IT may be called the Black edition, but this stand-out version of the Ford Focus relies very much on the touches of red to catch the ye.

Looking like some sort of modern vampire transport in this devilish two-colour combination, it might easily be considered to be a blazing fast incarnation of the much-loved hatchback.

But it's not. The Black - and the alternative Red - edition lies beneath the insanely powerful Focus RS and the hot Focus ST in the pecking order.

It is in fact based on the Focus Zetec S and available with a choice of just one petrol and one diesel engine.

The 1.5 EcoBoost provides 182PS and 240Nm of torque, with a fuel economy for 51.4 mpg. The 2.0 TDCi produces 150PS and 370Nm of torque with a fuel economy of 70.6 mpg.

So there you have it in a nutshell. Opt for the petrol version and you will have more oomph. Choose the diesel and you will have more torque on tap and fewer trips to the fuel station.

Whether you opt for the Black or the Red edition, you will find red stitching highlighting the sports seats, a leather steering wheel and gearshift gaiter, stainless steel pedals, branded floor mats and an aluminium gear knob. Sporty, yes, but quite conservative when compared with the exterior.

Here you will find the real devilment in the detail. Both models come with exclusive 17-inch five-spoke black alloys (or an optional 18-inch wheel), plus contrasting red brake callipers.

And while the vast majority of the five-door Black edition's bodywork is in black, there's a contrasting red roof and mirror caps, upper and lower grilles in high gloss honeycomb design with contrasting red surround on the upper grille and a contrasting front bumper aerofoil and rear diffuser. The colour combinations are largely reversed for the Red edition.

Adding to the drama are sports bumpers, side skirts and a rear spoiler, plus a chrome finish on the upper door line and LED day running lights.

The impression that this is a car capable of some serious entertainment is, however, misleading. Sports suspension features on both models, but these special editions ride at the same height and with the same stance as the regular Focus.

I tested the diesel version, and I while I could not fault its handling I was left underwhelmed by the acceleration (0 to 62mph in 8.8 seconds) and found the claimed 70.6mpg unachievable. I reckon 50 to 60mpg to be a more realistic figure. The EcoBoost version - which I have tried and thoroughly enjoyed in the Fiesta Black - would have to be the one to choose.

On the plus side, the diesel engine is virtually never obtrusive and it proves flexible on challenging country roads.

Underneath all that black paint is a Zetec S chassis, while the turbocharged 1.5-litre Ecoboost petrol engine is unique to this special edition.

It’s the styling and extra power that engine that you’re paying for here. The standard Zetec S is considerably cheaper, but has a 148bhp version of the Ecoboost engine.

Ford is making considerable strides in updating its car interiors, and these special editions come not only with subtle cosmetic touches but also a lot of kit.

There's privacy glass and power folding mirrors for starters, front fog lights, keyless entry and start-up, an eight-inch touchscreen with phone connection, DAB radio, CD player, USB ports, torque vectoring control, hill start assist, air conditioning and heated windscreen.

But I am left feeling that while the Black edition is hot on looks and content it is not the hot hatch that its appearance promises.