Ford Focus ST hatchback: fantastic comfort and performance

Price: £22,195 - £25,995

Pros: Just as practical as standard car, great value for money, comfortable yet fast

Cons: subtle styling, no three-door version, not the fastest hot hatchback

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4.4/5, Carbuyer "The Ford Focus ST is the fastest version of Ford's small family hatchback. It's a hot hatchback that combines a practical body shape with a powerful engine and a chassis that makes it lots of fun to drive. While insurance and fuel costs will be a bit higher than for a regular Focus, the ST's humble origins mean it's relatively cheap to maintain and easy to live with day-to-day. As well as the 247bhp petrol engine, there's a diesel version available. That puts the ST in competition with a different set of rivals, such as the Volkswagen Golf GTD and SEAT Leon FR TDI. Here, the emphasis is on fuel economy rather than outright speed, but there's still enough performance to put a smile on your face. The petrol-engined Focus ST takes on more traditional hot hatches such as the beautifully built Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Renault Megane Renaultsport."

5/5, Auto Express "The old Focus ST was certainly a tough act to follow, but Ford's engineers have done a great job with the new car. The torque vectoring, variable ratio steering and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine all play their part in making the newcomer a seriously capable all-rounder."

4/5, What Car? "It's a little out-gunned in a category where tyre-smoking horsepower and 0-60mph times dominate, but its beautiful ride and handling, low price, and real-world usability mean we find it difficult to do anything other than heartily recommend it."