What does ST stand for in Ford?
There are a range of impressive ST models to choose from – but what do those letters actually mean?
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In the Ford lineup, ST stands for ‘Sports Technologies’ and is a trim that offers sporty cars that excel in styling and performance.
You’ll get the charm and durability of traditional Ford cars with a pop of sporty flare that will be appreciated by many motorists.
How the ST model differs from standard models
Ford ST models get extra touches that increase the sporty appeal of the car.
Not only do the engine options get an upgrade that make them a more powerful drive, they also get unique styling that helps them stand out from other Ford models on offer.
You’ll notice that Ford ST models get extras like flashier and larger alloy wheels, larger air intakes on a redesigned front bumper, a large rear spoiler, and added side skirts.
These will differ depending on the ST model you choose, making models like the Focus ST and Fiesta ST being difficult to choose between.
It’s worth noting that ST-Line and ST trim models are different. ST-Line options get sportier styling and a flashier feel, but don’t get the performance upgrades that come with the ST models.
What are they like to drive?
The Ford Focus ST and the Fiesta ST are spiced-up alternatives to the original options.
There are different engines to choose from, plus suspension on ST models is also stiffer for improved handling.
The Fiesta ST offers a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, while the Focus has a 2.0-litre turbocharged setup.
The Focus is slightly peppier, with a 0-62mph statistic of 6.5 seconds and 247hp that rivals the already impressive 182hp from the Fiesta, which is only slightly slower on the 0-62mph stretch.
Both models offer a smooth drive that’s definitely more powerful than standard Ford models.
They’re still fuel efficient as well, with the Fiesta being the winner. You can expect up to 47.9mpg from official statistics, while the Focus offers up to 41.5mpg.
Interior and technology
The interior of the Ford ST lineup continues with the sporty touches that make these models stand out in the range.
Depending on the age of your ST model, you’ll get Recaro racing seats or similar Ford Performance seats that are shapely and keep you snuggly held in place.
There’s a 13.2-inch Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment unit in the latest Focus ST model, while the Fiesta ST gets a smaller screen with the same Sync software.
This means you can easily use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as other infotainment features, while you drive.
The build quality across the entire Ford ST range is impressive. Many of the knobs and switches in the latest models have been replaced by touchscreen controls that are easy to navigate.
You can even cycle through driving modes using the touchscreen or steering wheel, depending on the model you pick.
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Bootspace and practicality
While the ST lineup is dedicated to performance and sporty good looks, they’re still a great contender for a practical model and could even make for a spicy small family car.
The Ford Focus ST offers a 375-litre boot that will be large enough for most motorists and rivals the 375-litre boot in the Golf GTD.
The Fiesta ST is the smaller option in the lineup, and has a 292-litre boot at the rear that can be extended to 1,093 litres if you drop the rear seats.
Both models are as practical as their non-ST siblings and function great as a daily runner.
Safety and reliability
While the Ford Focus ST and Fiesta ST haven’t been tested individually by Euro NCAP, standard Fiesta and Focus models get a full five-star safety rating.
This is a good indicator of the safety standard you can expect from each vehicle, with both models offering standard safety features like ISOFIX car seat points.
Ford is rated as a reliable manufacturer all round, and the ST models get the same praise.
The standard Fiesta and Focus models are rated highly on reliability surveys, and you can easily find positive reviews for the ST variants as well.
Size and dimensions
There will be a variation between the size and dimensions of Ford ST models depending on the option you choose, and there may be variation between models in the same lineup depending on the age of the car.
It’s best to check the measurements of the specific car you’re considering if the details are important to you.
Ford Fiesta ST dimensions
Length: 4,068mm
Width: 1,735mm
Height: 1,469mm
Ford Focus ST dimensions
Length: 4,378mm
Width: 1,825mm
Height: 1,454mm
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Who the ST is best suited for?
Models in the Ford ST lineup are best suited for motorists who want to add a sporty feel to their drive but aren’t committed to an all-out sports car.
You’ll still have the sporty looks and punchy drive, but these are cars that can be easily used every day.
In fact, cinch motoring editor Sam Sheehan claims that the Focus ST is “the Focus in its most optimised and exciting form”.
ST models are claimed as reliable and safe, and there are plenty of positive reviews out there if you don’t want to just take our word on it.
If you’re not completely sold on the ST, a Ford ST-Line trim is another good option for a sporty look without the matching performance. It’s a great midway model for fiery visuals with a polite engine.
You can also find used Ford Focus and Fiesta ST models on finance deals, spreading the cost across an initial payment and the following monthly bills.
Considering Personal Contract Purchase or Hire Purchase for a Ford ST model could be a good option to avoid the large upfront cost.
What does the ST stand for on a Ford? Well, now you know!
There are no secrets surrounding the Ford ST line-up – these are Sports Technologies vehicles that prioritise living up to that name.
You might also be tempted by Ford RS models like the Focus RS if you like a feisty car with plenty of power on offer.