Fast yet refined, the new Ford Focus ST offers a mouth-watering performance package for the enthusiast driver and, with on-the-road prices from £17,495, establishes a new value benchmark in the UK market.

The exciting new Focus ST is a significant evolution of Ford's ST brand, delivering an addictive combination of performance and affordability – something the blue oval has pioneered over the last 20 years - since the days of the Escort XR3 and RS Turbo.

The new Focus ST is the most powerful Focus road car developed to date and has proved its potential by lapping the infamous Nurbürgring a full 10sec faster than the original Focus RS, itself a modern performance icon. Ford TeamRS, the company's UK-based racing and performance arm, has developed a car specifically for the performance enthusiast without compromising day-to-day comfort or practicality.

Focus ST is available to order from 1st October in three specifications and in an exciting choice of colours including Performance Blue, Panther Black, Colorado Red, Sea Grey and an eye-catching Electric Orange.

Focus ST £17,495
Standard specification includes a characterful 2.5-litre Duratec five-cylinder 20-valve turbocharged engine developing 225PS at 6,100rpm and 320Nm of torque at just 1,600rpm. Unique 18in alloy wheels, three-spoke leather-clad steering wheel, special ST body styling and a large rear spoiler complete the sporting credentials. Inside, Recaro sports seats, black headliner, 'submarine' lighting, a six-speed close-ratio gearbox, and unique additional instrument pod containing a turbo boost pressure gauge, and oil temperature and pressure dials, all come as standard.

Focus ST 2 £18,495
More generously specified than the Astra VXR, Focus ST 2 is also positioned £500 cheaper. Furthermore, it costs a significant £1,500 less than a four-cylinder Golf GTI. Additional specification over the Focus ST includes an MP3-compatible Sony CD/radio system, Xenon Headlamps, heated front windscreen and ESP traction and stability management.

Focus ST 3 £19,495
Focus ST 3 adds electric 10-way adjustable Recaro front seats, full leather trim and a Sony six-CD autochanger to Focus ST 2 specification.

Power for performance
Unique in this segment, the ST's turbocharged five-cylinder engine delivers an impressive 225PS at 6,100rpm. Equipped with a slick operating six-speed manual gearbox it is capable of a top speed of 150mph, and needs only 6.5sec to accelerate from zero to 60mph. With such performance potential, the Focus ST positions itself firmly in the league of high performance sports cars.

Jost Capito, Director Ford TeamRS, believes that the Focus ST is the purest expression yet of the "ST" brand. "We have spared no effort in making this the most exciting Ford Focus road car yet," said Capito. "It is a perfect car for drivers who love that unique performance experience, but do not want to sacrifice high standards of refinement, comfort and practicality."

With its carefully enhanced sporting image, the ST is worthy of Ford's affordable performance heritage. The ST states its intentions clearly on low-profile 225/40 R18 tyres mounted on 18x8in cast aluminium wheels. Inside and out, Focus ST is a well-crafted, refined performer – a highly capable sports car for everyday use.

Ford Focus ST Gallery | Buy a New or Used Ford Focus | Official Ford Focus site