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i need something cheaper, but from what ford have offered i don't think it is worth the loss in performance.



If you don't want much of a loss of performance, try a 182 I'd say. You will be familiar with renault's reputation in the handling stakes, and you can pick a decent one up for 10/11k. Not as much reduction in performance as the ST. Lacks on build quality of the ST though.
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Stripped Saxo VTS - 135bhp/tonne!