In the world of hot hatches the Focus ST, just like the ST version of its baby brother them Fiesta, is a big deal. The company has a history of producing some of the finest driver’s cars in the class but it is facing some serious competition from Hyundai with its i30N, Renault’s Megane RS and, of course, the slightly bonkers Honda Civic Type R.

Just like the previous generation, and unlike its rivals, there’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines. If you opt for the latter you’ll have to settle for a lukewarm 187bhp but the petrol version tops out at a feisty 276bhp. Now, that’s more like it.

The petrol unit is a detuned version of the turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine that powered the previous Focus RS which certainly bodes well.

To help keep you on the straight and narrow there’s an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential on the front axle to keep wheel-spin to a minimum and prevent the nose running wide as you accelerate out of corners.

It is fitted with bigger brakes than the standard Focus because, well, you’ll almost certainly need them and the steering and suspension are unique to the ST.

What’s it like to drive? Giving its positioning as an enthusiastic steer I’m pleased to say, rather well.

The steering is precise and nicely weighted. It’s easy to place the car accurately through a corner and, thanks to the constant flow of information through your fingertips, you always know exactly what’s going on underneath you, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments to maintain the ideal line through tight and twisty routes.

Automatic adaptive suspension is fitted as standard on the petrol-powered ST and, although you can still feel lumps and bumps, overall it does a good job of smoothing out wrinkles in the road. It does get a little unsettled over sharper-edged ridges but never to the point where it becomes unbearable.

The limited-slip differential does its job faultlessly, making the most of whatever traction is available to the ST’s front wheels and allowing you to get the power down out of a tight corner without smoking up the tyres.

It isn’t as quick as the Civic Type R though, to be fair, it is almost 40bhp down on power but it’s rapid enough to live with the Megane RS or Hyundai i30N in a drag race. To add a little spice to the driving experience the engine note is piped into the cabin and given a little aural tweak with a few bangs and burbles.

Power is sent to the front wheels through a slick six-speed gearbox that’s a real joy to use while the brakes are progressive and powerful.

The Ford Performance Pack – a £250 option – adds a Track mode, a shift-indicator light, rev-matching to smooth out your downshifts and launch control to ensure you make the prefect getaway from the lights. And no, I don’t mean the traffic lights.

It does also include ambient lighting, although I could sense no discernible difference in my driving skills regardless of my colour choice.

One thing you are guaranteed, though, is a great driving position thanks to the figure-hugging – well, this figure anyway – part-leather Recaro seats. They are, naturally, exclusive to ST trim and adjust electrically in a multitude of directions to help you get properly comfortable. If that’s not enough, there is plenty of adjustment in the position of the steering wheel and the alloy pedals are perfectly positioned and look great.

In fact, the cabin offers quite a handsome perspective with some nice details, excellent ergonomics and ease of use. The quality of some of the materials is a little questionable in places, with a smattering of hard – some might argue robust might be a more appropriate term – on show but if you’re spending your time behind the wheel stroking the dashboard you’re in the wrong car.

Visibility is, for the most part, very good apart from the rear three-quarters where the thicker pillars can prove a bit obstructive. That’s mitigated by the fact that you get lots of driving aids, including front and rear sensors and a 180-degree reversing camera.

Infotainment requirements are fulfilled via the firm’s Sync 3 system. The graphics are big and bold and, while it could be a little more intuitive, it doesn’t take long to become accustomed to the menu system. The eight-inch touchscreen is mounted, tablet-like, on top of the dash. It’s mounted high enough that you don’t have to look too far from the straight-ahead to read it. It has sat-nav built in but there’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included, should you prefer either of those.

Whatever you’re listening to is pumped through a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker sound system that’s rated at a very respectable 675 watts. It is excellent.

If you’re contemplating carrying passengers the good news is you can, and in considerable comfort too. The Focus is one of the most capacious hatchbacks on the market and can accommodate four adults with ease, thanks to a generous dollop of head and legroom in both the front and rear.

The boot is a match for most of its rivals too, with up t0 375 litres available for your luggage – should you opt for the tyre repair kit rather than a spare – with the rear seats in place, rising to 1,354 litres with them stowed away.

The conundrum with the Focus ST is not how good it is because the answer to that question is simple: Very. It serves up a combination of fine handling, decent performance and a ride that is necessarily firm but rarely unbearably so, all in a package that’s spacious and very well equipped. The real poser is whether it represents good value for money because, as good as the ST is, the Civic Type R is inarguably a more capable car. In the end, it’s a question that will be better answered by the heart, than the head.

Ford Focus ST

Price: £32,495

As tested: £35,440

Engine: 2.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Max power: 280PS

Max torque: 420Nm (with OverBoost)

Max speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 6.7sec

WLTP fuel consumption

Highest: 39.8mpg

Lowest: 23.9mpg

Emissions (CO2): 179g/km

For more information visit www.ford.co.uk