Volkswagen has been relentlessly expanding the lineup of hotted-up Golfs in the past few years, adding a diesel, a CNG-powered, and more recently even an electric version. Obviously, other hot hatch players have noticed that, and decided to react accordingly. The first is Ford, and they are going to launch a diesel version of the Focus ST.

Ford Focus ST Diesel, set for 2015 release, will be powered by a 2.0 TDCi engine that will have pretty much the same output as the Golf GTD with 180 horsepower. However, because the Ford is heavier, 0 to 60 time will be about a half second slower. Not that it matters, because the Golf itself is not what you call quick, taking nearly eight seconds to reach 60mph.

Apart from the engines, the rest of the mechanicals of the Ford Focus ST Diesel will be similar to the petrol model, which is great news. The ST is one of the best handling and most fun cars in this class, and although the conversion into diesel will cost it performance, you can still have a good time with it and spend less on fuel.

Still, if you think the petrol version is the one to go, you should hang on a bit as the 2015modelyear update will also include an update for the normal ST, including improved fuel economy and styling revisions inside and out. It will also get a heavily revised steering system.

Via AutoExpress