Ford has always built performance cars for the everyman.
Think of the Escort XR3 and Fiesta XR2, cars that loads of us grew up with and are part of our culture.
The thing is, they weren’t particularly good.
I remember testing them when they were new and although they were often quick, they couldn’t compete with French hot hatchbacks or the Golf GTI when it came to handling.
All that has changed and today Ford makes the best range of affordable high performance cars of any manufacturer.
Right from the current Fiesta ST to the Mustang, although the latter isn’t particularly cheap.
You can buy the Mustang with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine but why would you do that when you can have it with a proper 5.0 V8 motor?
But that same 2.3-litre engine in the Ford Focus ST is a different matter entirely.
I’ve just covered several hundred miles in our test Focus ST estate and I never stopped smiling.
The engine produces 276bhp, which these days is quite modest.
However, it has been tuned to give a lot of torque in the mid range which is what you really need for overtaking.
There’s also a diesel which I can’t get excited about.
Our car has a six-speed manual gearbox and suspension that has been lowered by 10mm from the standard Focus with stiffer springs and adaptable dampers, and a level of sophistication you’d expect on a Ferrari.
The 420Nm of torque is still a lot of grunt to put through front wheels but Ford’s engineers have developed a system which counteracts torque steer.
The steering itself is quick which, together with the mild torque steer that you can still detect, gives the car a very lively spirit. If you liked hot hatches from the 90s you’ll like this car.
You can choose between Normal and Sport driving modes, but if you specify the optional Ford Performance Pack you get additional modes that include Track, a gearshift indicator, launch control and rev matching for changing down through the gears.
Since it costs only £250 I imagine most people will opt for it. Might make the car harder to sell on if you don’t.
For most of my test drive I kept the car in Normal mode.
My favourite testing routes involve bumpy country roads, so stiffening up the suspension usually has a negative effect.
In Normal the Focus ST is a huge amount of fun to drive.
The performance is just right and the suspension is on the comfy side of stiff.
That’s important as the estate version of the ST should make a fantastic family car for those who don’t want to lose out on fun because a sports car isn’t an option.
Ford says eight out of 10 buyers of the previous model went for the poshest ST-3 spec so the new car only has this one specification.
Our test car costs £33,095 (against the hatchback’s £31,995) without options.
This sounds expensive but it’s comparable with Honda’s Civic Type R and Renault’s Megane RS.
However, you do get a lot of kit.
Premium B&O audio is standard, as is dual-zone air conditioning and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system.
Recaro partial leather sports seats are supportive, and the steering wheel is leather wrapped and heated.
For some, the Focus ST is a bit too toned down, but not for me.
You get bespoke front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, black 19in alloys and red brake calipers.
Enough to make the ST stand out as special, but not so much as to attract unwanted attention.
THE FACTS
Ford Focus ST Estate
Price: £33,095
Engine: 2.3-litre four-cylinder, 276bhp
0-62mph: 5.8sec
Fuel consumption: 39.8mpg
THE RIVALS
Renault Megane RS Trophy
Hard-edged hot hatch that’s a blast to drive. Less of an everyday car than the Focus.
Honda Civic Type R
Outrageous looks are a bit much for older punters (including this one) but it’s fantastic to drive and extremely fast.
Hyundai i30N N Performance
Brilliant to drive and more than enough performance.
