On one level, Ford have made a very healthy business out of supplying ordinary cars to ordinary folk.

The blue oval badge has been a staple among blue collar workers for generations, but Ford are also famous for their sports models, something that seems to have been forgotten in recent years.

The demise in hot-hatch models had much to do with rising insurance premiums, but now the hot-hatch is back - only in a smarter, sleeker and more refined form.

The old XR2, XR3 and XR4 models were fast but slightly crude and found little appeal beyond boy-racers.

Ford have reinvented the concept with the much more refined ST models. Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Mondeo ST are just as quick as the XRs ever were but they're a whole lot more mature and, it has to be said, expensive, too.

The Focus ST starts at £17,495 and comes in three forms - the basic ST, the ST2 and ST3 which has extra equipment. All come with the same 222bhp engine which zips the car to 60mph in 6.5 seconds and on to 150mph.

There are lots of rivals but the main one is the Astra VXR. The Vauxhall version is faster, more ostentatious but £1,500 more expensive. The Golf GTI is also worth a look but it's more money and slower.

So, what do you get for your £17,495?

Well, for a start a beautiful engine and excellent performance.

The engine is essentially the best thing about this car. The car uses a Volvo unit - Volvo, of course, are part ofthe greater Ford family these days - which is powerful and beautifully balanced. You won't find a better engine in this class of car. The ride and handling is also impressive.

Ifyou want a really powerful version, then word has it that Ford are planning RS and Cosworth versions, but this little beauty should be fast enough for most tastes.

It stands out from the rest of the Focus family by having huge bodykit, dramatic alloy wheels and a sleeker look, while avoiding looking cheap and tarty.

It's pretty well equipped, too, with alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, airbags and powered windows.

The ST2 (£18,495) adds anti-skid control and CD system and the ST3 (£19,495) adds leather upholstery and powered seats.

It's an interesting car and one which feels a lot more refined than the old XR models. It's quick but not as restless as you might expect. In fact, it feels similar in quality to a Volkswagen Golf GTI, which is good.

PRICE: £17,495 Range spans £11,245 to £19,495.

ENGINE: A 2.5 litre V6 generating 222bhp.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 150mph, 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds.

EMISSIONS: 224g/km.

COSTS: Urban 20.5mpg; extraurban 41.5mpg; combined 30.4mpg.

WARRANTY: Three years/60,000 miles.

INSURANCE: Group 17.

All T&A road test vehicles are independently selected and assessments are carried out impartially by members of our own staff who base their opinions only on the vehicle supplied for these purposes by the manufacturer