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Ford has launched the facelifted 2008 version of its performance hatch, the Focus ST.
Created by TeamRS, Ford’s dedicated performance vehicle division, the 2008 Focus ST sports the exterior revisions that the Focus line-up received earlier this year, including newly designed headlight clusters, body panels and tail lights.
The 221bhp, 2.5-litre, turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec engine still provides the grunt so the Focus still cracks 0-62mph in a shade under seven seconds and can hit a...Read the full article

With the new tax system kicking in I can see these types of cars coming to an end. Who would pay £400 a year for what is essentially a very common car?? 

Very smart, although I'm not sure the stripes would make it sufficiently inconspicuous to allow much rapid progress. Pity they don't do an estate version of the ST, my dog won't fit in the back of the hatch very easily, I'd definitely consider one of those.

Get a Mondeo or an SMAX with the same engine. I tried an ST. Super car. Really good.

Why is it written that these will be available from the 1st of May? A bloke I work with has had the new shape ST for around 2 months?

DavidVXR:

Why is it written that these will be available from the 1st of May? A bloke I work with has had the new shape ST for around 2 months?

 

 I saw one in blue yesterday, so they must already be available.
 

On a related topic - what's happened to the Powershift (DSG) box? Seen no road tests. Production problems?

I'd buy one. I reckon, the residuals will drop to new lows making them cheaper to buy and the tax will be a minor cost in comparison!

Win. Providing you are buying used. Buying new though I see your point. Especially as the special edition Golfs are a lot more economical for the same power (but more expensive)

Chavtastic!!!  It may drive well, but you'd look a complete nobby driving around in that, a bit of a Daz and Shaz car.  I think VW have got the Golf GTI right in it's maturity, if not quite perfect on the styling.