Ford Focus ST: Ford cranks it up with a new weapon in the hot hatch war

Costing £1195, the Mountune treatment takes two hours to fit and is available through Ford’s dealer network

Ford has given the Focus ST a new weapon in the battle against its main rivals. Previously down on power compared to the likes of Vauxhall’s Astra VXR and VW’s Golf R, the ST’s 2.0-litre engine is now available with a Mountune upgrade pack.

This includes remapped software, a performance air filter and a bigger intercooler to help turbocharging efficiency.

The result is a hike in power from 247bhp to 271bhp. You get more torque, too – 295lb ft at 2750rpm, compared to the standard model’s 254.

Costing £1195, the Mountune treatment takes two hours to fit and is available through Ford’s dealer network – meaning it won’t void your warranty.