The Focus RS is simply brilliant!
'Fast Fords' are a breed apart from other cars. They are fun for the masses and truly attainable performance cars in a world that has seen supercar prices go mad!
This car is not for the shy! The range of colours, massive 19-inch alloys and aero-bodywork look far from subtle. On first glance the RS appears way over the top, but you soon find out that all the bits and pieces like that massive rear roof spoiler and rear venturi (under bumper air diffuser) do a serious job.
The Focus RS, now in its second generation, gets more power thanks to some clever tweaking of the Volvo-sourced, five-cylinder, 2.5 litre engine. While 300bhp and 440Nm of torque sounds like an insane amount of power to get to the road through just the front wheels, Ford has managed it! With a few choice bits and pieces, including a revolutionary new suspension set up that features Ford's new 'RevoKnuckle', the RS is simply wonderful on the road. It goes, grips and stops like cars three times the price.
Top speed is 263km/h while the 0-100km/h sprint takes just 5.9 seconds - not bad for a car that weighs 1.4 tonnes! Fuel consumption may not be quite as impressive as a Focus diesel, but for such a 'high performer' the combined figure of 9.4 litres per 100kms travelled (30.5mpg) isn't that bad. About town and in heavy traffic most large SUVs will appear thrifty.
Inside the four-seat car is a pure Focus with a few extra dials and sports pedals. The car is stiff at low speed but not uncomfortable, while the suspension weight is perfect when taking the twisty way home. The hatchback boot is big and the only downside to the ownership experience is that Ford has fit just two safety belts in the rear. The front Recaro bucket seats are very supportive and adjustable, although you'll need a spanner to adjust the seat height. Standard kit is fine but my test car had the optional reversing camera/Sat Nav fitted.
The six-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use and here again the latest RS leaps further ahead of the first Focus RS, which required the driver's attention all the time. While the first RS could be a bit of a hairy experience behind the wheel, the latest car is a total pussycat. You can potter around in the RS without fuss and genuinely use the RS as everyday transport. When provoked the RS is outrageous fun! I mean, you can do safe overtaking manoeuvres and such like when required with little or no effort.
The only downside to RS ownership is the attention it attracts. This is every boy-racer's dream car. As a swift four-seater it can outpace almost anything on Irish roads so keeping it safe will cause owners some sleepless nights.
Even in hard times like these, €43,565 for a Focus RS looks like the bargain of the century - it is that good!
Michael Sheridan
