The Ford Focus ST Diesel promises hot hatch performance with better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions to European customers. But does it? Ford has staged a skewed, one-lap battle around the Castle Combe Circuit with the diesel- and gasoline-fueled versions of the ST to find out.
If you're in the market for a hot hatch, there are some excellent choices at your disposal – especially if you live in Europe. But if you want a diesel, well, your choices become rather more limited. Volkswagen tends to that niche market with the Golf GTD (essentially an oil-burning version of the GTI
A few years back, Volkswagen made some waves when it announced the Golf GTD - a diesel-powered car that, aside from its ultra-efficient, ultra-torquey engine, was identical to the gas-powered GTI. That meant cosseting sport seats, larger wheels, sportier suspension, larger brakes and a body kit that made the GTD indistinguishable from t
