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Ford prices new 2012 Focus ST from £21,995

Ford has confirmed prices for the new Focus ST. The new 247bhp hot hatch will cost from £21,995 for the hatchback, or £23,095 for the Focus ST estate. That undercuts the VW Golf GTI, which has bumped up in price in recent years to a stout £25,330 despite having a more modest 207bhp. It also makes it better value than the £26,995 Vauxhall Astra VXR and Renaultsport Megane RS 265 at £24,840.

BMW 3-series convertible (2006): first official pictures

By Phil McNamara First Official Pictures 24 October 2006 10:03 BMW 3-series convertible: the lowdown Here's the car BMW said it wouldn't develop: a 3-series convertible with a folding hard-top. Although condemned by the R&D team for being too heavy, raising the centre of gravity and sapping dynamic ability, BMW has been forced to listen to the market and introduce a glass and steel-roofed cabrio. With a large boot and easy access for luggage, the 3-series convertible promises to be practical, and the extra glass compared with a fabric cabrio should make it airy too.

Threat to rural road maintenance

TOTAL ROAD CLOSURES may be necessary as the extreme winter weather has left councils struggling to maintain routes, according to a local government chief. One council - Cornwall - said it was being "starved of resources" and was considering stopping maintenance of rural roads. But the Department for Transport said billions of pounds were being provided for local highways maintenance and it was the responsibility of authorities to cope with severe weather.