Focus ST and Fiesta ST axed

[fiestaz]

https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-new...ralian-line-up

That is a damn shame!

[DJM83]

Such a shame.
I enjoyed the ownership of the 2 i owned.

[Franco Cozzo]

Well this sucks - the old man was looking at a new Fiesta ST or Focus ST to replace his WZ Fiesta ST.

We were going to look at the i20N and i30N but they weren't competitively priced with the better Ford options.

So we'll be looking at Hyundai again I guess, also waiting on details of 2023 Civic Type R.

With these now gone there's nothing really on the market that's a good value buy under $60K - Ecoboost Mustang is about it and it just scrapes in at $58K DA in manual.

[Fordman1]

This is really a shame, in Ford Australia’s History, Ford small performance vehicles are Iconic: Escort, the Ford Australian Rally team in the late 70’s and very early 80’s, Focus RS, Focus ST, Fiesta ST.

I hope Ford bring the next Gen hot hatches (if there are any) to Australia. EV probably ?

Very disappointed.

[Fast Eddie]

Makes me thankful that my MkI Focus is still going strong and getting plenty of love. What are Ford Australia thinking.

[Bossxr8]

They really need the Puma ST. I was really surprised they didn't bring it in to sell beside the regular Puma's, considering the ST versions are the most profitable. But it might have been a case of not being able to get supplies from Europe.

Sad the 2 hatches are gone, but within a few years they will be replaced by EV's anyway. Hopefully with performance versions as well, because FoE does brilliant work with hot small cars.

[simon varley]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

because FoE does brilliant work with hot small cars.

this is true, but fiesta has never really been financially successful anywhere in the world, and focus for some reason never really took off here like it did in Europe. Maybe things are changing, but I wouldn't put money on seeing any sedan back here even in EV form. SUVs and Trucks seem to be where it's at for some reason

[GTP534]

I got my call from Ford this afternoon. In my situation I'm happy to accept their offer. Sad, I was looking forward to the ST-X. The lady did say it was a worldwide decision, not just affecting Australian orders.

I may switch my deposit to an Escape Vignale - will do some research as I believe there's a 2023 facelift.

[naddis01]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Well this sucks - the old man was looking at a new Fiesta ST or Focus ST to replace his WZ Fiesta ST.

We were going to look at the i20N and i30N but they weren't competitively priced with the better Ford options.

So we'll be looking at Hyundai again I guess, also waiting on details of 2023 Civic Type R.

With these now gone there's nothing really on the market that's a good value buy under $60K - Ecoboost Mustang is about it and it just scrapes in at $58K DA in manual.

We have an I20N and I think it's great for a small sporty run around. Good luck getting a new one at the moment. Last I heard Hyundai have put new orders on hold as the waiting list was out to 2 years with no guarantee of supply.

Fun fact, the I20N cost the same amount as our XR6T did back in 2013.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by naddis01

We have an I20N and I think it's great for a small sporty run around. Good luck getting a new one at the moment. Last I heard Hyundai have put new orders on hold as the waiting list was out to 2 years with no guarantee of supply.

Fun fact, the I20N cost the same amount as our XR6T did back in 2013.

Old man isn't keen on it - less power and torque than his WZ Fiesta ST with mountune package.

I suggested Kia Stinger 330S but no manual option so that's off the list - doesn't want auto car.

No more Fiesta ST and Focus ST so they're both off the list

I suspect the Civic Type R is going to be a huge increase over the outgoing model as well, given used examples are now going for $80K

He does about 35,000-40,000km/year.

I suspect he might hold off and keep the WZ ST for another year or so given what the market looks like and unless it's some soccer mum SUV or a diesel ute there's basically no other choices sub $60K for something thats manual.

[Sprintey]

Would Fiesta ST buyers go to the GR Yaris now?

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Would Fiesta ST buyers go to the GR Yaris now?

Thats what he was also asking about but they're in that $50K mark (were) so its not good value for money for the size of the car you get, you might as well as go i30N.

[Sprintey]

Ok good stuff

Also saw the Golf sales numbers and they were really low - would GTi and R be similarly constrained in availability

Franco, you know you want a Corolla Blade...

[turbo4]

Bit of a shame. When the news came out that the Focus was going to cease production in 2025, I had hoped I'd be able to get one of the last ones then. Not in the position to buy one now, unfortunately.

The really disappointing part, is that the car company that spent a century providing a great range of affordable cars(even the fun performance ones) to the majority of working people, will no longer have a performance car within the reach of most people.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by turbo4

Bit of a shame. When the news came out that the Focus was going to cease production in 2025, I had hoped I'd be able to get one of the last ones then. Not in the position to buy one now, unfortunately.

The really disappointing part, is that the car company that spent a century providing a great range of affordable cars(even the fun performance ones) to the majority of working people, will no longer have a performance car within the reach of most people.

What they have still on offer, is of not much interest to me to be honest.
Focus ST would have been the only new Ford id have purchased if wanting a new fast ford.
Now its just a 2 door RWD impractical coupe, which yeah for sure works for a lot of folks.
Id have purchased an ST over a mustang any day. (to have along side my XR6T)

[asagaai]

Happy I got a Fiesta ST mk 8.

Heated seats at no cost, 200 hp, and when turning a tight corner on 3 wheels feels like skiing downhill giant slalom around a corner.

And, with some 300nm torque, in urban averaging 6.4 litres per 100 = win...

And, sharpest steering available unless you extend to Ferrari...

[xr6turboford]

Originally Posted by Fordman1

This is really a shame, in Ford Australia’s History, Ford small performance vehicles are Iconic: Escort, the Ford Australian Rally team in the late 70’s and very early 80’s, Focus RS, Focus ST, Fiesta ST.

I hope Ford bring the next Gen hot hatches (if there are any) to Australia. EV probably ?

Very disappointed.

Don’t forget the mighty GT Cortina and GT Capri both Bathurst winners😄

[EBSXR6]

Originally Posted by simon varley

this is true, but fiesta has never really been financially successful anywhere in the world, and focus for some reason never really took off here like it did in Europe. Maybe things are changing, but I wouldn't put money on seeing any sedan back here even in EV form. SUVs and Trucks seem to be where it's at for some reason

The public perception of Ford was very bad after the DSG transmission.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by GTP534

I got my call from Ford this afternoon. In my situation I'm happy to accept their offer. Sad, I was looking forward to the ST-X. The lady did say it was a worldwide decision, not just affecting Australian orders.

I may switch my deposit to an Escape Vignale - will do some research as I believe there's a 2023 facelift.

If for the updated exterior only, I'd definitely wait for it...takes way some of the "gumby-look"
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...ad-2023-launch

[XtRmn8]

For anyone after a facelift Focus ST, there are definitely some that arrived in July. We test drove one in WA and the dealer had 3 that were fresh of the boat.

Cracker car and the new sync 4 screen and seats were awesome ��

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Fordman1

This is really a shame, in Ford Australia’s History, Ford small performance vehicles are Iconic: Escort, the Ford Australian Rally team in the late 70’s and very early 80’s, Focus RS, Focus ST, Fiesta ST.

I hope Ford bring the next Gen hot hatches (if there are any) to Australia. EV probably ?

Very disappointed.

When Ford changes, they do it wholesale, such a shame that it didn’t do a final series to send them out as winners…Ford Aus was masters with this and the final Falcons, shame someone wasn’t watching….

I wouldn’t be surprised if Ford starts offering all kinds of Euro EVs in the next few years….provided they can supply them…

[au2000]

it's a shame but not unpredictable,
Ford has made it clear as many manufacturers have that going electric is on the cards given how some countries have mandated to removal of ICE vehicles.
& with the slow removal of options & models in the focus & fiesta ranges of late, reminded me of the same pattern Ford did when removing Falcons (BFIII) wagon anyone?
so Ford OZ range now is,
Puma,
Escape,
Everest,
Ranger,
Mustang,
Transit,
Which models do we know from that list apart from transit have been confirmed as going electric?

[Cashie]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Well this sucks - the old man was looking at a new Fiesta ST or Focus ST to replace his WZ Fiesta ST.

We were going to look at the i20N and i30N but they weren't competitively priced with the better Ford options.

So we'll be looking at Hyundai again I guess, also waiting on details of 2023 Civic Type R.

With these now gone there's nothing really on the market that's a good value buy under $60K - Ecoboost Mustang is about it and it just scrapes in at $58K DA in manual.

I still reckon the Ecoboost Mustang is good buying and a great drive. Im amazed every time I drive ours.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Cashie

I still reckon the Ecoboost Mustang is good buying and a great drive. Im amazed every time I drive ours.

I'm trying to push him in that direction, looks like a good buy at the $60K mark, comes in manual while still being good on fuel.

[Cashie]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm trying to push him in that direction, looks like a good buy at the $60K mark, comes in manual while still being good on fuel.

And pretty quick really. Only really misses the V8 soundtrack and the thirst.
The money saved over the V8 is not small either.

[csv8]

au 2000 how much longer will the Puma be available ???

[vbomber]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Ok good stuff

Also saw the Golf sales numbers and they were really low - would GTi and R be similarly constrained in availability

Franco, you know you want a Corolla Blade...

Speaking of Golf new VW boss wouldn't confirm a MK9 is coming

[CyberWasp]

If you had of told someone 10 years ago that the Mustang would be the only passenger car in the Ford Oz Range in 2023 they would have asked you what are you smoking.

[simon varley]

Originally Posted by csv8

au 2000 how much longer will the Puma be available ???

I think this one is around for a while yet. They've just facelifted, and spent money on the plant in Romania. I'd expect an EV soon too

[au2000]

God knows tbh..