Paris motor show report - Ford Focus ST

With the all-new Focus only just out in the open, Ford is wasting no time in whetting our appetites for something faster with the ST.

How powerful is it?
Powered by a 247bhp 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine, the performance version of the Focus will be on sale in the UK late in 2011 or early 2012 – roughly the same time as a new key rival, the Vauxhall Astra VXR.

This fast Ford features a large rear spoiler and is more in-your-face than the ST it replaces. Take this new paint job, for example – Ford calls it 'Tangerine Scream'. Very subtle.

Performance details have yet to be released, but it should prove faster than the existing 221bhp car, which sprints from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds.

Close inspection of the interior reveals a six-speed manual gearshift and auto stop-start function. There are some familiar touches, too. The three dials inset on top of the dashboard are carried over from the previous-generation ST, showing information such as turbo- and oil pressure.

There are going to be some high-tech options available, too such as wireless internet connectivity and blind-spot assist.