Prepare for some heartbreak, hot hatch enthusiasts.
Ford Australia is killing off the beloved Fiesta ST and Focus ST pocket rockets, due in large part to ongoing supply headaches out of Europe where they’re built.
Since these were the only versions of each model offered it also means by extension the entire Fiesta and Focus nameplates are about to be retired in Australia.
Focus ST
While there are a few more small-volume shipments inbound before year’s end, most of these will go to existing order holders – with a tiny number to be made available to punters able to make it to a dealer in time.
Ford tells us that it has secured a further 40 Focus STs, soon to be on the way without a buyer attached – for now.
It’s also understood a small number of order holders – mostly related to the high-spec Focus ST X – will be contacted by Ford and told their specific cars aren’t coming.
Fiesta ST
“We have a small number on their way to Australia, and a small number of Focus ST X that have been contracted but won’t be able to be built,” confirmed a Ford spokesperson.
“We are offering those customers a full refund of their deposit, a Ford Performance Pack and a $400 Digital Mastercard payment.”
The early deaths of these two beloved hot hatches – in Australia at least – comes just weeks after Ford Australia had to halt orders on the Mustang from the US, due to supply shortages.
Unlike with the Euro hot hatch pair, Ford has no plans to stop selling Mustangs, and is in fact preparing for the reveal of a new-generation model in Detroit next month.
“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 Ford Australia president and CEO Andrew Birkic.
“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,” said Mr Birkic.
These “emerging areas of growth” are unsurprisingly SUVs, utes, and electrified vehicles – the lattermost area being the one where Ford Australia currently trails most competitors.
Ford Australia’s only electrified product here right now is the Escape PHEV, though the e-Transit EV will arrive this year, and the smaller E-transit Custom EV is slated for 2024.
Ford Australia has previously pledged at least five electrified vehicles by the end of 2024. We’re hoping for the Mustang Mach-E and the promised Ranger PHEV.
As to future Ford hot hatch replacements?
The best bet that aligns with its plans to focus on crossovers and utes would be to import the European Puma ST – potentially after its mid-life update when a dual-clutch transmission is rumoured to be joining the range.
Meanwhile, those after a Fiesta ST still have the Hyundai i20 N, Volkswagen Polo GTI, Suzuki Swift Sport, and Mini Cooper S.
Prospective Focus ST owners can switch to a Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai i30 N, Cupra Leon, Subaru WRX, or Renault Megane R.S.
Keyword: Ford Fiesta ST and Focus ST axed from Australian line-up