What is the Ford ST-Line?
Learn about Ford's ST-Line trim package and the sporty styling upgrades it adds to regular models across the range
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A Ford ST-Line model is a perfect balance between more common models and expensive performance ‘ST’ versions, which means it is very appealing.
Whether you’re wondering ‘What does ST-Line mean?’ or ‘How can I spot a Ford ST-Line?’, we’ve outlined all the key differences between these stylish models and their non-sporty counterparts.
What does ST-Line stand for?
ST-Line is the name given to Ford’s sporty-looking mainstream models – they’re meant to look like the performance ST cars, but they’re available with more economical engines at a more affordable price.
ST stands for Sports Technologies, and while an ST-Line model doesn’t have the most sporty engine, it still benefits from a sporty makeover and other performance parts.
Difference between ST and ST-Line
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The primary difference between an ST and an ST-Line is the engine. The ’full’ ST model gets a unique, high-performance power option.
Ford’s performance ST models are actually built on the high-spec ST-Line versions, so ST-Line versions already have many of the things you’d get on the full-fat hot hatch.
For example, a Ford ST-Line will have stiffer suspension that’s been lowered compared to other trim levels.It’ll also have aggressive body styling with distinctive elements like bigger exhausts,a spoiler and eye-catching alloy wheels.
Apart from a few other sporty details, like model-specific styling and performance enhancements like a limited-slip differential, the most noticeable upgrade for ST models is the engine.
Differences between ST-Line and ST-Line X
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Both mainstream trim levels, an ST-Line X model is a higher-specification trim level that comes with even more equipment than the already well-equipped ST-Line.
What you’ll get when upgrading from an ST-Line to an ST-Line X car depends on the vehicle you’re looking at and its model year.
As a guide, newer Focus models finished in ST-Line trim come with plenty of luxuries, like keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors and a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
ST-Line X cars add even more car tech, like heated seats, a heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging, plus more high-quality materials such as faux-leather upholstery instead of cloth.
Exterior design of Ford ST-Line models
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Ford ST-Line models are designed to look the part while being relatively cheap to run, and to the untrained eye, it can be tricky to tell them apart from the ST models.
Compared with non-sporty variants, such as Titanium and Zetec, ST-Line variants can be picked out from a crowd pretty easily.
They differ in their more aggressive bumper designs, spoilers and large, striking alloy wheels. They also have a darker colour palette, so the grille is usually finished in black rather than chrome.
Another telltale sign would be the ST-Line badging, which appears on various parts both inside and outside the car.
Interior styling with ST-Line trim
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There’s plenty going on inside, too, so you’ll still be able to tell that you’re in a sporty model without having to catch a glimpse of the outside.
The clearest difference is in the front, where the driver and passenger seats are upgraded to be more supportive. They feature more side bolstering, similar to the Recaro sports seats you get in the ST models.
If you’ve got a keen eye, you’ll also notice some other subtle changes, such as the change in seat stitching colour from grey in standard models to red in sporty ST-Line models.
Ford model ranges with ST-Line
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Over the years, almost every Ford car has been available with an ST-Line variant—higher-spec editions have also been called ST-Line X and ST-Line Vignale. And, for a time, some also had ‘Edition’ after their name.
Some of Ford’s most popular models, including the Fiesta and Focus, are very popular in ST-Line trim.
Other sporty-looking models include the Mondeo ST-Line, EcoSport ST-Line, Puma ST-Line, Kuga ST-Line, Edge ST-Line and S-Max ST-Line.
All of Ford’s other people carriers, including the B-Max, C-Max, Grand C-Max and Galaxy, as well as van-based models, are not available in ST-Line trim.
Ford’s electric cars, like the Mustang Mach-E also have separate trim level options, which means ST-Line is not an option. The petrol-powered Mustang also has its own unique trims.
Is the Ford ST-Line worth the upgrade?
ST-Line is a worthwhile upgrade for drivers who want a sporty look without forking out for high running costs.
You’ll be pleased to know that an ST-Line model might also be similar in price to other well-equipped models, like Titanium and Active, and you can get ST-Line X cars for similar prices to ‘X’ variants of other trim levels (e.g. Titanium X).