What is the difference between Ford ST and Ford ST-Line?
Many major car manufacturers have done it: spruce up a normal car with some sporty-looking bits, add something with a performance association to its name, and sell it on reputation. Ford is no exception, although we probably won’t see any ST or ST-Line badging again any time soon.
We’re all familiar with Ford’s ST series of performance cars, first introduced with the first-generation Focus and since applied to a variety of models – you could even get a Territory ST SUV at one stage! But the fringe products didn’t really take off in South Africa, leaving Ford SA with only the Fiesta- and Focus STs. And, sadly, both of these have since departed our market as well.
Related: This video review of the final local Ford Focus ST demonstrates why it was such a heavy hitter in its day.
This didn’t stop Ford from applying some ST badging to an SUV-crossover again (for the first time since the old Territory), however. Only, this time, it was purely a cosmetic- and appearance upgrade, and it wasn’t really called ST, either. In an attempt to direct some positive attention towards the ill-fated Kuga, the final series of this model range was topped-off with an ST-Line derivative.
But that’s it: The only time ST-Line badging was officially employed on South African soil. While Ford is still carrying on with ST models in Europe, and while the ST-Line badge is still applied to sporty-looking (but otherwise ordinary) Fiestas, Focuses, and Kugas in Europe, all ST branding is now dormant in South Africa. They left us with fond memories, but we’d love to see a return anyway...
Related: This review of the Ford Kuga ST-Line found it to be capable and attractive, but pricey when new.
