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.
Ergonomically, even after the 2008 revisions, ST drivers are still perched a little too high. Passengers in the rear could also feel a little cramped when compared to some of the competition, but they will be treated to one of the supplest rides in the hot hatch class, avoiding the borderline intolerable harshness of the Civic Type-R.
Equipment-wise, ESP stability control is now standard across the ST range, in line with the rest of the Focus range. Ford has equipped its sportiest focus model with the anti-misfuelling device fitted to the Mondeo to ensure that potentially costly diesel into petrol mistakes are a thing of the past.
Otherwise, equipment levels are impressive. Base ST models gain Recaro seats and 18" alloys, while ST-2 models (£1,000) add the Sony radio upgrade, bi-xenon lamps and a heated front screen.
Pay an extra £2,000 for the range-topping ST-3 and you get a full leather interior and a dash-mounted six-CD player.
