The ECU specialist Superchips has come up with a new upgrade kit, this tome for the new Mk3 Ford Focus ST powered by the 2.0-litre turbo 246bhp EcoBoost engine. The new map changes boost levels, fuelling and ignition timing, and results in a rather significant power gain.

Superchips says that in dyno testing they arrived at 51bhp at 4046rpm, with a peak power gain of 31bhp at 5655rpm. As for the torque, there is a gain of 93Nm at just 3954rpm (with a peak torque increase of 69Nm at 3770rpm).

Those are remarkable numbers, considering it’s only electronics. What’s more, this modification has no negative effect on the car’s reliability and refinement. What it does is enhance the throttle response, making the car sharper and more agile, and overall more user-friendly.

This plug and play ECU kit is available for both five door hatchback and estate variants of the May 2012 onwards Focus ST, and is priced at £455.00 inclusive of VAT and installation.