FLAGSHIPS make a bold statement for the rest of a car range, and it is in the family car sector where they matter most.

Even if a driver is sitting in a lowlier, lesser-powered version of a range's racier leader, there's a nice warm feeling of kinship towards it - "I've got one of those" - and it is, after all, something to aspire towards.

Then again, performance flagships are often race-track or rally proven, and often translate serious speed into a fun, fast element for normal road use.

That's certainly the case with the latest Ford Focus range leader, the turbocharged ST, which has just gone on sale here in Britain. Created by the Blue Oval's TeamRS division, the ST comes with an upgraded interior with more luxury fittings and prices - from £18,250 to £20,850 - which are as competitive as the car itself.

TeamRS is Ford's dedicated performance vehicle arm, who have imbued the latest ST with new technologies and features, while leaving the car's well-honed dynamics untouched.

The 2008 Focus ST also adds the new exterior and interior styling changes introduced to the rest of the Focus line-up earlier this year. Ford's 221 horsepower, 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine stays put, and can deliver a 150mph top speed, while accelerating from 0 to 62mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds.

But the firm is adamant the ST has more to it than just brute power, and the flying Focus remains one of the sharpest handling cars in its class. Subtle suspension enhancements help, as does a powerful braking system.

Electronic stability and traction control are also now standard on all STs, and the range retains its simple ST, ST-2 and ST-3 trim grades and three or five-door hatchback body styles.

Every Focus ST gets 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, sports styling, body-sculpted Recaro sports seats, a unique sports steering wheel, and upgraded instrumentation.

New to the ST are a starter button and capless fuel-filler system. The ST-2 versions comes with a Sony audio system, bi-xenon lights, LED rear lights and quick-clear heated windscreen, while the ST-3 has an in-dash six-CD player, plus full leather trim.

There's a range of hi-tech options available, including tyre-pressure warning system, new audio connectivity for Bluetooth devices and the like, voice control and navigation systems, plus various "infotainment" options.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen's 155mph new Passat salon and estate models, the R36, have just been launched, priced respectively at £30,990 and £32,150.

These R36s get a 3.6-litre V6 engine, intelligent four-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The saloon can accelerate from rest to 62mph in 5.6 seconds, with the estate taking 5.8 seconds.

The Passat R36 represents the fastest-accelerating vehicle produced jointly by the Individual and Volkswagen link-up.

Unique 18-inch wheels, with a 19-inch option due soon, uprated brakes, a lowered ride height and sportier front seats mark these racers out from the Passat crowd, along with a simple R36 badge set into the front grille.

Unique front seats, designed to offer greater lateral support, face a sculpted sports steering wheel that has paddles for the automatic gearbox.