The new Ford Focus ST will be priced from £21,995 and £23,095 when it goes on sale in the UK on June 1 in both hatch and estate model styles.

The 248bhp model is powered by a direct-injection 2.0-litre, all-alloy, turbocharged, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine which can manage 39.2mpg and has CO2 emissions of 169g/km.

Standard UK specification includes Ford Power keyless start, Recaro seats, DAB radio, Bluetooth and 18in alloy wheels, with the range-topping ST3 model adding heated, leather seats, Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and keyless entry.

Additional sports styling options include rado-grey alloys wheels, red brake callipers and illuminated scuff plates.

The previous two Focus ST generations have exceeded 35,000 sales between 2002 and 2010 in the UK.

Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director, said: “Ever since the arrival of the legendary GT40, Britain has become the spiritual home for performance Fords - and demand from UK enthusiast customers has always been strong.

"This latest Focus ST is a global car that will excite customers around the world - but especially those in Britain."

The Focus ST’s UK debut will coincide with a starring role in the new action movie adaptation of British TV cop show The Sweeney, with actors Ray Winstone and "Plan B" Ben Drew playing Regan and Carter.