AN uprated version of the hot Focus ST hatchback has been developed by Ford and comes with enhanced handling performance.

The Focus ST Edition will be priced from £35,785 and is said to be the most agile version of the car to date.

With upgraded suspension and lightweight wheels the car has been engineered for use both on the road and on the track.

It comes in an exclusive blue paint finish and features an adjustable coilover suspension system, flow-formed alloy wheels that reduce unsprung weight, a hydraulically-activated electronic limited-slip differential and selectable drive modes including a track mode.

Set up by the Ford Performance team and tested at a variety of locations including the Nurburgring in Germany the Edition model is available only as a hatchback.

It is powered by the 280ps EcoBoost engine used in the regular ST model which gives it a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 155mph using a six-speed manual gearbox.

The two-way adjustable coilover suspension system is produced by motorsport specialists KW Automotive and features twin-tube stainless steel damper housings and powder-coated springs, with a distinctive Ford Performance Blue finish.

The ride height of the car is lowered 10 mm front and rear compared with the standard Focus ST, with a further adjustment of 20 mm available. Spring rates are increased by more than 50 per cent compared with the standard Focus ST.

Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager for Europe, said: "The new Focus ST Edition takes the hot hatchback to a new level of handling precision and control. Not only does it offer increased poise and responsiveness for the enthusiast, but also gives the ability to tailor the feel and handling balance of the car to the customer."

The Focus ST Edition joins the existing Ford Performance-developed Focus ST line-up that offers five-door and estate body styles with either the 280ps engine or a 190ps 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel and a seven-speed automatic transmission option for the EcoBoost unit.