I did wonder if it was the 3.0 X3, LocalFordDealer, which would explain why I couldn't get past - my chips are indeed very soggy.

The problem with the X3 is that it looks so mundane with the black bumpers all over it, it could have had the engine out of the M5 in it and I'd never have known! It may just be that, because I came from having a lowly 75bhp 206, I expect the ST to be blindingly quick when, in all honesty, 150bhp isn't that much in a 1.1 ton car. I had the revs well up when I was trying to get past this thing though (I thought changing up at 6000rpm would be enough) but it still didn't work. Nevermind, I just hope I haven't got used to it already, that'd be disappointing...

*off topic* LocalFordDealer - what are the opening hours of your service department? I was amazed to find that mine is only open 9am-5pm!