AXED: Ford Focus ST, Fiesta ST exit Australia; just 40 Focus ST hatches available

The Ford Focus ST will leave Australia this year after having first been confirmed for a global end by 2025 as part of a broader decision to end the Focus line.

The Focus ST will be joined by the smaller Fiesta ST in departing our market early, with both being retired by the end of the year.

Availability will surely end much sooner, however, with just 40 examples of the new facelifted Focus ST secured for Australia. With new looks and new tech, the MY22 Focus ST will likely become a collector’s item over time.

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Specific numbers for the Fiesta ST are less clear. Speaking with Wheels Media today, a Ford spokesperson confirmed all existing orders will be fulfilled and new orders can still be placed, but availability is expected to taper off towards the end of 2022.

Hot hatch fans are sure to miss the Focus ST and Fiesta ST, but thanks to models like the Hyundai i30 N and i20 N, and the new Toyota GR Yaris – all relative newcomers – the number of options in the segment remains decent. The future of the Megane RS could be a little shaky, but at the same time, Honda’s new-generation Civic Type R is bound for Australia.

The game of hot-hatch musical chairs goes on…

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Sales performance

Ford says it sold 285 Focus ST models in 2021 and 72 year-to-date in 2022, all pre-facelift examples.

Numbers for the compact Fiesta ST are similar: 290 were sold in 2021 and 71 have been sold year-to-date in 2022.

Semi-conductors and sad goodbyes

“Both the Focus ST and Fiesta ST have been segment-defining hot hatches for Ford Australia and have put smiles on the faces of enthusiasts across the country, and we want to thank those fans for their passion,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia.

“But with semi-conductor-related supply shortages and our focus on emerging areas of growth, we’ve made the difficult decision to call time on these iconic hot hatches in Australia. We look forward to sharing more about the next era of our performance vehicle line-up soon,” Birkic said.

This latest announcement follows the retirement of the regular Fiesta range in 2018, and last year’s axing of all Focus variants below the hero ST hatch.

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Mustang!

Birkic's mention of a 'next era of performance vehicles' is sure to be a reference to the new-generation Mustang. The new S650 generation is expected to come to Australia next year after its big reveal next month.

SUVs, utes, vans... and the Mach-E?

The exit of both its hot hatches will see Ford focus its local strategy on – mostly – SUVs, commercial vehicles (utes and vans) and electrification.

Confirmation on an Australian launch of the electric Mustang Mach-E has yet to be offered, but with right-hand-drive production already in play, speculation remains strong.

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Parts and maintenance plan assured

Ford has confirmed Focus ST, ST X and Fiesta ST owners will continue to be supported with access to spare parts and maintenance – as is the company’s obligation under the Australian Consumer Law.