Ford’s new performance-orientated Focus ST is to cost from £21,995 when UK sales begin this September. That amount will buy the five-door model in ST1 spec, which comes with Recaro seats, Bluetooth, DAB radio, 18” alloy wheels and keyless start as standard. The ST2 version adds part-leather trim, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, a Quickclear windscreen, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a price tag of £23,495. Topping off the range is the £25,495 ST3. Its additional equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, full leather upholstery and seat heating. Whether the lack of a three-door option might hurt sales remains to be seen, but the Focus ST will also be available as an estate, with prices starting from £23,095. Power comes from a four-cylinder, 2.0 litre EcoBoost engine which boasts variable cam timing, high pressure direct fuel injection and a low-inertia turbo. The result is 246 bhp (183 kW / 250 PS) and 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of peak torque, combined with a combined fuel economy figure of 39.2 mpg (7.2 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 169 g/km. Oddly, Ford has still to release any performance figures but, given the competitive pricing and outputs, the Focus ST certainly has the potential to challenge its main rivals: Manufacturer Ford Volkswagen Mazda Seat Model Focus ST Golf GTI (5-door) 3 MPS Leon FR+ TSI Price £21,995 £26,235 £23,995 £21,950 Power 246 bhp (183 kW / 250 PS) 207 bhp (155 kW / 210 PS) 256 bhp (191 kW / 260 PS) 208 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS) Torque 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) 280 Nm (207 lb/ft) 380 Nm (280 lb/ft) 280 Nm (207 lb/ft) Related posts: Focus Zetec S for the UK BBR 350 bhp Mazda 3 MPS Ford Focus ST revealed Seat launches Leon FR+ Golf GTI Edition 35

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