SECTOR Lower Medium  PRICE €28,000 (approx)  FUEL 7.24l/100km  CO2 169g/km

Fleets are no stranger to fast Fords, in Europe or North America, but historically, the approach has been different, given the widely different fuel prices, roads, traffic conditions speed limits and a few more things besides. Even before the global financial crisis pole-axed international economies, the economics of vehicle manufacturing were changing fast.

When Alan Mullaly arrived as Ford boss from Boeing, he wanted to know why Ford made one set of models for North America, another for Europe and more for other parts of the world. Given the enormous cost of tooling up for different models in different parts of the world, it’s hardly surprising that he didn’t buy the arguments that different places needed different models. If it works for aircraft, it could work for motor vehicles too.

Enter the One Ford strategy, which probably gave Ford a big advantage when the financial sky fell in. Models could be made different for different markets without the need for different platforms. It has saved Ford a packet in development costs and there’s little doubt that others who are not doing the same thing already will follow if they want to stay solvent.

So the latest performance Ford is the first global product of its type from the company and if customers in North America think they’re going to be short-changed, they should book a test drive.Ford’s chassis engineering really got into its stride with the Focus and the quick ST and RS models built on the heritage of the rally-prepared Escorts dating back to the 1970s. The standard Focus came with chassis dynamics that were the envy of rivals and the quick ones took the game to another level. The RevoKnuckle and a Quaife limited slip differential gave the 2009 front-wheel drive 300hp Focus RS excellent dynamics without resorting to four-wheel drive to handle the power. Given that background, its no surprise that the new ST variant, traditionally less powerful that the RS, is impressive.

Ford’s two-litre EcoBoost is under the bonnet, delivering 250hp with help from a turbocharger, direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and redesigned inlet and exhaust. At the same time, it delivers 7.24l/100km fuel consumption and 169g/km on the EU combined cycle, so if you don’t exploit the performance, the car will carry you a reasonable distance on a litre of petrol.

The question is, would you buy a 250hp car with bulging side skirts, deep front and rear bumpers and a roof spoiler to drive for ultimate fuel economy? Probably not, but the engine will be tax efficient in some markets and fleet drivers ordering one may not be so concerned about fuel consumption.

The driving experience is as impressive as we were expecting. The Focus chassis offers plenty of feedback through the steering wheel, while the 10mm lower suspension, including that RevoKnuckle, plus specially developed Goodyear Eagle tyres and uprated damper settings, provides masses of grip and sharp responses, while the driver is held comfortably in place in a Recaro seat adjustable for cushion length and tilt.

Chassis dynamics are assisted by a list of electronic aids too, including torque steer compensation, three-mode ESP and torque vectoring control to reduce understeer in rapid cornering. It’s a treat to drive, firmly sprung but with handling guaranteed to delight enthusiasts.

Expect equipment to include 18” alloy wheels, air conditioning, keyless starting Bluetooth and USB, with other options and specifications according to market.

Verdict

The Focus ST is a car for enthusiasts, delivering sharp handling and high power with the potential for low consumption too. Form a queue behind me please.