From an outsider’s view, it seems like the engineers at Ford had one very clear goal in mind when they created the 2013 Focus ST. All evidence seems to suggest that they set out to create the sportiest and most fun-to-drive “hot-hatch” on the market starting at under $30,000. Nearly anyone who enjoys an agile and fuel efficient hatchback that is also quick off the line will tell you that this territory has long belonged to the VW GTI.

Sure there have been quicker hatchbacks, and sure there have been more fuel efficient and more comfortable ones too. But few have been able to compete with the GTI’s well balanced combination of usability and sportiness. However, the Focus ST challenges the GTI on nearly every front.

Both cars have turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines worth 2.0 liters of displacement. The ST’s, however, cranks out a good deal more power thanks to EcoBoost technology and some aggressive tuning. The ST is good for 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque while the GTI manages with 200hp and 207 lb-ft. The difference in power is most notable in the acceleration and top-speeds of these two front-wheel drive cars. The Focus sprints to 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds and tops out at 154 mph while the GTI does about 6.8 seconds in the 0-60 and maxes out at an electronically limited 130 mph. Even with all the extra power, the Focus ST manages 2 MPG better in the city and 1 MPG better on the highway for an EPA estimated 23/32 MPG.

The Focus has a much wider powerband with an overboost function that allows for extended peak operation of the turbo for about 15 seconds. Excellent interior appointing with optional Recaro bucket seats, MyFord Touch, dual zone climate control, and more also help the ST to pull ahead of the GTI. While the VW has been around the block a few times, it looks like the ST has bested the GTI at its own game!