IT WASN'T that I was a particularly naughty child. But like most other kids, once I'd been told not to do something, curiosity took over and the whys and why-nots of the order I'd been given were generally all I could think about.

So when I arrived at Kendal's Pye Motors to pick up one of Ford's new second generation Focus Saloons, and I was told to put my foot down carefully because power output is so sharp, I knew I would have a problem sticking to the rules, writes Caroline Beamish.

Obviously, there's a time and a place for letting a car burst out of the starting stalls and that's away from the road and other road users.

But there's nothing wrong with letting it gallop ahead and stretch its legs as long as you remain well within the legal speed limit.

Despite being designed around the driver who needs space for a set of golf-clubs owing to its generous boot, the two-litre diesel Focus Titanium Saloon was not about to disappoint and can prove it has enough kick to keep even an extreme sports enthusiast happy.

While it is perfectly possible to drive sedately, the Focus comes into its own between around 35mph and 50mph, when an extra touch on the accelerator launches the car forwards, past everything in its path.

Power at this speed is as much a safety device as anything as it can compensate for slight driver hesitation and propel you out of danger.

But on the A590, 591, M6, any piece of dual carriageway really it was worth slowing down just to enjoy the climb back up through the six-speed gear-box.

Ford has also given the Focus a solid feel and sure-footed handling it won't flinch if you drive it into bends.

Launched earlier this year, the four-door Focus Saloon has the same front end as the hatch the version we are used to seeing on our roads.

But the design team responsible claim the fast hatchback silhouette has translated convincingly into the classic limousine body architecture' and looks sharp as a saloon.

Available in both Ghia and Titanium specifications, Ford have increased the trim, readies and technology but have essentially kept the DNA of the previous Focus exactly the same.

Retaining an executive feel, the sportier Titanium comes with a three-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel, front sports seats, a Sony stereo system with MP3 capability as well as the ABS brakes, powered central locking, front, side and curtain airbags, alarm and heated front and rear windscreen as standard on both Titanium and Ghia models.

And a dark, quality interior gives the cabin a serious look complete with half-trim leather seats and illuminated footwells.

While the Focus Saloon will easily carry the suitcase and golf clubs of the overseas business visitor you are meeting at the airport with room to spare, and will then fit the family in the back for the weekend it's best enjoyed on your own when you can turn up the stereo and savour even the drive to work.

l The Ford Focus Saloon Titanium test driven for this piece was kindly supplied by Pye Motors, in Shap Road, Kendal. This car, on the road, costs £17,675 With the Focus Saloon Titanium range starting at £15,825.