Sports car under $50k winner: Ford Focus ST - 2015 Australia's Best Cars

The ST uses Ford's acclaimed SYNC 2 system, which can automatically alert emergency utilities such as police and ambulance should it detect that you have been involved in a serious crash. The ST also receives Ford's clever MyKey system which allows different driver profiles and restrictions to be programmed to the car's powertrain and body control modules - ideal if the vehicle has to be shared with a young driver.

Even though the Focus ST is biased towards a sporty offering, a fuel-saving stop/start system makes its debut on this model. Fuel-economy has a low weighting of importance for buyers of sports cars, but it's a welcome advance nonetheless, although the Focus's final score in this criteria is still bettered by more than half the contenders.

The sports persona of the Focus ST is apparent straightaway as you slide into what we consider to be best-in-class front sports seats. These are well bolstered and certainly able to provide the right sort of comfort and support for every type of driving condition.

Various exterior upgrades and treatments have been applied to round off the overall package that gives the Focus ST even more sporting prowess. This is a car that knows its market and is playing to it.

Second: Renault Megane RS 265 Cup

The Renault Megane RS 265 moves up a place after finishing third last time. It brings an edgier package to the field and ups the performance stakes even further, even outpointing the winning Focus ST in overall On The Road scores with a generous 195kW and 360Nm, delivered via a 6spd manual transmission (there's no auto).

With all this power on tap, there is no point boasting about performance without having a handling package to match it. This is where Megane starts to shine because it handles like it's on rails, and turning into corners promotes a level of competence and confidence that this field struggles to match.

To have this level of handling prowess, something has to be sacrificed and that unfortunately is ride quality. It's not as bad as you might first think, and although some may find it too stiff for the everyday commute, that won't be a problem for many drivers.

Well sculpted sports seats provide good bolstering and generally there is perception of quality in the build. There's some historical criticism that exists around the placement of switchgear and dash controls but these are typical of European ergonomic trends.

While Megane RS 265 will always be a popular choice for many, it has underperformed in some Value For Money criteria this time.

Third: Ford Fiesta ST

Small engines have improved dramatically over the past 10 years in regards to performance and economy. So much so that there's renewed interest in performance offerings in lighter sports cars.

Ford Fiesta ST's 1.6L engine produces 134kW and a useful 240Nm, and that in a chassis of around 1200kg of mass makes for spirited performance. Handling aspects haven't been ignored, with ST's sports suspension set-up able to emphasise sure-footed behaviour and turn-in. The torque and power of the engine have been well-matched to the 6spd manual's ratios (there is no automatic option on the ST).

Where Fiesta ST really throws the challenge out is its attractive purchase price, fuel economy and, compared with the rest of the class, reasonable running costs which made it one of the best scorers in the Value For Money criteria. While its standard features list isn't long - this is one area where the entire class is lacking - it does have desirable items such as rain-sensing wipers, daytime running lights and climate-control air-conditioning. A five-star ANCAP safety rating rounds off the attractive package.

So if you're a bit sporty-minded or just want a small car that looks a bit snazzier than usual, Fiesta ST fulfils both briefs with a good balance of performance and value for money.