Ford Focus ST 2009 Mk2.5 HID headlamps

[Deranged Rover]

With winter virtually upon us, Mrs. D.R. mentioned that the headlights on her 2009 Focus ST were rubbish and could any thing be done to improve them? After driving the car at night recently., I can confirm that they are indeed pathetic and so I felt sure some higher output bulbs would do the trick.

However, on looking at the units to confirm bulb type, i was rather surprised that the car has the HID headlamps fitted as standard. They seem to be nice and bright and white when you stand in front of the car with them on but, on the road at night, a couple of elderly glow-worms taped to the front bumper would be about as effective.

Now, my Range Rover has HID headlamps and they are absolutely superb, so i have the following questions:

(1) Ford Focus HID lamps. Are they just a bit crap?
(2) If not (1), is it likely that the bulbs are getting old and failing, so would straight replacements improve things?
(3) If not (2), would upgraded higher output ones be a better option? The ones I've found are about £70 each, so I'd like a bit of a warm feeling that they're going to sort the problem before I splash out!

Thanks all.

[Deranged Rover]

Great stuff - thanks all!