I had an Escort Coss, now got an ST. Certainly not as much road presence and i'd say the Coss handled better as well (not by much though). Can't comment on power as the escort was modded.
The focus puts it's power down nicely and is alot better to drive but i'd still prefer my Coss back, needed a new (reliable) car though. Book a test drive, i doubt you'll be dissapointed