Category: Hot Hatchbacks 
Price Range: No data available
Fast, well-equipped, sounds fantastic.
Feels nose-heavy, expensive running costs.
Full of character and surprisingly grown-up hot hatch limited by its big thirst.
Hot hatches and fast Fords are synonymous with British car culture, so an all-new Focus ST - taking on the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Honda Civic Type-R - should get a few pulses rising across the UK.
The Mondeo-style front snout doesn't mean there's a new ST, though: like the 2008 Focus on which it's based, it's just a thorough facelift.
But before the disappointment takes hold, the comprehensive sheet metal changes introduce a higher quality interior, a starter button and more equipment across the three trim levels. This ST is also more refined.
The glorious 222bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder carries over and the 0-62mph of 6.8 seconds and top speed of 150mph remain unchanged.
If this isn't enough, until the 2009 280bhp Focus RS arrives, there will be a 260bhp Mountune engine upgrade offered by dealers, supported by the Ford warranty.
As we'll see, even without the forthcoming engine upgrades, the subtle improvements go some way to widening the appeal of the sportiest Focus, making it more desirable than ever before. But has new, sharp-suited ST finally got what it takes to top a very talented class?
Prices start from £18,250 for the base ST and reach £20,850 for the range-topping ST-3.
