Ford Focus RS 2016 Quick Spin

Ford Focus RS
Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
Six years on from the last Ford Focus RS to grace us with its presence, this new model offers all-wheel drive traction and the EcoBoost 2.3-litre engine from the Mustang, turned through 90 degrees for an east/west orientation. Although slightly smaller than the five-cylinder engine fitted previously, the four-pot mill produces more than 30kW of extra power, and the same torque figure.

More importantly than that is the fact that the new model drives through all four wheels and power sliding is available on demand. If that doesn't make the Focus RS the most deranged, fun-filled hot hatch in the market, what does?

How much will it cost?
Manual transmission only, the Focus RS is priced at $50,990 before on-roads. Ford offers just two options for the Focus RS – the performance wheel pack and prestige paint. The only 'non-prestige' paint available is white, so prospective buyers face an extra $450 if they elect to order one of the other three colours: Nitrous (blue), Magnetic (grey) and Shadow Black.

The performance wheel pack comprises 19-inch low-gloss black forged alloys, shod with 235/35 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. This package – not fitted to the vehicle tested – will set the buyer back $2500.

Do you like oversteer? And do you fancy yourself as a WRC pilot? Do you enjoy a responsive turbo engine, with a naturally-aspirated character and a booming exhaust?

If you answered yes to these questions, if you have a spare fifty grand lying around and if you can channel the patience of Job, the Focus RS is a great car for you.

You'll need to draw upon that patience waiting to take delivery of the Focus RS, because Ford can't promise to get you a new one before next year – at the earliest. But it's worth the wait.

When is it available in Australia?
A very good question, that. The Focus RS is one of two models in Ford's current line-up that is in really short supply. There may be some in dealer stock, but it's rumoured that they're unsold because dealers are asking well above the manufacturer's list price.

It's thoroughly modern, but the Focus RS can trace its lineage back through iconic rally Escorts, including the Cosworth, the RS1800 and the Lotus Twin Cam. In short, the fiery Focus appeals to those young enough to enjoy driving, but perhaps old enough to remember the days before Group B rallying.

Where does it fit?
Being a hatchback with four doors and a tailgate, the Focus RS is numbered among other Focus variants in the VFACTS small-car segment, even though it's priced above $40,000.

But this particular variant is pitched directly against its obvious competitor, the Volkswagen Golf R, which is slightly more expensive – and is also a hot-hatch within a small-car footprint.

The Focus is also a candidate for cross-shopping against the Audi RS 3 and the Mercedes-AMG A 45, despite the major differences in price.

There are a couple of minor issues with this car. For the price the Focus RS should have adjustable vents for the rear-seat occupants. The doors close with the same timbre as the $20,000 Focus Ambiente, and the front seats feel mounted high.

But really? Would anyone seriously turn their back on a car as good as the Focus RS is for those reasons?

No…

2016 Ford Focus RS pricing and specifications
Price: $51,440 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Outputs: 257kW/440Nm (470Nm overboost)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 190g/km (ADR combined)
Safety Rating: TBA

Also consider:
>> Audi RS 3 (from $78,900 plus on-road costs)
>> Mercedes-AMG A 45 (from $78,315 plus on-road costs)
>> Volkswagen Golf R (from $52,740 plus on-road costs)

Related reading:
>> Ford Focus RS 2016 Review
>> Focus RS blitzes Germans!