For years, the Volkswagen GTI has not only been the benchmark hot hatch but also the most respected. It literally created the hot hatch segment when it debuted all those years ago. Since that time, competing automakers have tried their very best to produce something that could give the GTI a run for its money. Many have come very, very close but not one has quite hit its target – until now.

The crew over at XCAR, who happen to know a thing or two about fast cars and brand history, recently got behind the wheel of the Ford Focus ST, and walked away impressed. It's the perfect package of performance, styling and handling. So, has the VW GTI has met its most formidable competitor to date?