Starting at just $50,900, the Ford Focus RS is the hot hatch of the decade at that price point. Hold on.. Hot hatch? No no, this little pocket rocket is a hyper hatch!
This little sky blue machine is powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Taking the ecoboost engine from the new Mustang and pimping it out even further, the Ford Focus RS puts out 257kW of power and 440Nm of torque. However, 15 second overboost will allow that torque figure to rise to 470Nm. 0-100 will also happenΒ in just 4.7 seconds.
The Focus RS is only available in a six-speed manual option, with power being sent to all four wheels.. So expect understeer. The exhaust note of the RS is not continually loud, and doesn’t give you a headache on your daily commute, however engage sport mode and enjoy the popping and grumbling of the exhaust till your hearts (and ears) content.
The 8-inchΒ touchscreenΒ utilises Ford’s infamous Sync infotainment system which seems to provide all the information you need right in eyesight and connects easily to your devices. TheΒ Recaro raceΒ seats give the car that racey feel, but it can get bumpy and uncomfortable at times. Safety isn’t peaking however, with only four airbags inside the vehicle, as none are on the sides. Quite concerning for a car that has a ‘Drift Mode’.
Overall, the Ford Focus RS has capitalised in the hot hatch market with over a year wait time in Australia. It gives the Mercedes-AMG A45 and the Audi RS3 a run for their money, and saves you a lot more.
