The company said has sold 6,700 so far this year, a 172.4% increase (3,240 units) on the 2,460 sold in the whole of 2014, with 45% (3,015) opting into the newly-introduced TDCi version. Demand for the latter is 70% weighted towards business users, it said – higher than the Focus’s overall fleet/retail split.

Priced identically to the 2.0-litre petrol version, the 183bhp 2.0 TDCI Focus ST is offered in the same two bodystyles and three trim levels as its counterpart, but returns 67.3mpg while emitting 110g/km CO2. For 2016, Ford is adding a PowerShift transmission to the ST TDCi. Reaching 62mph in 7.7 seconds, it will be the carmaker’s fastest-accelerating diesel to date, while offering 119g/km CO2 emissions and 61.4mpg on the combined cycle.

Roelant de Waard, vice president, marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe, said: “New Focus ST has been a runaway success with customers spoilt for choice between our latest petrol and diesel power units. Diesel drivers now have the additional option of the Ford PowerShift transmission, which allows them to swap between quick-shifting automatic and sporty manual to suit their mood.”