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Ford Focus RS road test report

Ford Focus RS

Ford has marked the fortieth anniversary of the RS badge by launching the Focus RS. It looks every inch of what it should be, an RS should be powerful yet sleek and this car ticks all those boxes. Available in three colours, the RS can be ordered in blue, white or green. The green reflects the signature colour of Ford's global partner and World Rally Championship sponsor BP and it is reminiscent of the Le Mans green colour on the 1970 Escort RS.

Road Test Reports Says 5 star rating
A front-facing image of the Ford Focus RS

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SIMON SAYS

Performance Performance - 5 stars

The latest high performance model from Ford is powered by a 300bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. Translate that into figures and that means the RS can achieve zero to 60mph in a stunning time of 5.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 163mph - truly phenomenal. Feather the accelerator and you can feel the power move the car. As for overtaking, this is child’s play, the Focus RS has 440Nm of torque between 2,300 and 4,500rpm – if you are in third or even fourth there is no need to downshift as the car has so much guts that you will pass slower moving traffic with ease.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 5 stars

Ford has admitted that it thought about equipping four-wheel drive to the Focus RS but to stay true to the badge the car would stay as a front wheel drive machine. The best part is for enthusiasts, is that Ford has got it right, this car does not miss four-wheel drive. The RS had no traction issues on test, plant the throttle and the car grips and goes – its awesome. This is in part thanks to the wider track of the RS, 19" wheels, specially developed Continental and the RevoKnuckle front suspension - The RevoKnuckle patented by Ford has been developed to work alongside the differential in enhancing traction. When driving enthusiastically the chassis shows that this is a car to be reckoned with – Mitsubishi and Subaru have a lot to worry about as the RS looks to be quite an alternative to the two Japanese machines. When not ‘pushing on’ the car can be driven at a more sedate pace and is not as stiff as some rivals, which makes it ideal for every day use.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

Even though the Focus RS is a limited edition, reliability should be good as the car is built on the same production line as the standard Focus. Ford claims that this should ensure a high standard of build quality and reliability. The RS has service intervals of 12,500 miles or every year, whichever comes first. Ford claims that before the car was launched it underwent 10,000 hours of testing plus 3,000 shakedown miles on the gruelling Nurburgring Nordschleife (regarded as the best test track in the world).

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

For such a high performance car safety and security measures have been added to the RS to protect it from accidents and theft. At the top of the list comes huge front and rear disc brakes that have mega stopping power. There is also ESP and if you are involved in an accident there is twin front and side airbags, and curtain airbags to protect the driver and passengers. To ease any other lingering worries you may have – the Focus is one of the 10 safest cars ever tested according to Euro NCAP as it has achieved five stars for occupant protection, four stars for child protection (This mark was given with Ford's approved child seats used in the test) and two for pedestrian protection. To help protect your car from potential thieves, the RS is fitted as standard with a Thatcham Category alarm and immobiliser.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

If you have ever owned or just even sat in the most recent Focus ST, then you’ll recognise the interior. The plastics look durable and seem to be of high quality. If you need to make long journeys then you’ll love the Recaro seats, they are comfortable and figure hugging at the same time. Features such as the aluminium pedals and the RS badging on the steering wheel add to the visual touches. You can also fit two adults in the rear of the car and the boot has a space of 385-litres of load room for your luggage.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

The Focus RS is a practical high performance car. It has an official combined economy of 30mpg and it emits 225g/km of CO2 emissions - not bad for a vehicle producing 300bhp from the front wheels. The engine is so flexible that you could use it as your every day car, pick up from low revs is incredible in the first five gears. When in town the ride is comfortable, it never gets crashy. Standard kit includes the mega limited slip diff, an athletic bodykit, drainpipe sports exhaust, ESP, 19" alloys, xenon lamps, heated front screen, DAB radio and of course the figure hugging Recaro seats. You can add a few options to the car such as a Bluetooth hands-free at £200, sat nav is priced at £1,500 and to add climate control, auto lamps and wipers then you’ll need an extra £750. But getting back to the point of the matter the Focus RS is one of the best high performance cars currently on the market and the price, it starts from £24,995.

Submitted: 26/02/2009 13:21:47

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