Next-gen Ford Focus RS cancelled

Plans to introduce a fourth-generation Ford Focus RS have been scrapped after engineers failed to find a high-performance powertrain that could meet tougher EU emissions, according to Caradisiac.

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Sadly for hot hatch fans, it appears those attempts have failed and the Focus RS project had been canned, says a source speaking to the French car mag.

The issue facing engineers was the introduction of European Union fleet emission targets that require a car-makers to lower their average fleet emissions to just 95g/km of CO2 or face huge fines.

The insider hinted that Ford engineers were successful in finding a plug-in powertrain that could deliver the 300kW-plus needed, but the cost of doing so was exorbitant for the small number of Focus RS vehicles sold globally.

Piling added pressure on the business case for a halo performance car for the Focus range has been Ford's huge cost-cutting measures that will see the number of its manufacturing facilities slashed from 24 to 18 before the end of this year.

It's thought the sales collapse following the devastating coronavirus pandemic only sealed the fate for the Focus RS.

It's now left to the upcoming 206kW Focus ST to head up the Ford hatch range. When the current Ford Focus ST arrives in Australia in May, it will be priced from $44,690 (plus on-roads).

However, a midlife upgrade due next year could add 48-volt mild-hybrid electrification to the turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder.

If so, the fast Ford could get more power and lower emissions, helping partially fill the high-performance void left by the Focus RS.