhp, a top speed of 130mph and 0-60 acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
Focus 1.5T ST-Line
Disappointing interior
  • That 1.5-litre engine is also capable of 51.4mpg on the Combined Cycle and has CO2 emissions of 127g/km and a 24% tax band. These are figures we reckon an actual Focus ST owner would be ecstatic with, although we don’t believe that consumption and emissions feature high on the list of priorities for those buyers!
  • Even without hot hatch performance, the Focus ST-Line’s drive still impresses. There are 10mm lower springs, but the ST-Line offers a fine ride and handling balance. This Focus is stiff enough, with precise steering to be fun on a B road. However, unlike the ST, the ride is still comfortable enough whatever the British tarmac can throw at it.
  • Outside, if you squint you can convince yourself you’re driving the faster ST. The bumpers and side skirts look similar and the lowered suspension gives the right sporty feel.

What’s not 

  • You may be able to convince others you’re driving a proper Focus ST from a distance, but on closer inspection, those grey 17-inch alloys don’t really fill the arches, plus there’s only a tiny single exhaust at the back.
  • After the ST-like look to the exterior, the interior of the Focus ST-Line is disappointing. Gone are the supportive Recaro seats and luxury trim. Don’t get me wrong, it is still comfortable inside the ST-Line, but the only difference we could spot over a standard Focus was the red stitching on the standard-looking sports seats.
  • With our test car’s optional metallic paint and sat-nav, the total was £21,920 – for under £1,000 more you could be driving the real ST!

Verdict

If you’ve always liked the look of the Ford Focus ST, but have been scared by its emissions and consumption – then the Focus ST-Line in 1.5-litre Ecoboost form could be the perfect car for you.

The lowdown on the Ford Focus 1.5 Ecoboost ST-Line

List price £21,345
Doors and body style 5-door hatch
Engine/gearbox: 1.5-litre, 4cyl petrol turbo/six-speed manual transmission
CO2 Emissions: 127g/km
Economy (combined): 51.4mpg
Power/torque: 148bhp/240Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 8.9sec/130mph
Insurance group: 19

What it Costs:

P11D value £21,290
Road Tax (VED) from April 2017: £160 first year/then £140 p.a.
Company Car Tax Band 2017/18 to 2019/20: 24%, 26%, 29%
Benefit in Kind 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20: £5,110, £5,535, £6,174
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%): £1,085/£90
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%): £2,170/£181
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (20%): £1,022/£85
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (40%): £2,044/£170
Focus 1.5T ST-Line
Sporty styling but single exhaust for Focus ST-Line

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