FORD’S hot-hatch ST machines surely deliver some of the best driving fun available for the money you’ll spend buying one.

I’ve recently had a fortnight testing the Fiesta supermini and larger Focus hatchback performance models from the famous marque and both put a smile on my face every time I drove them.

Whichever you opt for, you will experience rapid acceleration across the range, sharp brakes, tremendously responsive steering and suspension that makes you feel truly connected to the road.

Both also really stand out thanks to special ST styling and the cabins leave you in no doubt that you are at the wheel of a rocket.

Indeed, when I told a friend about the stats for the Focus, he was shocked to learn they were considerably more impressive than those for his premium German sports coupe.

The Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST

My test car came with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, that develops a potent 280PS.

This set-up is capable of propelling the Focus from a standing start to 62mph in six seconds flat and on to a top speed of 155mph. But average fuel economy is still a pretty decent 34.4mpg, with CO2 levels of 188g/km.

Put your right foot down and you can really feel the power surging to the front wheels. Adding to the fun are paddle shifters on the steering wheel to change gears manually.

The experience is enhanced further by a superb soundtrack and a choice of drive modes – slippery, normal, sport and an optional track setting – that alter the way the Ford responds to driver input.

The engineers have been hard at work, too, creating a performance-tuned chassis and building in the likes of enhanced torque vectoring, electronic limited slip differential and continuously controlled damping technology.

The Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST

Unsurprisingly, the Fiesta shares many attributes and characteristics of the Focus but with some subtle differences.

My review version – a special, limited-run, ST Edition model – enjoyed a Quaife mechanical limited slip diff, a launch control function and adjustable coilover suspension, for example.

And while the car loses the slippery drive mode, it gains the track setting as standard. Be in no doubt, this Fiesta bullet is aimed at driving purists.

Power in the Fiesta’s case comes from a 200PS 1.5-litre petrol unit with a hugely satisfying, precise, short-shift, six-speed manual gearbox – again driving the front wheels.

Go for it and you can hit 62mph in 6.5 seconds and, apparently, redline at 144mph. The official mpg is quoted at 40.4, a figure I got pretty close to despite some enthusiastic driving, with tailpipe levels of 158g/km.

The Ford Fiesta ST
The Ford Fiesta ST

Like the Focus, the Fiesta was superbly engaging to drive and I loved firing it along twisting, hilly country roads. I also noticed how both it and the Focus drew plenty of attention when driving around town.

That’s perhaps hardly surprising given the in-your-face, sporty designs. Shared features include big, bold upper and lower front grilles, unmissable ST badging, large rear spoilers and LED lights.

The larger car was sitting on 19in, five twin-spoke alloys in a menacing Magnetite finish that complemented the exclusive £825 Fantastic Red paintwork.

The smaller ST Edition comes with a unique Azura Blue body colour, gloss black roof and special gloss black, 10 spoke, 18in alloys. It caused plenty of positive comments from my neighbours.

Both cars have brooding, dark interiors, with heated Recaro partial leather sports seats and a chunky, heated, multi-function steering wheel to match. Handily, the controls included buttons to allow easy switching between the driving modes.

The Ford Fiesta ST
The Ford Fiesta ST

Another common feature is Ford’s excellent, intuitive SYNC 3 infotainment set-up with an eight-inch, three-way-split, colour touchscreen, full smartphone connectivity, voice control and intelligent sat nav.

Meanwhile, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system will allow you to bang out the tunes while you are on the move.

Other shared goodies include the likes of keyless entry and start, auto lights (including high beam) and wipers, rear-view camera, as well as traffic sign recognition, speed limiter, lane keeping and driver alert systems.

The Fiesta emphasises more sporty touches such as special Ford Performance scuff plates, red brake calipers and carbon effect detailing inside.

But the Focus adds the likes of a head-up display, 12.3in digital instrument cluster, dual-zone air con and wireless charging for a more premium feel.

The Ford Fiesta ST
The Ford Fiesta ST

Ultimately, which of these two ST crackers you choose may well come down to practicalities.

The five-door, roomier Focus, in this case priced from £34,735 on the road excluding options, is more likely to appeal to families or those who want to carry their luggage or outdoor gear more easily.

On the other hand, the three-door Fiesta ST Edition, which had a forecourt tag of £28,770, will please those who are more care-free and don’t have to worry about such things.

Whichever you opt for, if you are a driving enthusiast, you’ll be on to a winner with either of these ST motors.