Is the Ford Focus ST superior to the Audi Q3?

I have recently retired and will be moving to the country shortly. Sadly, I will need to sell my much-loved Audi TTS and get something more practical with a greater load bearing capacity. I don’t want a large vehicle and I am looking for something that is fun to drive within a budget of £25,000. I had just about decided on a nearly new Audi Q3 when, flicking through a motoring magazine, I spotted the Ford Focus 2.0ST 250 EcoBoost 5dr, which seems to outscore the Q3 on just about every measure except predicted residual values. Which of these two vehicles would you choose, or is there another that I have overlooked?

Asked on 2 November 2013 by SM, Walton on Thames

Answered by Honest John
If you would miss the performance of the TTS, you won't when driving a Focus ST, and you can get a station wagon version: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/ford/ford-focus-st.../. However, the ST is priced for private rather than fleet sale, so don't expect to be able to get a fleet type discount on it.
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