The V40 is an excellent performer. It's very comfortable and delivers a class-leading ride even on larger optional 18-inch alloys. All models have three-mode electric steering (Eco, Normal and Performance) that, even in the default Normal, offers good levels of feedback. The D2 is powerful enough and comfortable, while the D4 offers an excellent blend of comfort and pace. It's well balanced with strong brakes, neat handling and large reserves of low-down power. The turbo petrol models offer even more power, but they’re not as well matched to the new dual-clutch transmission as the diesel, so we’d pick the six-speed manual when going for the petrol version. The D4, though, offers the best blend of performance and economy.

The V40 offers class-leading ride comfort and excellent ergonomics. There's a high level of standard equipment that includes excellent and supportive seating, Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted audio buttons. Dual-zone climate control is also standard. Rear passenger comfort has been worked on with great effect, too, with the sculpted outer seats moved towards the centre of the car. This delivers massive elbow room and also means the rear passengers can see the dash instead of the headrest in front of them.

The V40's diesel and petrol engines are well proven, also powering the C30, S40 and V50. All V40s will are built in Ghent, Belgium, and have excellent fit and finish throughout. Safety is a Volvo given, and even the entry-level model has a driver's side knee airbag and an intriguing new pedestrian airbag, with standard driver aids including blind-spot detection, City Safety technology as well as Dynamic Stability Control. The V40 is yet to be crash tested by Euro NCAP.

The V40 offers 335 litres of boot space, which expands to 432 litres with the seats folded and 1,032 if you measure up to the roofline. Every seat can be folded flat (and yes, oddly, that includes the driver's seat), while there's a low lip for easy entry and exit. There's also a clever (but sadly optional) two-tier boot floor that allows more space and security by allowing increased stowage underneath. In the cabin, there's the familiar Volvo ‘floating’ centre console, reasonably sized centre bin and map pockets, as well as clever rear armrest cupholders in the higher-spec models.

The V40 has a good level of standard equipment, yet it's pricier than its European rivals. From the entry-level ES, all V40s have the same high level of safety equipment, with the ES running 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured mirrors and bumpers, self-levelling headlamps and a roof-mounted rear spoiler. Inside, there are cloth seats, a leather-wrap steering wheel as well as USB and iPod connectivity, with infotainment operated via a five-inch display. Above this, the SE has keyless entry and start, steering-wheel operated cruise control and more elegant ‘T-Tec’ upholstery, while the flagship SE Lux has 17-inch alloy wheels and Xenon LEDs, active lighting and leather upholstery as standard. All models are available with a ‘Nav’ option, which sees a larger seven-inch screen and sat-nav with two manual map updates included.

The V40 D2 is a standout here, with 94g/km and 78.5mpg. It outperforms theAudi A3 1.8 diesel, as well as the BMW 116d Efficient Dynamics, while bettering even smaller-engined versions of its rivals. It delivers a company car BIK tax rate of £85/month, one of the lowest in its class. The D3 and D4 diesels have the same 65.7mpg and 114g/km figures, despite the D4's substantial power advantage. Petrol versions are impressive, too, with the T3 at 52.3mpg and 125g/km, the more powerful T4 not far behind with 51.4mpg and 129g/km. Volvo also offers a three-year/60,000 mile warranty with extended packages available even after the car's purchase.

The new Ford Focus ST is designed as a performance version of the Focus that is usable as an everyday car. It's powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 247bhp and can launch the ST from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. The handling is very sharp and precise – probably the best in class – and the car feels incredibly quick. There's also a great noise from the engine above 3500rpm , but thankfully if you keep the revs below that then it's silent and relaxing.

Generally with performance hatchbacks like the Renaultsport Megane 265 and Astra VXR the ride is firm and the engine is noisy, which means they’re not particularly comfortable or relaxing to drive. The suspension is noticeably firmer than a standard Focus but it doesn’t struggle to soak up bumps in the road, making the ST a great long-distance car.

Ford has already managed to prove that the standard Focus is a reliable car, with very few problems reported by the many customers that have bought examples of the newest generation Focus. With that in mind, the ST should also prove to be very reliable, even though this engine is new to the Focus range. Nevertheless, this 2.0-litre unit is already used in the Mondeo line-up and has proved trouble-free there too. The standard Focus scored a full five-stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests too.

The Focus ST is a very practical car with just as much boot space as the standard car. With a space-saver wheel you get 316 litres of room and you can expand this to 1,101 litres by folding the rear seats down. Ford does also offer an estate version of the ST if you’re after even more room.

The pricing of the Focus ST far undercuts rivals like the Golf GTI, although the entry-level models aren’t as well-equipped. Basic ‘ST’ models come with 18-inch wheels, Recaro seats and keyless-go. ‘ST-2’ models add half-leather seats and automatic headlights while the range-topping ‘ST-3’ cars get LED running lights, full leather trim and bi-xenon headlights.

With an eye on performance, the Focus ST won’t be the cheapest car to run but it is 20 per cent more efficient than the car it replaces. That amount to figures of 39.2mpg – though we experienced more like 29mpg – and CO2 emissions of 169g/km.