RS is for Really Scary!

RS is for Really Scary!

Vital stats



Manufacturer: Ford

Model: Focus RS

Years: Since 2000

Latest: 2010 MODEL (MK2)

Varients: RS and RS500 limited edition

Version: Second

Body: Coupe (2 four door)

Layout: Front mounted engine with front wheel drive mated to a revolutionary limited slip differential

Engine: 2.5 litre turbo

Transmission: 6 speed manual

Power: 224 kw (301 hp)

Torque: 440 Nm

0-100 km/h: 5.9 (claimed)

Top Speed: 282 km/h (claimed)

There is nothing subtle or unassuming about the  Ford Focus RS.  From every angle its a muscular being with clear intent. Its flared arches, its outlandish rear wing and striking green colour tell you that this is a force to be reckoned with. And it doesnt dissapoint.

The Ford Focus RS is inspired by motorsport specifically rallying. Its as if Ford's success in this form of motorsport were transformed into a single concise performance vehicle. They took the Ford Focus ST and pushed it into a different realm. The Focus ST itself was no ordinary hot hatch having ditched modern wisdom by being powered by a 5 cylinder 2,5 litre turbo instead of the 2 litre, 4 cylinder motor that we've become accustomed to. The result was a fire breather. From its little stressed engine the Focus ST delivered some 166 kw and 320 Nm of torque giving the car silky smooth acceleration right across the rev range. Where the Volkwagen Golf GTI, Renault Megan R26 /R27 and the Opel or Vauxhall Astra OPC proved that there is absolutely  nothing wrong with the 2 litre turbo concoction,  the Focus ST showed just how much the hot hatch  league was about to change.

Enter the Focus RS. It uses the same engine as the ST but significantly tuned to churn out 224 kw and 440 Nm of tarmac crunching torque. To put that into perspective, thats 40 more Nm than a V8 BMW M3! With that much power, this car should have been secured with All Wheel Drive like the Subaru and Audi S3 but its not. Instead it makes do with what ford calls Revoknuckle, an advanced limited slip differential in the front wheels.  The system is reported to be so good that the Focus RS instantly lives up to its promise. Sink into the colourful  Recaro seats, push the start button and a beast comes to life. Press the accelerato pedal with your right foot and you go into fight mode, the slick six speed manual gear box helping you to control the outbursts of this powerful but gentlemanly being. Despite an exterior that promises a scary ride, the Focus RS is one of those cars that can be driven daily and when the need arises be thrashed around to stun the bullies! Only 500 made it to South African shores and all were spoken for before they arrived. 

The only hot hatches that should even consider challenging the mighty RS (which actually stands for Rallye Sport) are the Subaru WRX STI and the Audi RS3 and even they must beware! With the next generation Focus RS already confirmed for early 2013, it will be interesting to see if the RS retains its crown. For now its younger brother, the all new 2 litre Focus ST is holding the bay with a credible power output of 184 kW compared to the Volkswagen Golf 6 GTI's 155 kw of raw talent. Has Ford heralded the era of  fast and scary fords back? Time will tell...