The ST170 is a really nice car, I don't think it was ever built to be that quick, just quick enough.

If you're talking about power to weight then looking at the wrong cars. Anything over 1000kgs is starting to get reasonably heavy really.

My Ka is 900 kgs, probably a bit more if I'm honest. Still, at 195 bhp, It's 210-220bhp per ton.

I can vouch for ST170 brakes though, they're very good, but don't have to work as hard on my car. I have the full set up.

St170 can provide a lot of comfort and reasonable power for the money today. If you want more speed, would have to be an ST225. But don't think just about now.. If you think you might want more eventually, you'll spend more money in the long run but changing later probably. Get an ST225 in this case, that volvo engine has good tuning ability!

P.S. I'm after a MK1 Focus RS engine, if anyone comes across one for sale! Need more power to weight