The Ford Focus ST Mk4 had plenty of get-up-and-go right from the factory, but of course, that never stops enthusiasts from trying to coax even more power out of the sporty hatchback. Gary of Car Focused on YouTube recently got his hands on what is, quite possibly, the fastest Focus ST in the UK, packing a whopping 450 horsepower.
Matt, this Ford Focus ST owner, has had the vehicle since it was sixth months old. He's a self-described petrolhead and just couldn't leave well enough alone - and now, the hot hatch produces between 450 and 460 brake horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. That's a generous figure for any vehicle, let alone a lightweight sedan. Matt has spent quite a bit of time on tuning it and making sure the suspension and tires provided enough traction to keep it all in check.
After all that talk, it's time to turn the Ford Focus ST loose. Matt allows Gary to take it for a spin on his own, and he finds that it has three different drive modes that tailor various vehicle subsystems to the specific type of driving. "Normal" prioritizing efficiency, while "Sport" gives it a little more of a boost, and "Track" unleashes all 450 horses at once.
The first pull produces "not crazy speed," but the Ford Focus ST is definitely straining at the bit to go a little bit faster. Switching to Sport mode gives it even more of a boost, practically slamming Gary into the seat as he teases the throttle and throws it through a turn. And, finally, after keeping it in check for a minute, it's time to let it loose, showing off the full scope of its highly tuned engine.
"She's quite nice," Gary says through a grin. "What an amazing thing... this is definitely like a scalpel."
The Ford Focus ST will end its run in November, closing out its run in the UK very soon.
Only for buyers in states where the 2026 Escape can be sold.
It's the very last unfinished chassis to be completed.
It has made several appearances at that annual event.
