Ford has always made some of the best hot hatches – even their lowest powered cars are still fun to drive – so I was excited to take custody of the latest Focus ST for a week.
The ST used to be the second fastest Focus hot hatch, sitting under the mighty Focus RS, with its 350bhp and four-wheel drive set up.
Ford has stopped making that fire breather, however (though rumour has it a new RS with 400bhp might be in the offing…) so for the moment the ST is the top dog.
It’s available in five-door hatchback or estate guises and with a 2.3 litre, 276bhp petrol engine or a 2.0 litre, 190bhp diesel unit.
I drove the ‘sensible’ diesel version in hatchback format, which costs a very reasonable £30,575.
The petrol model is the real rocketship of the range but the diesel versions is no slouch either. Zero to 62mph comes up in 7.6 seconds and 400Nm of torque means it pulls strongly even with four people inside. Somehow Ford’s engineers have managed to make the exhaust note as sporty as the petrol and there’s a pleasing roar as you surge forward.
The upside of going for the diesel is excellent economy. Even enjoying the car’s performance, the trip computer still read almost 51mpg when I handed back the keys after a week.
There’s a six-speed manual gearbox, though you can go for a seven-speed auto, and different drive modes that tailor the car’s responses.
The upside is a hatchback that’s a joy to take for a spin, and provides more fun than I ever thought a diesel car could. The suspension is firm but not too harsh for long journeys.
Inside, sports seats hug you tight while Ford’s touchscreen system is easy to use. Heated seats and steering wheel in my model made setting off on an autumn morning more comfortable.
It’s practical too, with space for four adults and a big boot. There’s very little to criticise in this great all rounder.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk