FORD used the recent Frankfurt Motor Shows to reveal details of the much anticipated new Focus ST. This is the hot Focus and the new model looks to be a belter. It replaces the tuneful old 2.5-litre Volvo engine with a much more economical and cleaner 2.0 Turbo unit that pumps out a muscular 247bhp. You should still be able to get 35mpg out of it and the car should have class leading emissions of less than 180g/km. Compare this to around 25mpg (if you’re lucky) from the old car with emissions of 221g/km and you can see where the advances are. It’s also available as an estate, which is a brilliant bit of niche spotting by Ford. It costs though – projected price is around the £25,000 mark which is a lot, especially when you consider the loss of the 2.5 turbo engine which had real character and sounded brilliant. It’s also a lot compared to second-hand versions of the last car and its competitors, which now look seriously good value. So here they are – culled from the pages of UsedCarExpert, three delectable hatchback bargains for the canny speedfreak. Ford Focus STThirstier than Oliver Reed but just as much fun, the old ST is one of the last of the old-school hot hatches. Handling and ride are beyond reproof and the car is just as practical as any other Focus. Avoid the orange paint unless you like lots of attention. UsedCarExpert.co.uk Cars for Sale: A lightly used and well cared for four year old Focus ST with less than 40,000 on the clock and a full service history can be yours for around £9,000. Volkswagen Golf GTIThe Golf is as sensible a choice as you can make in this area. Solid, dependable and stylish, it’s got much more badge kudos than the Focus and will hold onto its value like nothing else. You also get a massive breadth of ability and ace refinement. Prices are firm though and it’s not quite as much of a hoot as the ST. UsedCarExpert.co.uk Cars for Sale: We found a well looked after four year old Golf GTI DSG with around 34,000 miles on the clock for £12,500 Renault Megane R26 Bonkers. A stripped out racer that doesn’t compromise at all. Noisy, thirsty but utterly, utterly brilliant the R26 is a truly great driver’s car. Awful for passengers but, if it’s just you, then why not? UsedCarExpert.co.uk Cars for Sale We found a pampered, fully serviced and well cared R26 with 33,000 miles on the clock for £10,599 | 
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