The Ford Focus RS is the highest-performing hot hatch ever built by Ford. This impressive rally-bred monster combines the practicality of a Focus hatchback with a trick all-wheel-drive system and powerful engine to create a legendary performance machine. As Ford in America shifts its product concentration to trucks and SUVs, the MK3 Ford Focus RS may be the last great hot hatch from the Ford brand to reach American shores.
The MK3 Ford Focus RS debuted in 2015 with production ending in 2018. During this short production run the MK3 Ford Focus RS raised the bar for hot hatchback performance and cemented itself as a performance car icon.
Ford Focus RS
- Powerful Turbocharged Engine With Class Leading Horsepower And Torque
- Capable Brembo Brakes
- Electronically Adjustable Suspension Setup
- Track Capable All-Wheel Drive System
- Configurable Setting / Drift Mode
- Engine: 2.3-liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
- Drive Layout: All-Wheel-Drive
- Horsepower: 350 HP
- 0-60mph: 4.7 seconds
- Torque: 350 LB-FT
- Top Speed: 165 MPH
- Transsmission: 6-Speed Manual
- Powerful Drivetrain That Beats Out Modern Rivals
- Impressive All-Wheel Drive System Offers Unique Driving Experience
- Spacious Interior For Daily Driving Use And Capability
- Harsh Ride Quality For A Daily
- High Price Tag Even On The Used Market
- Interior Lags Behind Modern Competition
Make Model Performance And Capability
The MK3 Ford Focus RS features a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This powerful boosted four-cylinder is mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission that routes power to all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system. This potent powertrain is good for a 0 to 60 mph time of only 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph.
Besides its impressive on-paper performance, the Ford Focus RS was built for driver engagement. Ford debuted an industry-first Drift Mode on the Ford Focus RS that allows drivers to send more power to the rear wheels and experience oversteer in their Focus. The impressive all-wheel-drive setup was more than just a rear tire-smoking burn-out machine.
The unique torque vectoring all-wheel-drive setup allows the Ford Focus RS to manage how power is distributed between the front and rear axles via a series of clutch packs. Furthermore, the all-wheel-drive setup in Ford Focus RS allows it to vector torque between the rear wheels for even greater control and performance. This unique setup can send up to 70% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels which was class-leading upon debut.
Thanks to an adjustable suspension setup the MK3 Ford Focus RS is up for both daily driver duties along with track days. This dual personality means the Ford Focus RS is a genuinely usable family vehicle with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
The Ford Focus RS was built in Ford of Europe's Saarlouis plant in Germany. During its construction, the Ford Focus RS wasn’t treated like a normal Focus receiving improved welds to create a more rigid structure, bespoke exterior panels, and attention to detail befitting a true performance car. Outside of the numbers, it’s this engineering detail and passion that makes the Focus RS a car worth dreaming of.
Engine Type |
2.3 L |
Horsepower |
350 HP |
Torque |
350 LB-FT |
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
0-60 |
4.7s |
Top Speed |
MPH |
Drive |
AWD |
Exterior Design
The Ford Focus RS takes the familiar Focus hatchback body shape and completely transforms it with aggressive body panels and flared fenders. This comprehensive redesign means that there’s no chance that your Focus RS will be confused with a lesser Focus model.
The front fascia of the Focus RS features massive openings to allow for maximum airflow to the turbocharged engine and intercooler. Front brake ducts route cool air to keep brake temps lower during spirited driving and track use.
The Focus RS features 19-inch wheels that are finished in either black or aluminum colors. These large wheels cover 13.8-inch front Brembo brakes and 12.6-inch rear brakes. Finally, the rear end is home to a unique diffuser setup that is flanked by dual-exhaust outlets. A rear wing over the hatch is the final touch of this exciting hatchback's expressive design.
Available Colors:
- Frozen White
- Nitrous Blue
- Shadow Black
- Stealth Gray
Length |
172.8 in |
Width |
79.1 in |
Height |
58.0 in |
Wheelbase |
104.2 in |
Curb Weight |
3434 lbs |
Interior Quality and Technology
The interior of the Ford Focus RS is the perfect mix of practicality, motorsport-inspired touchpoints, and useable technology. For starters, the RS offers the same hatchback practicality as its lesser siblings without any compromise for its performance. The large versatile interior makes the Ford Focus RS a useable performance car capable of taking on family duties with ease.
The Focus RS uses supportive Recaro front seats that offer side bolsters to hold you and your passenger in place during aggressive driving. Even the rear seats in the RS use the same materials as the front Recaro seats but without the added side bolsters.
The Focus RS interior may offer special touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and other improved touchpoints, but in the end, the RS is based on a Ford Focus and uses many of the same hard plastics
The Ford Focus RS production ended in 2018 and since then, car interior technology has come a long way. Many modern competitors offer more tech, including configurable gauge clusters that have become the norm. The Ford Focus RS offers a center touch screen with Ford’s reliable Sync software, but the gauge cluster is still old-school physical dials which will be a plus for many.
Seating Capacity |
5 |
Headroom (front) |
39.1 in |
Headroom (rear) |
37.9 in |
Legroom (front) |
41.9 in |
Legroom (rear) |
33.4 in |
Shoulder room (front) |
55.6 in |
Shoulder room (rear) |
52.6 in |
Cargo Room |
23.8 cu-ft |
Make Model Price And Availability
The Ford Focus RS Mk3 was on sale on the US market from 2015 to 2018 and are currently plentiful on the second-hand market. Since the Ford Focus RS is such a desirable hot hatch, used prices are bewilderingly close to the RS’s list price when it was new. That being said, there are bargains to be had if you’re willing to grab an RS with higher mileage.
With just 1,000 units delivered for the 2018 model year, the 2018 Ford Focus RS is the most expensive year on the used market. In fact, many dealers are charging over $40,000 for a low-mileage RS. On the flip side, high mileage early RS' sell in the high $20,000 range making them a more affordable option. The sweet spot for a Ford Focus RS is right around $35,000 which is what you would’ve paid for a new one from Ford.
Main Competition
The landscape of hot hatchbacks has shifted significantly since the Ford Focus RS first debuted in 2015. In 2015, it had to contend with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STI, both of which are now gone from the U.S. market. Today, the Focus RS would have taken on newcomers like the Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf R, Hyundai Elantra N, and Toyota GR Corolla.
When it comes to horsepower, the Ford Focus RS beats out all competitors with its 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Even its all-wheel drive setup is class-leading and only challenged by the new Toyota GR Corolla. This potent combination is why the Ford Focus RS continues to hold its value on the second-hand market and remains a hot hatch icon for enthusiasts.
The Honda Civic Type-R and Hyundai Elantra N rely on front-wheel drive only which gives the Focus RS an edge in all-weather traction. The Elantra N offers an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that gives shoppers a unique option when compared to the 6-speed manual-only Ford Focus RS. Although the RS offers more power than both of these cars, the Honda Civic Type-R and Elantra N can keep up with the RS on twisty mountain roads thanks to superior suspension tuning.
Compared to more modern competition, the Ford Focus RS holds its own. If you’re in the market for an RS or a modern hot hatch, we recommend test-driving each example to choose the option that best fits your driving style.
FAQ
Q: Is the Ford Focus RS or ST faster?
With a top speed of 165 mph, the Ford Focus RS is 10 mph faster than the Focus ST.
Q: Why was the Ford Focus RS Cancelled?
Owing to tighter emissions regulations and a drop in demand for passenger vehicles and rising demand for pickups and SUVs, Ford decided to discontinue the Focus.
Q: How much does a Focus RS cost?
The Focus RS when new had a starting MSRP of $36,995. Low-mileage examples can be found on the used car market for around $40,000.
Q: Is Ford Focus RS faster than Mustang?
With a top speed of 165 mph, the Ford Focus RS is faster than the Mustang GT which topped out at 162 mph.
Q: What does RS in Focus stand for?
The RS stands for Rallye Sport and the name plate dates back to the 1970s, when it first featured on the RS1600.