Faults:

The handbrake gator came lose. Reported this to the dealer and had a new one fitted.

General Comments:

I bought the ST170 for it's performance and handling. The Focus chassis is renowned for its stability at high speeds and the ST170 is no different.

I previously had two Fiesta Zetec S models, but the ST170 leaves them standing when it comes to refinement and power.

Part leather seats, extra dials on the dash and steel pedals add to the sporty feel inside, but I love the way it looks like any other Focus on the outside except for a few subtle hints such as 17-inch alloys, smart fog lights and the ST badge.

MPG is OK. I do a lot of motorway mileage so I'm getting about 32 miles per gallon which is only a bit lower than what I was getting in my 1.6 Fiesta.

The only thing that disappoints me is the fact that the car is geared far too tall. It only seems to utilise its full power (172 bhp) once you start getting into 3rd and start shifting through the gears towards 6th. But I still leave Golf GTIs in my wake and I can at last watch those silly little Saxo VTRs disappear in my review mirror, much to their annoyment!

Faults:

The car overheated because the engine fan was faulty within the first month of ownership.

An engine warning light appeared within the first 2 weeks of ownership.

General Comments:

The ST is an excellent car. It is without question the most usable hot hatch I've ever driven. Most hot hatches compromise comfort for performance and handling, the ST170 doesn't, the comfort and refinement are second to none. The ST170 isn't as quick as a Civic Type-R, Leon VT-Cupra R and many other hot hatches, but it is far easier to live with.

Faults:

Passenger electric window switch packed up, but was replaced under warranty with no hassle.

General Comments:

I loved my old 306 XSi, but it needed replacing as it was getting unreliable. I drove the most logical replacement - the 307 XSi and hated it. I can't believe Peugeot replaced the stonking 306 with this dull handling van lookalike. The only other option was a Golf GTI, but I wasn't really prepared to pay the astronomical asking price, plus a friend bought one last year and it has been one disaster after another. After a 20 minute test drive the Focus, I just had to have it.

Performance is on a par with my old 306, but the engine is sweeter and more frugal. Handling is better than anything currently in this class with steering that gives bags of feel (are you listening VW?). Granted, the Focus doesn't have quite the agility of the 306, but its streets ahead of the 307, and in a different league to the wallowy Golf.

The funky interior still looks fresh although it lacks the elegance of the Golf's superb dash layout. On the plus side, it's beautifully screwed together, and there's plenty of space for rear passengers and luggage. The Focus is available at bargain prices too if you shop around. Build quality and reliability have so far been faultless apart from a duff electric window switch. There are no creaks or rattles from anywhere, it starts first time every time, and has behaved exactly as it should.

If you're in the market for a fun, cheap to run small hatch, the Focus is a no-brainer. The Golf is tempting for its classy looks and interior, but the Focus does everything else considerably better. Brilliant car.