You know the Ford Focus ST. Everybody knows the Ford Focus ST. It is, after all, one of our absolute favourite senior hot-hatches of the current crop, with an ability to entertain that puts many a rear-driven sports coupe to shame.

But do you know the new Focus ST Edition? If not, pay attention to road-test editor Matt Saunders. This is Ford’s attempt to raise the Focus ST’s game even higher, which is why this car gets manually adjustable coilover suspension from KW Automotive and lightweight, flow-formed 19in wheels. The Edition sits closer to the road than the regular Focus ST, has also received some very subtle but gently menacing aesthetic tweaks and… well, that’s about it.

The point is that Ford doesn’t need to change much when it comes to the Focus ST, so the Edition’s modifications are small but targeted. How much better does it make the best full-sized, front-driven hot-hatch (that isn’t a Honda Civic Type R) around? Time to find out.

Price: £35,785

Engine 4 cyls in line, 2261cc, turbocharged petrol

Power 276bhp at 5500rpm

Torque 310lb ft at 3000-4000rpm

Gearbox 6-spd manual

Kerb weight 1432kg

Top speed 155mph

0-62mph 5.7sec

Economy 34.9mpg

CO2 185-186g/km

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