2016 Ford Focus RS
What is the 2016 Ford Focus RS?
Ford's super-hot Focus RS hatch is the new version of the one released back in 2010. It has more power and torque and now features AWD. Available exclusively as a five-door, the new RS is bigger than the model that precedes it, and even better, it's cheaper. It's so popular the wait list is well into next year.
Why is the 2016 Ford Focus RS creating such a storm?
Four reasons:
- 257kW of power
- 440Nm of torque
- 0-100kmh in 4.7 seconds; and
- AWD
How much is the 2016 Ford Focus RS?
From $50,990 plus on road coats. There are two options - a performance wheel package for $3500 and $450 for metallic paint which means the RS is still under $60,000 including ORCs.
What are the 2016 Ford Focus RS's rivals?
In this space, the Volkswagen Golf R is the closest in money and performance (priced from $52,990 +ORCs) and then you head into the upper end of the spectrum that features luxury rivals such as the Audi RS3, Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG and BMW's M140i.
What does the 2016 Ford Focus RS get?
Standard features include: 8-inch colour touchscreen with satellite navigation, driver selectable sports suspension with adjustable dampers, partial leather RS branded Recaro seats, dual zone (and voice controlled) climate control, cruise control auto headlights and wipers, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, auto dimming rear view mirror, RS logo scuff plates, Sport RS pedal, smart key, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, rear camera and 19-inch alloys.
Standard safety features include: six airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, emergency brake assist, emergency brake lights, hill launch assist, torque vectoring control, all-wheel-drive, and tyre pressure monitoring system.
What's the 2016 Ford Focus RS like inside?
It's not as premium as you'd expect from a $50,000-plus car but you can forgive this pocket rocket to some degree as the RS is all about "bang for your buck". However, it's up against the more premium feeling, and only marginally more expensive, Golf R.
There is not much difference between the RS and the lower Focus models in overall design and layout which means the RS lacks the performance flair you'd expect. There are also cheap looking plastics through the cabin.
The Recaro race seats are super comfy, have great support and feature partial leather and faux-suede fabric. The RS models do get some interior touches however, such as nice feeling leather wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel, the three small gauges that sit on top of the dashboard that house the turbo and oil pressure and temperature.
The suspension is sophisticated and automatically adjusts depending on the drive mode selected. In Normal mode the ride is bone jarring though and in Race mode its bone shattering but that's a trade-off for excellent handling. Just make sure you test drive on rough roads as you may not be able to "live with it" as an everyday driver. Around tight twisty country roads with lots mid corner bumps, and on poor quality road surfaces, the RS was sure footed and composed. Clearly all the RnD from years in in World Rally Championship has filtered down to the RS. In fact, former WRC driver and world-famous Gymkhana video star Ken Block was involved with the development of this car and it shows!
There are four drive modes that vary the car's performance and handling depending on your preference. The first three utilise the car's all-wheel-drive system and provide lots of grip, then there's Drift mode which effectively makes the RS a rear drive monster. Push the button and most of the power goes straight to the rear and turns off the traction control. Just remember - "drifting" a car on public roads is an offence.
For me, the higher driving position was great and the lack of seat height adjustment didn't bother me, but some have found it an issue.
Being a performance car, is the 2016 Ford Focus RS more expensive to run?
From a servicing perspective no. The RS is covered by the same lifetime capped price servicing plan as the rest of the Ford range. Service intervals are 15,000km/12 months and over the first three years it will cost you $1205 to maintain; only $205 more than the Focus ST.
Should I consider the 2016 Ford Focus RS?
Yes. The RS is a great hot hatch and one of the best value offerings in this market. Its sharp, has loads of grunt, sounds great and is well-priced. Just make sure you can live with the ride before you sign on the dotted line.
