ANOTHER Ford family favourite willcease production in November this year following the demise of the Mondeo and the Fiesta as the firm opts to put everything into EV production.

It seems like politicians and manufacturers are determined to force change on us, so we might as well enjoy some superb products while we can.

THE Ford Focus ST is one of the best hot hatches that Ford has produced - it is a smart all-rounder that is also easy on the eye and so I was delighted to get the chance to drive it again.

It is a great package with a lot of standard kit and it also boasts a sweet chassis that helps it to stand out from the competition as it handles superbly.

It also has more power than most of its rivals thanks to its 2.3-litre petrol EcoBoost engine which produces 280ps and 420Nm of torque.

That means it is good for 0-62mph in a blistering 5.7seconds before going on to a top speed of 155mph if you can findanywhere legal to do that.

The ST offers dramatic sporting lines with side skirts, 19-inch FlowForm alloys in high gloss black, low profile tyres and rear spoiler. In other words it looks the business especially in striking Azura Blue paint.

The sports theme continues inside with comfortable high backed Ebony Ford performance sports seats with blue stitching, a chunky, a leather steering wheel and a large central 13.2 touch screen which controls most features.

You also get a head-up display which helps you keep your eye on the road for an additional £450 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 and 675 watts.

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

Other features include larger Brembo brakes with red brake calipers, a special 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.

The ST is fantastic to drive and handles brilliantly. The car came with a 6-speed manual box and it allows you to make full use of the power plant.

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 astonishing grip even in the recent very wet conditions.

As you would expect the ST is crammed with all the latest safety equipment and selectable driving modes and you also get a driver assist pack which includes traffic sign recognition.