Ford Focus ST hatchback (2015-2018) - Practicality & boot space
The Ford Focus ST hatchback has a boot that’s a lot smaller than its rivals’
The Focus ST is only available as a five-door hatchback or estate, which means there are obvious practicality benefits over three-door rivals such as the Renault Megane Renaultsport and Vauxhall Astra VXR.
Ford Focus ST interior space & storage
The biggest disappointment with the ST is that, while it’s larger outside than the car it replaced, interior space has taken a hit. The glovebox is a reasonable size, but the central armrest is on the small side. You do get two cup-holders and a 12v power socket, however the door bins’ capacity could also be more generous.
In the back, there are seatback pockets and a reasonable amount of space for rear-seat passengers, but small windows mean it feels a little claustrophobic and the middle rear seat is a squeeze for adults.
Boot space
Luggage room is a bit of a weak point in the Focus, too. A seats-up capacity of 316 litres is only 17 litres more than you get in the smaller Ford Fiesta, while the Focus trails its main rivals (the VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra) by 64 and 54 litres respectively. Fold the rear seats down and this rises to 1,101 litres, but this is still some 100 litres behind the class front-runners.
There are some plus points, though: the boot floor is flat and doesn’t have any wheelarch intrusion, the 60:40 split rear seats fold down easily, there’s a completely flat load floor when they’re lowered and the tailgate has a wide opening.
If you need more space, you can always go for the Ford Focus ST estate – it has a 476-litre boot that grows to 1,502 litres with the rear seats folded down. For a fast car with an even bigger boot, read our review of the excellent Skoda Octavia vRS estate, which has a standard load capacity of 610 litres.
Towing
Unfortunately, you can’t tow with the Focus ST hot hatchback – its exhaust sits under the middle of the bumper, meaning it’s impossible to fit a tow bar.
