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Ford Focus ST running costs and reliability

2006 - 2010 (change model)

Running costs rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019 Updated: 10 October 2023

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 30 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

It’ll be the most expensive Focus to run, but costs won’t be too bad when you consider the performance. Insurance grouping is 17, it can manage more than 30mpg and Ford servicing is always cost effective with reasonable service intervals. In terms of depreciation you’ll probably lose similar money to any of its immediate rivals but hard driving will see you get through plenty of front tyres.

The ST scores fairly badly on the eco front – no surprise considering it’s a hot hatch. But emissions of 224g/km CO2 are still quite high compared to rivals. It’s not very frugal either, averaging around 30mpg.

The 2.5-litre engine has proved reliable in Volvo cars and this has been the case with the ST. We haven’t heard of any problems so far.