And now there's the Ford Focus ST. But just where does it fit in, and how do you make a splash in a market bursting with entertainment and catering for virtually every need? Well, the Blue Oval has always been something of a people's champion, and pricing the ST at an ultra-competitive ΂£17,495 should ensure the new hot Focus has a loyal following. That price is for the basic spec car, which still includes the cool alloys, Recaros and body styling. The ST '2' gains Xenons, an MP3-compatible Sony stereo, heated windscreen and ESP traction and stability management and costs ΂£18,495 (still less than the VXR and Megane Cup). The ST '3' comes with full leather, has electric adjustment for the seats and a six-CD autochanger and is priced more in line with the Golf GTI at ΂£19,495.

Equally enticing is the Focus ST's unique-in-class drivetrain. The Volvo-sourced turbocharged in-line five-cylinder engine not only produces a seriously muscular 222bhp and a relaxed 236lb ft from as low as 1600rpm, but the deep-chested, hollow warble instantly gives the ST a distinct and compelling character.

So, a bargain price, Golf GTI-humbling power and a rich, throbbing exhaust note make for pretty strong building-blocks for the ST to win customers and steal sales from Renault, Vauxhall, SEAT... And then there's the promise of one of those effortless Ford-patented chassis, which seem to both soothe and thrill without ever breaking into a sweat. The ST could just be the new-generation hot-hatch to top them all.

Read the full article at EVO Magazine