Seen in the mag demonstrating...

Seen in the mag demonstrating its cornering balance, the ST was spied at the Níƒá¼rburgring in Germany. The yellow lines painted on its huge alloys help engineers accurately measure the speed, while the low side skirts and sports exhaust spice up the Focus"s conservative looks.

Engineers have worked hard to ensure the ST will sit at the top of the hot hatch handling charts when it arrives in showrooms late next year. The already impressive chassis will be tweaked to provide immense grip and handling balance. Having originally considered V6 power, Ford has decided that the front-wheel-drive ST will use a 220bhp version of Volvo"s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo. That means buyers can expect a 0-60mph time of around six seconds.

Inside, the sporting flagship will be set apart by a cabin fitted with figure-hugging bucket seats and plenty of ST badges. The good news for customers who value practicality is that both three and five-door variants will be produced.

The Focus ST will make its official debut at March"s Geneva Motor Show. But drivers wanting even more can look forward to a stripped-out RS model - complete with 300bhp and four-wheel drive - due on sale at the end of 2006.