Ford is pretty confident that with the new Focus ST they have made a no compromise hot hatch. So much so that just to promote the car they are pitting it against its main rivals like the Golf GTI, Mazda Speed3 or the Civic Si in head to head challenges. To kinda force people into watching these videos they have also hired tier one hoonigans such as Ken Block, Vaughn Gittin Jr, Tanner Foust, and Brian Deegan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQVhcBeklLQ

This being advertising, and Ford’s own video, you can’t really trust the outcome of the tests. But there is no denying the ST is a great hot hatchback with practicality of a normal family car and speed and thrill of a proper sports car. The engine has a maximum output of 250PS and strong torque levels in a broad, flat torque curve peaking at 360Nm. The responsive torque output, a trademark of Ford EcoBoost engines, is maintained despite the impressive peak figures.

More head to head tests will be released in the run up to the ST’s market launch in September.