About This Ford Focus ST 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Ford Focus ST 2017 sits on a set of 18×9 / 18×9-inch Enkei RPF1 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Enkei for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Ford Focus ST builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Enkei RPF1 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Enkei RPF1 on the Ford Focus ST 2017
I walked around this Focus ST last weekend and the fitment immediately caught my eye. The 18x9 Enkei RPF1 is a legendary choice for a reason. Throwing a nine-inch wide wheel on this chassis transforms the entire stance.
That +35 offset pushes the wheels right to the edge of the fenders. It gives the car a much wider track than the stock setup. The wheels sit flush without looking like a cartoon project.
Caliper clearance is usually a nightmare on the ST, but these RPF1 spokes clear the factory brakes with room to spare. You do not need spacers to make these fit over the iron. It is a clean, bolt-on affair that keeps the hub bore tight.
The 18-inch diameter keeps the proportions perfect for the MK3 body lines. Anything larger looks like a wagon wheel, and anything smaller gets lost in the wheel well. This size keeps the sidewall meat happy for daily driving.
Because you are running a +35 offset, you need to watch your tire choice closely. I suggest a 245-width tire to avoid cutting into your plastic liners. If you go wider, you will definitely kiss the fenders on big bumps.
The coilovers make this entire setup possible. Without the drop, these wheels would poke too far and look awkward. The suspension geometry pulls the top of the wheel in just enough to clear the metal arch.
Watch out for rubbing on the rear tabs when you hit deep dips. You might need to trim the inner fender lining to keep things silent. It is a small price to pay for this kind of aggressive aesthetic.
The RPF1 barrel design is iconic for its weight savings and structural strength. You can feel the difference in unsprung weight the moment you pull out of the driveway. This build does not just look fast; it actually handles better.
What We Recommend for Ford Focus ST 2017 Owners
If you want to replicate this, stay square. A square 18x9 setup allows you to rotate your tires and keep your handling balanced. Staggered setups on a front-wheel-drive platform like this are a waste of time.
Aim for an offset between +35 and +40. Anything lower than +35 will require serious fender work that you probably want to avoid. You want that poke without the headache of shredded tires.
Do not go crazy with tire stretch unless you are building a pure show car. A meaty 245/40/18 tire provides the best protection for the rim edge. It also gives you the grip you need to actually use the turbo.
Many guys make the mistake of buying cheap cast wheels that crack after one pothole. The Enkei RPF1 uses a flow-forming process that handles street abuse beautifully. Save your money and buy a wheel that lasts.
If you choose to run coilovers, dial in a little bit of negative camber. A degree or two will pull the top of the tire under the fender. This makes the fitment look intentional and keeps your paint job safe.
Always verify your hub rings. The RPF1 needs specific rings to center the wheel on the Ford hub properly. Without them, you will deal with a nasty steering wheel vibration at highway speeds.
Style and Build Analysis
The gold finish against the body color of this ST is an absolute masterclass in contrast. Gold on white or grey makes the car pop immediately. It gives the hatch a rally-bred pedigree that screams performance.
The RPF1 design is busy but purposeful. The thin, multiple spokes draw the eye toward the center of the wheel. They look light and airy compared to the heavy stock Ford wheels.
Proportionally, this build sits perfectly over the rubber. The coilovers have dialed out the unsightly gap that plagues the factory suspension. The car looks planted, stable, and ready to carve up a canyon road.
I have seen a lot of Focus ST builds, but this one feels cohesive. Many owners slap on parts that do not work together. This build balances the aggressive offset with a clean, functional tire choice.
Road presence is a huge factor for this platform. Most people see an ST and think it is just a commuter car. With these gold wheels and that stance, this car demands respect from everyone at the stoplight.
Why We Love This Build
This car hits different because it feels finished. The gold RPF1s catch the afternoon light and highlight every curve of the MK3 body. When the car rolls, the spokes blur into a beautiful, purposeful ring of color.
We love this build because it does not compromise. It looks like a track car that you can drive to work. Every time I see it parked, I want to jump in and find the nearest set of twisty corners.
It is the perfect balance of function and style that every owner dreams of achieving. Stop overthinking your build and just go grab a set of gold RPF1s. Your Focus ST deserves to look this good.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Ford Focus ST 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Enkei RPF1
- Wheel Size: 18×9 / 18×9
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Gold
- Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 235/40 25.4″x9.3″ / 235/40 25.4″x9.3″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Ford Focus ST owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×9 / 18×9-inch wheels fit my Ford Focus ST? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Ford Focus ST owners run 18×9 / 18×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
