Ford Focus RS Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: Ford Focus RS
Prices: £27,895 - on the road
Insurance Group: 18 [est]
Emissions: 225g/km
Performance: Max Speed 160mph / 0-60mph 5.9s
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 30.5mpg
Safety: Twin front airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESP
Dimensions: Length/Width/Heightmm 4337/1839/1497

The Blue Oval Badge of Courage

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Over the years when Ford stamps a car with the RS tag people know to expect a super-performance car. This year Ford launches the Focus RS which is the 21st car to bare the RS badge. The new Ford Focus RS lives up to what one would expect from an RS car.

The new Ford Focus RS comes with a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine with 440Nm of torque. The car is at its best when it is being driven through turns. The best part is with the add-on of the ESP stability control a good driver can wind their way through twists and turns without a down shift. Brave souls will have the option of turning the stability control off when they hit the track or where for that matter. A veteran wheel person can take this car from the line to 60mph in a tic under 6 seconds with a top speed nearing 160mph. The Focus RS is also equipped with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution which gives the car an impressive stopping power.

The suspension in the Focus RS is a newly designed contraption Ford calls RevoKnuckle. Working in line with the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited slip differential to reduce torque steer. The RevoKnuckle minimizes the bad effects the front wheel driven wheels have on steering. This system allows the Focus RS the ability to keep a straight line while using the full breadth of its 440Nm torque. Getting the engine up to top speed means moving through the standard six-speed manual.

Style-wise this Focus RS is bold. It stays in line with past Ford RS vehicles. Even though the car is relatively small it looks very robust. The angry snarl of the front valance leading up the honeycomb grille and the scowling headlamps make the car look mean even when standing still. The front hood has two vented intake areas and more honey comb on the side doors. At the back of the car there is a nice roof-mounted spoiler along with a diffuser under the car with the chrome exhaust pipes. 19-inch alloy wheels come standard.

The interior of the car is a sight to behold with the sexy, three-spoke steering where and powerful Recaro sport seats. The cabin is completed with RS branding everywhere, brush aluminum and carbon-fibre finishes. The RS comes with three extra gauges including a turbo pressure monitor. Power, heated door mirrors, automatically leveling Xenon headlamps, air conditioning, Quickclear heated windshield and a six-disc CD stereo all come standard.

Most people who spend the extra money on a car like the Ford Focus RS aren't too uptight about gas mileage; however it is capable of getting upwards of 30mpg combined city/highway. Though one might wonder why anyone would spend the extra money on a car like the RS and worry about good gas mileage. These cars are meant to be driven.

For those people looking for a fin car that can do a spin on a circuit, but don't have the wallet for an M class BWM will be very happy with the Focus RS. The standard trim will run about 30,000 pounds. Not a bad price at all for a car that is quick, stylish and fin to drive.