Ford Focus ST review

The ST is powered by Ford's 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine. Output stands at 276bhp, giving a 0-62mph time of 5.7sec, meaning it’s still a match for the new Golf GTI but not quite as powerful as the Civic Type R. Ford opted to leave the Edition unchanged in terms of power.

With 310lb ft available, the ST Edition feels particularly torquey under harder acceleration, which is great fun when paired with the model’s slick six-speed manual gearbox. Mid-range thrust is outstanding, but as has generally been the case with the fourth generation ST, power begins to wane beyond 5000rpm.

Thankfully, Ford’s ultimate desire for the Edition to be taken on track hasn’t held it back on the road. The hot hatch is certainly punchy enough for most UK roads. 

If a manual isn't your style anymore, you can select the ST with a seven-speed torque-converter automatic.

Sadly, it isn’t one of those two-pedal autos that can add everyday commuting versatility to a hot hatchback’s all-around appeal, as quicker-shifting dual-clutchers often do.

It does well enough when just mooching around in D, but it’s a little too given to shift unnecessarily when you’re at a more engaged pace; it doesn’t shift quite quickly or positively enough for a true driver’s car when you’re using the paddle-shift manual mode; and it’s also sometimes guilty of slurring shifts at low speed and making you feel less in control of the driving experience than you would like to be.

We'd choose the manual.