MOST hot hatches rely on petrol power but the Ford Focus ST gives you the opportunity to go for a diesel option.

Ford has dropped the most powerful diesel engine ever fitted to a Focus under the bonnet of the ST and although it may not be as blistering hot as its 2.3-litre petrol powered sibling it is still a very impressive performer and much more economical.

With 190bhp on tap it boasts 10 per cent more power and more than twice as much more torque as that of the 2.0-litre Duratec engine used in the previous generation Focus ST.

That means it is capable of reaching 62mph in just 7.6 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph.

And that is achieved with emissions of 148g/km and a possible 56.5mpg.

The diesel does not compromise on looks either - the only visual difference being the exhaust pipes.

So the diesel ST still looks the business with its dramatic sporting lines, side skirts, 19-inch Magnetite alloys, low profile tyres and rear spoiler.

It also comes in some really loud colours if you want to stand out even more but my car was finished in tasteful ruby red at an extra £800 cost.

The sports theme continues inside with comfortable high backed black Recaro sports seats, a chunky, flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and a large central touch screen which controls most features.

You also get a head-up display which helps you keep your eye on the road and all the necessary creature comforts like dual air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, reversing camera, privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, power folding mirrors with puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors and a superb B&O sound system with 10 speakers.

The ST also comes with keyless entry and push button start/stop, alloy pedals as well as Ford's very useful Quickclear heated windscreen.

Other features include red brake calipers, a unique grille, full bodystyling kit, ST badging, sports suspension, Ford SYNC 3 and a driver assistance pack which includes traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and auto high beam.

Like its petrol sibling the diesel ST is fantastic to drive and handles brilliantly. The power plant is really torquey and provides all the grunt you want.

The steering is pin sharp and while the ride is firm it is not uncomfortable. The ST corners as if it is on rails and there is stacks of grip even in the wet.

As you would expect the ST is crammed with all the latest safety equipment and if you wish you can add a Ford Performance Pack which gives you an additional track driving mode, shift indicator, launch control, rev matching and multi-colour ambient light for an additional £250.