The New one i mean, everyone is raving about it, but i hear on the Q/T that it eats its tyres and has a drink problem.

Ford People think a "Raylle" Golf (245 bhp, stripped out) is what VW will hit back with.

Any thoughts?
Mega

Well they've given it 5 stars out of 5 in the Times so it cant be all that bad...

bring back the RS Turbo!

My VI would do a fiesta ST.

Lets face it, they aren't that quick.

Not heard about the new one though. The current one only just came out didn't it?

focus st is basically a s40 t5..so 250bhp. fwd . cant be good for easy driving

Im glad they are bringing out a new hot version of the Focus, even if it is a bit ugly compared to the previous model. It's still going to be a very stong rival to the IMO ugly and brash Astra VXR, and the almost as ugly, but capable Megane 225sport. Even though it's been left trailing on performance and power compared to the newest rival's and it's not that pretty either, i reckon the New Golf Gti still would take alot to beat it as a very good every day hot hatch. Iv'e heard that Toyota have added a supercharger to their previously less than impressive Corolla T-sport, so i don't know how well it will compare with these rivals as yet?

p.s. if the Focus has a TC system, then 250bhp isn't a massive problem for a fwd car with modern tyres, ABS, ESP etc. The Alfa 147GTA has kind of proved that already, and there must be a growing market for 200bhp+ fwd hatches, as it was not until recently considered a wise idea, since the last generation of poor handling powerful fwd cars of the early 90's.

Im a massive ford fan, but tbh the fiesta ST isnt good enough, and i hate the new focus it looks like a mk2 astra! i feel ford are loosing their way a bit, i used to love the fiesta and focus but dislike the new ones, i say bring back the old skool, RS turbos, cosworth power (never gonna happen, unless you buy the bolt on D-power kits for the duratec-he) choice of RWD or 4WD, them were the days of proper blue oval power, sadly long gone, its still my mission to go through the ford performace ladder i.e RS turbo, saph cosworth (RWD of course), then Escort Cosworth, or an RS500 ......... in real terms though i would have a ZR160 over an ST150 anyday, that feels so wrong been a ford fan but im just so disapointed in fords latest range, seem to have developed a real soft spot for rovers since doing my work experience at MGR garage and going to longbridge on an open day for engineering apprenticeships.

focus st is basically a s40 t5..so 250bhp. fwd . cant be good for easy driving

It's a lot better than the VXR Astra though by all accounts.

The Golf is probably the one to go for, it sounds like a very good all rounder, it's just a shame it's so ugly and bland! People are having to buy white ones to try and stand out from the crowd a bit. I like the looks of the Focus ST and the VXR Astra they both look great in the magazines, would like to see one for real though.

Just bring back the Escort RS Cosworth.

Please!

It does sound exciting though - i read in one paper that the Volvo 5-cylinder unit sounds like an Audi quattro of old...and the sound of a quattro is one of the sexiest car sounds ever! ANd that Tango orange...! kewl or what?

The Astra VXR i think looks fantastic, but 240bhp is waaaay too much for an FWD hatch - it cannot handle it all, surely 200-220 bhp is more than enough?

However the issue i ahve is the 'ST' brand full stop - it does not sound remotely sporty at all! the letter 'R' to me will always denote sporty cars, and i think Ford should ditch the ST name for RS, or XR, as these names have all the heritage attached to them, and retro is the thing nowadays.

It is a good job they don't make a diesel version. Imagine saying you have an 'STD' whilst in the pub with your mates... :err:

peugeot comically made both an sti and std version of the 405

peugeot comically made both an sti and std version of the 405

Maybe that's a way of forcing the punters to spend more money and get the STI instead

I seem to remember that VW are doing a r32 version of the mk5, four wheel drive 250 bhp.