Believe it or not, but hot-hatches are a dying breed. The advent of electric vehicles and the sudden and ever-rising urge to have an SUV over anything; has made survival for the grin-worthy hot-hatches quite tricky. And frankly, there aren't many options out there to make for a vibrant palette.

The iconic Honda Civic Type R leads the way and is followed by the Hyundai Veloster N, the Volkswagen Golf GTi, and the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP. But if you think of it, none of these are made from an American automaker, which brings us to Ford. The Blue-oval automaker once provided us with a beautiful hot-hatch in the form of the Focus ST. It was 'fire', and ironically was the reason for most of its competitors to existing so profoundly.

But Ford decided to stop selling its grin-worthy bunch of cars in the US and now, we are mere spectators of drool-worthy cars like the new Ford Focus ST Edition which will be sold in select European markets, including the UK. Yes! It's time to be very envious of your friends in Europe and stare at the images of this electrifying hot-hatch that upholds driving pleasure over anything else.

We give a detailed insight into this gem of a hot-hatch and tell you why the new Ford Focus ST Edition is forbidden fruit for us.

The Most Ambitious Hot-Hatch From Ford Yet

Ford Focus ST Edition side view
Via: Media.ford.com

The 'ST' badging from Ford clearly indicates serious driving pedigree. If you ever find yourself in a Ford that has this sinister red badging on the front, the experience is going to be sweet and adrenaline-pumping. Over the years, Ford's formula for a hot-hatch has been quite simple - An extremely peppy EcoBoost motor coupled to a stick shift (very important), dramatized by a drooling exhaust note and exterior shades to brighten up your life.

Ford Focus ST Edition rear badging close-up view
Via: Media.ford.com

This year, with the new Ford Focus ST Edition, they have managed to raise the bar even higher with more mechanical updates to make it a driver's paradise. Ford has configured the ST Edition's chassis after extensive testing by Ford Performance, at places including Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Focus ST Edition's Powertrain Is Unchanged But Wiser

Ford Focus ST Edition front third quarter view
Via: Media.ford.com

If you think that Ford has surprised us with a cheeky new V6 under the hood, you are wrong! There are literally no changes under the hood, and Ford has kept the extremely raspy 276 HP 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. The gem here remains the 6-Speed manual gearbox that is sure to bring out the child in us.

Ford Focus ST Edition gearbox close-up view
Via: Topgear.com

The ST Edition keeps Ford's electronic limited-slip differential which when coupled with its drive modes, paves for an unreal driving experience that is sure to want you to crave for more. 'Track mode' is one to die for here. Even in its most extreme format, the Ford Focus ST Edition does 0-62 MPH in 5.7 seconds and has a restricted top speed of 155 MPH.

Related: 10 Hot Hatches We'd Take To A Track Day Over Any Supercar

Sorcery Lies In Its New Manually-Adjustable Suspension

Ford Focus ST Edition wheels close-up view
Via: Media.ford.com

The new Ford Focus gets manually adjustable suspension. Yes! We guess that is the most control you can get. The 2-way adjustable suspension system is made by KW Automotive and features twin-tube stainless steel damper housings and blue powder-coated springs. The ride height is lower by 10 mm as compared to a standard Focus ST, with a 20 mm adjustment offered to the customer.

Ford Focus ST Edition rear third quarter accelerating view
Via: Media.ford.com

It gets 12 jounce settings (compression), and 16 rebound settings. This paves for a much-curated driving experience ever seen in a hot-hatch. Ford also provides a technical document with recommended settings for a variety of driving conditions, with one specifically for the Nürburgring. Life is fun, for sure (but not for us!).

Coupling this impressive freedom, are lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels which are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. These wheels are constructed specifically to reduce unsprung mass. The result is a package that is designed to make you feel Godly in corners.

Focus ST Edition Exterior Gets An 'Electrifying' Appeal

Ford Focus ST Edition hooning in the city streets
Via: Media.ford.com

Even with the hot-hatch tag, the Ford Focus ST Edition still manages to have a practical 5-door layout. Its sporty avatar is highlighted with the distinctive Azure blue exterior paint job. It looks cooler with contrasting black elements.

These include the front bumper winds, door-mirror caps, the upper front grille, and the rear roof spoiler and diffuser panel. The roof is also blacked-out and you are reminded of the impressive track-ready machine, with the humble red 'ST' badging in the front grille. Its lightweight 19-inch wheels are blacked-out as well.

Related: Ranking The Fastest Hot Hatches Of 2021

Recaro Seats For A Sporty Black-Blue Interior

Ford Focus ST Edition dashboard layout view
Via: Media.ford.com

The interior is not differentiated much from the standard Focus ST. It does get standard part-leather black Recaro seats with contrasting Ford Performance blue stitching. The same black-blue treatment is given to its leather ST steering wheel, gear gaiter, center console knee pads, and floor mats. The Start/ Stop button is finished in a red shade to mimic the ST badges.

Why Is The Ford Focus ST Edition Not Sold In The US

Ford Focus ST Edition rear third quarter hd wallpaper
Via: Media.ford.com

The answer to this is because of the same painful decision that Ford took in 2018 when they decided to stop selling all fun-loving cars in the US and stick to just SUVs and trucks. Financially they were tied, and it was the wiser decision. But for performance-nuts, it was a sad sad day. Fast forward now, we are not getting the 2021 Ford Focus ST Edition primarily for the same reason.

Ford Focus ST Edition front third quarter cornering view
Via: Media.ford.com

Also, complying with US emission norms happens to be the nail on this coffin. There were rumors in between, of the return of Ford Focus RS, but no further developments on that yet. The hard truth is that the Ford Focus ST Edition is forbidden fruit and the only way to get hold of one, is to migrate right away to the UK!

Sources: Media.ford.com, Topgear.com, Motor1.com, Roadandtrack.com