$60K Focus sold out?

Ford's better late-than-never local launch of the Focus RS hot hatch is a sell-out success -- or close to it.

Just 315 examples of the stove-hot five-cylinder three-door will make it Down Under, with another 35 earmarked for Kiwi customers. And despite a local MRLP of $59,990, the giant-killing hot hatch is all but sold out. Ford insiders say that while some dealers may have unsold examples, most of the cars have been snapped up before they have even hit the showroom.

Ford allocated each of its 200-plus dealers a single RS. Further allocations were based on demand and the sales ratios of the standard XR5 Focus sports hatch.

Almost half of the RS coming Down Under are Ultimate Green -- the car's World Rally Championship (and BP) inspired hero colour. The rest are evenly split between Performance Blue and Frozen White. And with production already wound up on the RS's German production line, there's almost zero chance of Ford Australia securing more stock. None of the powered-up end-of-the-run RS500 limited edition versions of the Focus RS were earmarked for Australia, Ford insiders lamented.

It's a simple specification policy for the RS too, Down Under. There are no options -- the near $60,000 pricetag includes 19-inch wheels (the largest wheel/tyre combination ever fitted to a production Focus), high-spec audio, Bluetooth and the limited range of equipment offered to European and British buyers of the RS as add-ons.

Standard equipment includes automatic levelling xenon headlights (with washers) and rear parking sensors. And inside, the RS gets Recaro seats, dual-zone climate control air and Ford Key-Free System incorporating keyless entry and keyless start via the start/stop button.

Though based on the XR5, the RS features bespoke RevoKnuckle front suspension, Automatic Torque-Biasing Helical Limited Slip Differential and a ground-up rebuild of the Volvo-sourced five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine. Peak power is 224kW and 440Nm of torque is available from 2300-4500rpm.

Many engine internals and chassis/body components are unique to the RS. A twin-blade rear spoiler, front splitter and underbody airflow management create genuine downforce, claims Ford, and key body panels such as wings and bonnet are unique to boot.

Ford Australia has spent "years" trying to secure the model for the local market. According to Program manager, Sam Gilliver, the go-ahead was only received in May this year.

Though initially it was expected the RS may wear FPV badging in Australia, the iconic nature of the RS brand saw the car stay within the main brand, badged as a Ford. The last RS model to be sold officially Down Under was the 1976 RS2000 Escort, a limited batch later followed by an emissions-compliant locally-assembled edition in 1979.

Ford Australia President Marin Burela said customer demand drove the final decision to import the car. He told the Carsales Network that the approval to import the car into Australia was an illustration of the 'One Ford' philosophy.

"We're keeping faith with our customers," Burela told the Carsales Network.

"My team and I have received so many requests for this special model... When we announced we had secured 315 Focus RS models for Australia I think the inquiry rate doubled, such is the passion this car generates."

Ironically the RS will arrive Down Under at the same time the new-generation Focus is shown for the first time (at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney). An all-new Focus is due to go on sale next year Down Under with production based in Thailand.

No plans for a follow-up to the RS born of the new generation car have been formalised for local consumption. That said, RS and ST versions of the Fiesta have been spotted in testing and Ford will also show a mock-up of a new generation Focus hot hatch at the upcoming Paris show.

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