Suspension upgrade

Im relatively new to upgrades. Most everything I've learned myself but this is one I can't seem to figure out. What I'm wanting to do is lower my 05 ZX3 and also stiffen up the suspension for better handling. My friend has a VW 1.8T GTI and his ride is stiff as hell, you almost hit your head on the top of the cabin if he hits a bump too hard. He gets almost zero body roll through corners, no matter how fast he's going. I'm wondering how I can get this same handling on my Focus. I plan on getting a set of 17" rims first so I know how much room I'll have to play with on ride height but as for the suspension set up, I'm clueless. I know that I'll need new springs but will I need new shocks and struts? Suspension is just something I don't know a damn thing about and was looking for some advice.

I would try asking the same question over at focaljet.com...it's a much more active board, and has many more people who are familiar with the new model Focus. HTH

good call man, ill check them out. would still like input from anybody here just to get as much advice as possible