It has taken an age, it was expected out well over 12-18 months ago, and given it is using the engine from a Mondeo, brakeing system from the Focus (ST170) there really is no excuse. That aside my friend and his girlfriend have driven some and really rate them so it's worth the wait. All being well I will get to go in one tomorrow.

As for finance, hammer them and hammer them hard - they get such massive commision from selling finance and with the interest rates on hold for so long the private financing option is always going to be better. If I were you I'd aim to finance the car through the dealer then twist their arm for a discount on the car (going to be slim) and some option upgrades, like reflex pack and proper ST mats thrown in.

A month or two later I would get a private loan (find the best here: http://www.moneysupermarket.com/LoansP/PersonalLoansAssessment.asp fill it in, it takes seconds to give you a quick breakdown and comparison) and pay off the finance on the car (here: http://www.ford.co.uk/ie/my_account/-/- ).

That way you get the lowest rate possible and the best package for the price.