Based on the existing Zetec model, it adds a full sports styling kit including unique front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and 17in alloy wheels together with sports suspension featuring stiffened springs and dampers, aluminium-style sports pedals, rear LED tail lamps and Ford Power starter button.

Anthony Ireson, Ford of Britain marketing director, said: ‘Zetec S models have always been popular with UK customers and so we are delighted to welcome our new Focus Zetec S to the range.  With sporty exterior body styling and impressive performance and economy, this latest addition is set to be another showroom hit.’

The Ford Focus Zetec S is available now in five-door bodystyle with estate to follow in February 2012, and is offered with a choice of four engines including the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost turbo-charged petrol engine which has a top speed of 138mph, reaches 0-62mph in just 7.9sec and emits only 139g/km CO2.  Any Focus Zetec S chosen with this engine or the 1.6-litre 115PS TDCi will carry the ECOnetic Technology badge, as they benefit from auto start-stop, Ford ECO mode, gear shift indicator, active grille shutter and smart regenerative charging.

The 1.6-litre 125PS Ti-VCT petrol and the 2.0-litre 163PS TDCi are also available and can be specified with either manual or PowerShift automatic transmission.

At £18,745 on the road the Focus Zetec S is priced just £1,250 above the equivalent Zetec derivative, which represents outstanding value, as if purchased separately, the additional features would add over £1,700.  The Zetec S and Titanium are identically priced so customers can choose either sport or luxury at the same price point.