According to the boss of Ford’s RS (Rallye Sport) department the new Ford Focus RS is “A very serious machine, with the performance, traction and precision to match far more exotic sports cars. The RS badge is not something we take lightly and I believe this car proves it”. Strong words, but can Ford’s latest hot hatch match the hype?

Ford have done so much to this car in comparison to a standard Focus that it is difficult to know where to start with the modifications. The engine is still a 2.5 liter like previous models but it has a newly designed turbo, a new exhaust, huge brakes and numerous other tweaks which have upped the horsepower on offer to around the three hundred mark. Despite all this extra grunt available, the RS is still front wheel drive, managing to put the power down effectively thanks to a highly advanced new front suspension set-up which Ford claims prevents the car from torque steering. Beyond that the cars aggressive exterior styling sees the Focus adorned with big, deep side skirts, a massive rear diffuser and a somewhat outrageous looking rear spoiler which really makes the new RS look the part.

So how does it drive? For a front-wheel drive car the Focus RS has staggering traction considering the power being put down on the road and it just doesn’t seem to suffer from under-steer at all. In a straight line, as you would expect, the Focus manages a pretty rapid 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds and 0-100 in about 14 seconds. In spite of the very leery appearance of the car, handling is actually very well-behaved with the driver remaining in control even when you put your foot down and, coupled with a surprisingly comfortable ride means as well as being a fun toy to throw around at the weekend the RS certainly has enough comfort and practicality to be used as an everyday car. Read the rest of this entry »