New Ford Focus ST revealed

Ford's new Focus ST makes its global debut today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, writes Trish Whelan.

We bring you photos of the new car which is scheduled to be in Irish dealerships from early 2015. Prices will be announced closer to time of arrival.

This is the most advanced Focus ST yet and offers new chassis control technologies, tuned suspension and steering, and bespoke tyre specification to ensure an even more responsive, balanced and refined driving experience. For the first time it will be offered with the choice of two powerful engines - one petrol and one diesel.

The first diesel Focus ST delivers the most fuel-efficient and lowest C02 Ford performance car ever; 185hp, 2.0 TDCi achieves 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds, 4.4 L/100kms (64.2mpg), and 114g/km C02 (Tax Band A4 of €200p/a. For those who prefer petrol, the 250hp 2.0 EcoBoost delivers 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, returns 6.8 L/100km (41.5mpg), and with 158g/km C02 is in Tax Band D of €570p/a.

Five-door and wagon models will offer class-leading driver assistance technologies and connectivity features including the SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system.

Three trim levels are offered, ST1, ST2 and ST3. ST2 colours include Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Smoke Storm or Race Red.

Ford has sold more than 140,000 Focus ST models in 40 countries worldwide since the car was first launched in 2002.