It's the fast Ford the UK's performance car fans have been waiting for - and it's finally hit the road. But can the new Focus ST really live up to all the hype? To find out, Auto Express was on hand as the spiritual successor to the XR3 hit the test track. We also matched the car up with VW's sensational Golf GTI - the machine likely to present the Ford with its biggest challenge.

Our exclusive pictures reveal that away from the motor show crowds, the ST's muscular lines come alive in the summer sun. Designers have done a great job in evolving the latest Focus's conservative shape into a striking hot hatch. Inside, the makeover is just as dramatic. The colour of the bodywork is carried over to the seats, while chrome trim adds visual impact to the well built cabin. On top of the dash, three extra gauges hint at what's under the bonnet.

As with the outgoing Focus RS, the ST employs a turbocharger to maximise performance. However, it takes power from a five-cylinder Volvo engine. This is the first five-cylinder unit ever used by Ford, and it "gives the Focus a unique character", according to one insider.

While the newcomer's 217bhp output is bettered by the 237bhp Vauxhall Astra VXR, Ford has engineered its front-wheel-drive Focus to deliver gutsy low-down torque. Early indications are that the ST - short for Sport Technologies - drives like no other Ford ever produced before. The distinctive engine noise is complemented by a chassis set-up which aims to provides plenty of grip, combined with entertaining handling.

So impressive is the performance that, during development testing, the ST is claimed to have shaved a massive 12 seconds off the best lap time set by an old-shape Focus RS around the Nürburgring in Germany. By the time production models hit the UK, suspension settings will have been further tuned to our roads to give a supple ride as well.

We'll give you our definitive verdict when the ST is launched later this year, before it goes on sale in early 2006. With the Astra VXR due at the same time, all eyes will be on the hot hatch market to see if the Golf GTI loses its crown.

Ford's all-new Focus ST performance model has been put through its paces by the company's 2005 World Rally Championship team drivers – and they have both given it the thumbs up!

New Focus ST prototypes have been driven hard and fast by Roman Kresta and Toni Gardemeister, who both drive Ford Focus WRCs in the FIA World Rally Championship, along with former British Rally Champion Malcolm Wilson, who is in charge of M-Sport (which operates the official works rally effort on behalf of Ford in the World Rally Championship). All three commented that the Focus ST totally lived up to their high expectations.

Their final exclusive test session was held just before the Rallye Deutschland, and under demanding conditions of torrential rain. But they came back with glowing reports on the ST's abilities.

Malcolm Wilson said: "For me it's one of the best Fords that have ever been produced. It's a car that suits all ages of drivers but with cutting edge performance and driveability."

Wilson was clearly impressed with the engine: "One of the main attributes is the torque of the engine, which is just sensational. I couldn't believe how stable the car is and how it oozes quality in terms of ride, suspension dynamics and most of all driveability."

Roman Kresta commented: "Everything about the Focus ST feels impressive and it feels like a big step up from the base Focus. The handling is precise and safe, while the steering feels extremely sharp and positive."

"The brakes are superb and the traction in the wet is highly impressive," Kresta added. "The suspension gives a stable ride on fast roads, which is what you expect from this type of car. It's not too hard or too soft - it feels just right. For me it is a great car - a sporty vehicle that is fun to drive."


Toni Gardemeister echoed these comments, saying: "The overall feeling is very good. The handling is precise - that's one of the great characteristics of all Focus cars. The gearbox has a good feel to it while the brakes perform superbly, especially when braking hard from high speed."

"The Focus ST feels extremely stable at high speed, even in the wet, and it's a car that offers a good driving experience," added Gardemeister.

Volume production of Focus ST has now started at Ford's Saarlouis production plant in Germany. The availability to order the Focus ST depends on individual market launch dates, with the first customer units being shipped from the plant next week.

The Focus ST is equipped with a strong turbocharged Duratec ST, 2.5 litre, 5-cylinder engine delivering 225PS. With its slick-operating six-speed manual gearbox, it is capable of a top speed in excess of 240 km/h (around 150mph), and needs only 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (6.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph).

Such performance does not come at the expense of safety. Standard equipment includes an anti-lock braking system, traction control and a full complement of driver and passenger front and side airbags. Distinctive styling cues, low-profile 225/40 R18 tyres mounted on 8x18-inch aluminium wheels, and Recaro seats are among the features that make Focus ST stand out from the crowd.

Ford Focus coupe cabriolet

First shown as the Vignale concept at the Paris auto show (shown here) in 2004, Ford will unveil a near-production version of its Focus-based convertible with a retractable hardtop.

The niche vehicle is part of Ford's plan to broaden the Focus product line. Ford has been without a medium-sized coupe or cabriolet since sales of the the Escort cabriolet stopped in 1998.

The Focus coupe cabriolet will be built by Pininfarina of Italy and will go on sale shortly after the Paris auto show in September.