FORD'S Focus ST was a relatively late arrival to the hot-hatch segment, coming up against established performance picks such as the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI, Renault's brutal Megane RS and, of course, the all-wheel drive Subaru WRX boy-racer.

But following its introduction in late 2012, the ST has endeared itself to fast four lovers, and it, along with its smaller but no less fun Fiesta ST stablemate, has helped inject a bit of sexiness into the Blue Oval's line-up.

Now a mid-life facelift is here, bringing changes big and small, including a more resolved exterior and interior design and improvements under the skin.

But is it enough to keep the aforementioned hot hatch heroes, as well as the newly arrived Holden (nee Opel) Astra VXR at bay?

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