Ford Focus RS leaked

The embargo for the 2015 Ford Focus RS has been broken by a UK website, revealing the highly-anticipated hot-hatch's new look and a number of features – including a WRX STI-rivalling all-wheel drive system.

A handful of low-resolution images have been leaked, showing off the car's aggressive new design which remains true to its ST donor model. The muscled-up body kit complements the look and a huge roof spoiler and diffuser at the rear – with integrated big bore exhaust system – signal serious performance.

Pitched as a Volkswagen Golf R rival, the Focus RS's front end features a huge lower air dam that feeds intake and cooling air to the turbo-petrol four-cylinder powertrain's intercooler. According to leaked info, the engine is indeed the 2.3-litre EcoBooost unit premiered in the new Mustang.

True output is yet to be confirmed but expect at least 224kW and perhaps as much as 250. In the Mustang's longitudinal (rather than the Focus' transverse) configuration, the 2.3 EcoBoost power unit is rated at 231kW and 430Nm.

The Focus RS is expected to cost up to 50 per cent more than the $38,290 Focus ST when it arrives in Australia. The vehicle's local arrival is yet to be confirmed by Ford Australia.

According to the leaked UK report, the Focus RS will get an all-wheel drive system that can shunt up to 70 per cent of available engine power to the rear axle. It will also take advantage of brake-based torque vectoring, which can adjust the amount of torque between the left and right wheels to reduce understeer.

Stay tuned for the official reveal with official specifications and images soon.