ABDC 2017: Ford Focus RS 2017 Review
Ford's pint-sized super hatch takes on Australia's Best Driver's Car — and loses… Just…3rd
Launched locally in mid-2016, the Ford Focus RS backed-up its place within motoring.com.au’s Best Car rankings with defiant wins in every subsequent comparison test. No wonder some of you tipped itfor a comfortable victory at Australia’s Best Driver’s Car.
On road, on track and at the drag strip, Ford’s pint-sized super hatch certainly punched above its weight. Yet it failed to completely sway our judges.
The hot hatch field at ABDC 2017 saw a mix of entrants from Germany with BMW, Ford and Volkswagen represented. Beyond ‘Country Of Origin’, similarities were hard to find.
Deutschland’s contenders included rear-wheel-drive (BMW), all-wheel-drive (Ford) and front-wheel drive (Volkswagen) configurations. All the engines were turbocharged but mixed four and six-cylinders.
From the off our judges viewed the Ford Focus RS as one of the more ‘hard core’ entrants in this year’s competition. Forgoing polish for performance, and glitter for grip, those purposeful attributes had the Focus racking-up early points.
In wet and dry conditions alike, and on road and racetrack, Ford’s pocket rocket impressed.
All the ABDC judges remarked how progressively the chassis lent to understeer and how unshakable its wet-weather traction proved to be. The electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system was also deemed infallible - even on sporty (rather than track focussed) 235/35 (19-inch) Michelin Super Sport tyres.
“I’m blown away by how composed the Focus RS’ chassis is,” said Nadine Armstrong.
“The all-wheel grip and balance of this thing makes for a really entertaining steer.”
The torquey, yet fast-revving 257kW/440Nm 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine drew just as many compliments. All admired the flexibility of the four-cylinder unit and the crackle of the exhaust. Helping things along, the slick shifting six-speed gearbox and light, progressive clutch felt well matched (and, when pressing-on, a shift light urged the driver to grab the next ratio).
“It’s incredible that a mainstream car-maker like Ford can make a mainstream hatchback like this so good,” exclaimed Marton Pettendy.
“This is so damn good. What an engine. Great combo with the six-speed manual, and so strong from 2500rpm onwards,” he added.
Underneath, dual-mode Ohlins Tenneco dampers, clever rear-end torque vectoring, and muscular Brembo brakes joined electrically-assisted adaptive steering in making the Focus RS very adjustable mid-corner. The sense of involvement offered by the chassis was regrettably let down by the firmness of its ride, and a propensity for bump and torque steer.
>> 5th - BMW M3 Competition
>> 6th - Audi S5 Coupe
>> 7th - Mercedes-AMG C 43
>> Track test - The fastest ever
>> 8th - Volkswagen Golf GTI 40 Years
>> Not ranked - Alfa Romeo Guilia QV
>> 10th - Abarth 124 Spider
>> 11th - Nissan GT-R
>> In search of Australia's Best Driver's Car 2017
Also losing points for the Focus RS were poor fuel economy (22.6L/100km, as tested!!!) and sub-par driver ergonomics.
“The Focus RS is exhilarating. But the tiny petrol tank and huge fuel usage are a poor combination,” said Andrea Matthews.
As for the ergonomics, judge Ken Gratton (Ed: also known as Judge Dread) reckoned the supportive sports seats need some modification.
“The high-set driving position is almost a deal-breaker,” he said.
“A person could do themselves a mischief entering the car with that high side bolster.”
This was a point our V8 Supercar driver, Luke Youlden was quick to endorse.
“The seating position is simply too high,” Youlden emphasised. “It’s a deal-breaker for me.”
On the flipside, the Focus RS won favour for its winning value. Although bang-for-your-buck isn’t a judging consideration at ABDC, it was a point not lost on our judges.
“As far as bang-for-your-buck goes, nothing is better. The Focus is unstoppable,” said John Mahoney.
“The Focus RS feels like it has genuine rally pedigree,” detailed Andrea Matthews.
Balancing the good with the not so good, the Ford Focus RS finished ABDC 2017 in a well-deserved third-place. Competing against cars four times its price, the compact European hatch stood tall.
As a driver’s car, the Ford Focus RS is an excellent choice. As a hot hatch, it’s brilliant.
2017 Ford Focus RS pricing and specifications:
Price: $50,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Outputs: 257kW/440Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined) CO2: 175g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Unrated
2017 Ford Focus RS performance figures (as tested):
0-100km/h: 6.211sec
0-400m: 13.233sec @ 170.195km/h
Lap time: 1:01.113
- Capable chassis
- Scintillating performance
- Unquestionable value
- Concrete-firm ride
- High-set driver’s seat
- Barge-like turning circle
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