Ford Focus RS Review – Video

Rally-driver wannabes and hot-hatch hooligans, your wait is over: The Focus RS is here. With a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that sends 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels, the RS comes standard with a six-speed manual and a unique torque-vectoring system. Michelin Pilot Super Sports wrap nineteen-inch wheels; we recorded a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds in our testing. Developed with input from Ken Block, we judge the RS to be better than the Subaru WRX, WRX STI, and VW Golf R.

Test Results: Ford Focus RS with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires.

PRICE AS TESTED:
$42,245 (base price: $38,765)

 

 

ENGINE TYPE:
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Displacement:
138 cu in, 2261 cc
Power: 350 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

TRANSMISSION:
6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 172.8 in
Width: 71.8 in Height: 58.0 in
Passenger volume: 91 cu ft
Cargo volume: 20 cu ft
Curb weight: 3434 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 4.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 13.0 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 25.8 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.9 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 9.7 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 6.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.4 sec @ 102 mph
Top speed (governor limited, mfr’s est): 165 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 154 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.04 g

FUEL ECONOMY:

EPA city/highway driving: 19/25 mpg
C/D observed: 19 mpg
C/D observed 75-mph highway driving: 25 mpg
C/D observed highway range: 340 mi