New Ford Focus RS unveiled

Ford previews all-new Focus RS – 2.3-litre 318bhp turbo, four-wheel-drive… at a competitive price.

Expected to go on sale early next year for around £30,000, the Focus RS is the latest in a long line of affordable but seriously fast Fords.

Ford describes it as “a high-performance road car that debuts the innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive, delivering class-leading cornering speed, thrilling performance and unbridled driving enjoyment”.

Developed by a small team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and US, it’s the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009.

It will be the 30th car to wear the legendary RS badge, following such technology trendsetters as the 16-valve 1970 Escort RS1600, the turbocharged Sierra RS Cosworth of 1985 with its radical aerodynamics, and the four-wheel-drive 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.

Gymkhana and World Rallycross star Ken Block Ken Block teamed with Ford as a consultant on the development of the dramatic-looking car.

“The new Focus RS represents Ford at its passionate best – delivering innovation, unmatched driving dynamics and stunning performance that was previously the sole province of high-priced performance luxury marques and exotics,” said Jim Farley, president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“We are acutely aware of the benchmarks we have set ourselves with RS performance models through the years, and rest assured that this new car raises the game to a new level.