250hp Ford Focus ST to cost from £21,995

Ford has thrown down the gauntlet to its hot hatch rivals by announcing the new Focus ST is to cost from just £21,995 when it goes on sale next month – almost £4,000 LESS than the comparable VW Golf GTI.

New Ford Focus ST hits the road

New Ford Focus ST for The Sweeney

VW Golf GTI 35 (2011 onwards)

Not only is it less expensive, the new Ford Focus ST is also 39hp MORE powerful than the Golf GTI, producing a full 250hp from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

Fans of the old Ford Focus ST will have an added welcome benefit too: average fuel economy of 39.2mpg is 20 per cent better than the thirsty five-cylinder model.

Ford Focus ST (2006-2008)

Offered in both five-door hatchback and five-door estate guise (the latter costing £23,095), the new Ford Focus ST comes with a high level of standard equipment despite its bold price.

All models will include Recaro seats, 18-inch alloys, Bluetooth, keyless start and a DAB radio. As before, it will be sold in standard, ST2 and ST3 guise. Optional features include rado-grey alloys, red brake calipers and illuminated door kickplates.

“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.”

Film buffs will be in for an added Ford Focus ST surprise later this year, too – the new model is to play a starring role in the movie adaptation of 70s cop show The Sweeney, starring Ray Winstone.

Ford has yet to release performance figures for the new Focus ST but, with 250hp, it is expected to be swift. Look out for more details – including a first drive – on MSN Cars in the coming weeks.

New Ford Focus ST hits the road

New Ford Focus ST for The Sweeney

VW Golf GTI 35 (2011 onwards)