The newcomer – which arrives three years since Ford first wowed the hot hatch segment with its turbocharged Focus ST – offers more appeal with a bolder appearance and a host of interior enhancements.

Created by Ford TeamRS, the company’s dedicated performance vehicle arm, the 2008 Focus ST benefits from a range of revisions rolled out across the rest of the Focus line-up earlier this year. Importantly though, while offering new technologies and features, the car’s well-honed dynamics remain untouched.

At the heart of the matter is the familiar 225 PS, 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec engine. Powerful, and accompanied by a suitably sporty soundtrack, this powerhouse delivers a potential 150mph top speed in tandem with 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.8 seconds.

Indeed, as a measure of this car’s ability, a standard production Focus ST set a segment-leading record time of 8 minutes 35 seconds around the Nordschleife circuit at the famed Nürburgring.

This sort of achievement requires more than just brute power and the Focus ST remains one of the sharpest handling cars in its class. In fact, the ST may well be the definitive choice for enthusiastic drivers who also demand comfort around town and an array of subtle suspension enhancements ensures this is still the case.

A powerful braking system is top of this list while Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Traction Control are now standard on all versions.

The Focus ST has always provided lots of choice and the range retains its simple ST, ST-2 and ST-3 trim grades and three or five-door hatchback bodystyles. It is priced from £18,250 - £20,850.

Every Focus ST boasts 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, sports styling, body-hugging Recaro sports seats, a unique sports steering wheel, upgraded instrumentation, Easyfuel capless refuelling system and ‘Ford Power’ starter button. Upgrading to ST-2 adds a Sony audio system, bi-xenon lights, LED rear lights and Quickclear heated windscreen while the ST-3 includes an in-dash six CD player plus full leather trim.

In common with other members of the 2008 Focus family, a range of high-tech options can be specified. Among the list is a Tyre Deflation Detection System, a new audio connectivity module for external devices like Bluetooth, voice control and navigation systems plus various infotainment options including an affordable sat nav system with SD card slot.

Combining bold looks with a thrilling driving experience and numerous new features, Ford’s new and improved Focus ST is the definitive hot hatch.