Ford has confirmed prices for the new Focus ST. The new 247bhp hot hatch will cost from £21,995 for the hatchback, or £23,095 for the Focus ST estate.
That undercuts the VW Golf GTI, which has bumped up in price in recent years to a stout £25,330 despite having a more modest 207bhp. It also makes it better value than the £26,995 Vauxhall Astra VXR and Renaultsport Megane RS 265 at £24,840.
The hot hatch arrives at dealers in September 2012, with the order books opening on 1 June.
Ford Focus ST (2012): the lowdown
The Focus ST uses the latest 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine, tuned to develop 247bhp. Losing the fifth cylinder from the previous, throaty, Volvo-sourced ST engine means economy and emissions improve by around a fifth to 169g/km of CO2 and 39.2mpg.
All UK-bound Focus ST models come with keyless start, Recaro seats, DAB radio, Bluetooth and 18in alloy wheels.
Trade up to the top-rung ST3 model for heated, leather seats, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and keyless entry.
A popular hot hatch in the UK
The previous two Focus ST generations were popular in the UK, with 35,000 sold between 2002 and 2010.
‘Ever since the arrival of the legendary GT40, Britain has become the spiritual home for performance Fords – and demand from UK enthusiast customers has always been strong,’ said Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director. ‘This latest Focus ST is a global car that will excite customers around the world – but especially those in Britain.’
The new Focus ST will however be sold globally, including in the US. It was co-developed by Ford’s Team RS in Europe and its Special Vehicles Team (SVT) in the United States.