News: Ford Focus ST petrol and diesel on sale in February priced from £22,195

FORD HAS announced prices for its revised ST hot hatchback and sporty estate models, which go on sale in February. For the first time there will be the choice of a petrol or diesel-powered ST, with both versions priced from £22,195 for the five-door hatchback, and £23,295 for the estate.

The prices compare favourably with those of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and GTD, which cost £26,330 and £25,765 respectively.

The diesel version of the ST is aimed at drivers who want better fuel economy, lower running costs and lower company-car tax bills. The ST 2.0 TDCi officially returns 67.3mpg and emits 110g/km of CO2.

By comparison, the ST 2.0T EcoBoost hatch returns 41.5mpg and has emissions of 159g/km. For company-car drivers, the difference between the two is appreciable: benefit in kind tax for a 40% taxpayer would be £132.84 a month for the diesel ST, and £175.68 a month for the petrol, for the ST-1 version in both cases.

That’s enough of the sensible stuff, though. How quick are the latest fast Fords? The petrol-powered ST can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 154mph, whereas the diesel takes 8.1 seconds and hits 135mph.

The good news for used-car buyers is that the introduction of the 2015 ST will drive down prices of older STs.

Search for and buy a used Ford Focus ST on driving.co.uk