The Sweeney: You're nicked... in a Ford

One of six Ford Focus ST hatchbacks on the set of 'The Sweeney'. Photo / Supplied

Hard-nosed 1970s English television show The Sweeney is being remade for the big screen and will see maverick cop Jack Regan chasing crooks in a Ford Focus ST, instead of the familiar Granada.

The hot hatch should help maintain the tough reputation of Regan, who coined the phrase "Shut it, you slaaaag," as he read armed robbers the riot act.

The Focus ST, unveiled at September's Frankfurt motor show, is Ford's hottest Focus yet, so expect to see some spectacular on-screen stunts, courtesy of the ST's fiery 185kW 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

With an expected zero to 100km/h sprint time of just six seconds, it should be more than a match for the getaway cars being chased by the Flying Squad.

The programme's title derives from "Sweeney Todd", Cockney rhyming slang for Flying Squad.

The original series starred John Thaw as Detective Inspector Jack Regan and Dennis Waterman as Detective Sergeant George Carter.

Such was its popularity in Britain that it spawned two feature film spin-offs, Sweeney! and Sweeney 2.

In the new film, Regan will be played by Cockney tough guy Ray Winstone. Rapper Ben Drew (aka Plan B) will play Carter and even Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson makes an appearance, with a small cameo role along with a Jaguar XFR in Italian Racing Red.

Ford's strong link with The Sweeney began with Regan and Carter using 1970s Ford Granadas, Consuls and Cortinas.

Last month, six early-build Focus ST models - all black - were delivered to The Sweeney film set, joining Ford Mondeos, Galaxys and Transits for use as unmarked vehicles.

Sweeney director Nick Love said: "It was important for me to collaborate with Ford on The Sweeney as their legacy with the original TV show is so strong."

The original series had such a limited budget that stunt teams were advised to use no more than a gallon of petrol an episode.

The most famous car in the television series was the metal bronze Ford Granada GT, used in the first, second and part of the third series. The car was almost completely standard with the exception of a sump guard. The Granada had replaced the Ford Zodiac and Zephyr and was introduced in Britain in 1972.

The car was produced in Ghia, GT and S variants with a high standard of trim. It was powered by the Essex 3-litre V6 engine that was good for 180km/h.

The Focus ST is likely to be 50km/h faster.