FORD has launched the sportiest Focus so far - the 2.0-litre Zetec ESP - with prices starting from £15,000 on-the-road. Available as a three-door, five-door (£15,500) and estate (£16,000), the 16-valve engine produces 130PS and gives the Focus a top speed of 125mph and 0-62mph acceleration of 9.2 seconds.

It is fitted with Ford's electronic stability program (ESP) as standard, which works with the ABS brakes and traction control system to correct potential understeer or oversteer in extreme driving conditions. The Focus is also now available with Ford's electronic shift control four-speed automatic gearbox as a £500 option. It can be specified with the 1.6-litre Zetec SE engine across all body styles and selected trim levels, with prices starting at £13,500 on-the-road for a three-door Zetec.

Next spring will see the arrival of a new diesel-engined Fiesta, the TDdi, with a 75PS 1.8-litre direct injection turbodiesel version of the Focus unit. It will replace the Endura-D indirect injection 1.8 litre engine.