ST Session: 2013 Ford Focus ST
ST Session: 2013 Ford Focus ST Ford

Here are the ingredients to the sport compact: peppy engine, light weight, short wheelbase, and tossable chassis.

Sure, take it to a drag strip and it won't do a whole lot of damage, but once a hot hatch finds itself in tight and narow b-road, it gets into its element.

Ford has released a new episode for its "ST Sessions" series. Rather than the typical countryside action shots, the 252-hp Ford Focus ST faces a tougher challenge as it faces off against sport compact favorites including the 263-hp torque-steer monster MazdaSpeed3 and the super revvy naturally aspirated 201-hp Honda Civic Si Coupe.

Setting the tone, the trio convened at a dark and abandoned warehouse. Challenged with stacked boxes and crates, slippery warehouse floors, tight spaces, and blind corners, the warehouse can truly heighten the sensation of speed and the need for agility.

Check out the three sport compacts rip it up. Which one would you pick? They're all certainly on our list for future test drives!