Ford Focus ST estate: practical hot hatch

Price: £23,295 - £27,095

Pros: Fun and engaging to drivePowerful and responsive engineMore subtle and practical than hatchback

Cons: Ride is quite firmNot suitable for towingBigger estates are available

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4.5/5 Car Buyer "Until recently, fast estate cars tended to be very expensive high-end models from brands like Audi and Mercedes. But in the last couple of years, more affordable options have popped up for drivers who want power and capable handling to go along with their luggage and passenger space. The Ford Focus ST estate is one of the strongest contenders in this class, going up against the likes of Skoda Octavia vRS estate, SEAT Leon ST Cupra and Volkswagen Golf GTD estate. Central to its appeal is the choice of either a 247bhp 2.0-litre petrol or 182bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine. The petrol's EcoBoost turbocharging technology means that it's suprisingly efficient for such a powerful motor, but the diesel is more economical still, offering superbly low running costs for a performance car. Of course, the Focus ST estate is also a very practical choice, with a 476-litre boot. It looks good, too – modern and stylish, yet not so over-the-top that it comes across as a boy racer's car. The final factors counting in the Focus ST's favour (whether you go for the hatchback or estate) are its generous standard equipment and good-value price, which undercuts most key rivals."

5/5, Auto Express "Mixes the sharp handling and turbo performance of the Ford Focus ST hot hatch with the versatility of an estate-car body."

4/4, Evo "The ST feels a great deal sharper and more responsive than before. The revisions made to the steering haven't eroded any of the previous model's feel and feedback."

4/5, Parker's "It ticks all the family estate boxes, looks great and even drives well."