AHEAD of the Paris Motor Show which begins on Saturday, Ford has announced details of the next generation of Focus ST. The high performance variant, which will boast nearly 250bhp, is expected to go on sale in 2012 following the arrival of the next genera

AHEAD of the Paris Motor Show which begins on Saturday, Ford has announced details of the next generation of Focus ST.

The high performance variant, which will boast nearly 250bhp, is expected to go on sale in 2012 following the arrival of the next generation Ford Focus in spring 2011.

The Focus ST will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine and, alongside the rest of the Focus line-up, is expected to be able to offer greater value form money and more affordable technologies and equipment owing to its global nature; the new model has been designed for sale in more than 120 markets with 80 per cent of its parts shared worldwide.

"The launch of the complete new Focus range, plus the global debut of the high-performance ST model, makes this Paris Show not only very exciting for Ford, but also highly significant," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"It's clear that the pace of change within Ford remains as aggressive as ever."

PEUGEOT has unveiled its replacement for the 407 saloon and estate models.

The French car maker's 508 will appear in the UK early next year, and company bosses are hoping the car's new look and a greater focus on economy and low CO2 will help attract buyers.

Also, Peugeot is upping the stakes when it comes to quality. With one eye on the affordable premium market, the 508 boasts high levels of refinement and a noticeable step up in terms of build quality.

With its new corporate nose design and sleek profile, both the 508 saloon and its SW load-lugger cousin continue the design theme started by the sporty RCZ coupe.

Alongside the usual array of features inside a car associated with a mid-size model - plush trim, decent audio, electric almost everything - the 508 showcases Peugeot's diesel engine stop-start feature plus a full-blown diesel-electric hybrid powertrain.

With the combination of a 1.6-litre diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox, the 508's "e-HDi" system will deliver 114g/km CO2 at launch and 109g/km later in 2011 after a series of interim improvements.

Peugeot's foray into hybrid territory should see even greater reductions, thanks to the combination of a diesel engine up front and an electric motor powering the rear wheels. With the potential of 200bhp, all-wheel drive and greatly reduced emissions of 99g/km CO2 promised.

This new Hybrid4 system will also see service on Peugeot's 3008 crossover later this year.

In keeping with Peugeot's plan to downsize its engine range, the 508's petrol line-up consists of a trio of 1.6-litre units in various states of tune. The diesel range includes the aforementioned e-HDi unit plus another 1.6, two 2.0-litre engines and the flagship 2.2-litre motor.

For keen drivers Peugeot is offering two different set-ups on the 508.

Along with the regular configuration, there's a GT specification combining the car's standard fit multi-link rear suspension with a dual wishbone front axle layout.