Ford Focus RS EcoBoost 2.3L 2016

“Fast, usable, temptingly priced and huge fun to drive, the Focus RS isn’t just an affordable driver’s car, it’s also probably the best.”

Ford took an entirely different approach with the Focus RS spec, employing seriously high-tech systems to manage a vast power output, and to create a four-wheel drive chassis that responds to the demands of its driver with all the agility of a lighter, smaller and simpler machine. In other words, more is more, with the Focus RS Drift Mode just one of an array of features that cemented the model into fast Ford folklore. Who do you think you are? Ken Block? Coincidentally, the YouTube star was consulted on the development of this RS, and it’s his influence that makes powersliding possible even if you’ve never tried it before. The remarkable thing is this is one seriously capable car on a circuit too, with the Track setting stiffening the two-stage adaptive suspension dramatically and altering the AWD system along with the steering weighting, throttle response, traction control and engine noise. Even on the road there’s a setting above Normal that makes the RS way more playful. Sport mode does all the above, but without the comfort penalty of switching those dampers to their most aggressive setting.

Such is the transparency with which the available cornering attitudes are communicated you find yourself reacting instinctively. What’s more, if you aren’t in the mood to muck about, this clever combo of software and hardware can also generate staggering grip. Understeer is fiercely resisted in every situation, helped by a front end that features the same torque vectoring by brake trickery as the Fiesta ST. If you wanna just go, the Focus RS really goes. Similarly, the Normal setting is handy for pretending to be a responsible parent when dropping off the kids – not least because it puts the cork back into the exhaust. The WRC-grade popping and banging in the other modes is deeply amusing, but probably not conducive to harmonious neighbourhood relations.

The interior’s plain functionality, enlivened only by bucket seats, blue contrast stitching and neon-needled dials, may not stand comparison to the mega-Germans, with their extra horsepower and premium machismo.But the new Focus RS puts the driver right at the centre of the action, even as it also comes equipped with a technological handling solution that far outstrips anything else in this sector. It makes the Type R seem silly, the Golf R seem staid and everything that outguns it seem eye-wateringly expensive. Because, that way, your test drive in an RS won’t be burdened with hype, and you’ll emerge from the driver’s seat after 10 minutes thinking: “I have got to get me one of these.”

Funnily enough, here at Harvey Cooper Cars within the last week we have managed to get hold of not just this one, but TWO Ford Focus RS' from the same model year, what are the chances? See the full advert for the other 2016 Ford Focus here.

This particular Focus RS' main feature is the additional after-market Mountune 375 Power Upgrade kit, the Mountune 375 Power Upgrade allows Focsu RS owners to still experience the same factory-backed upgrade experience, via an Mountune handset. Once upgraded, power is boosted to 375ps from 350ps, whilst torque is increased from 470nm to 510nm (on overboost), which is enough to achieve 0-62mph in just 4.5secs. On top of this fitted kit, the body of the RS is sat upon the upgraded 19 Inch 5x2 spoke low-gloss black forged alloy wheels, which come with the blue painted Brembo brake calipers. What's more, the factory-option RS Luxury Pack offers amenities such as power-folding door mirrors, rear parking distance sensors, privacy glass, cruise control with speed limiter and Ford KeyFree system. There's a reversing camera for the luxury of negotiating those tight angles, also. Instantaneously, the car stands out with its Nitrous blue paint, yet, to offer further class inside are the Recaro shell front seats in Charcoal black dinamica microfibre and salerno leather, which is a nice premium and compliment the quality of the exterior nicely.

Our Ford Focus RS EcoBoost is the definition of a hot-hatchback, but also one that would hold its own on a race track, as mentioned earlier the Focus RS is;

“Fast, usable, temptingly priced and huge fun to drive, the Focus RS isn’t just an affordable driver’s car, it’s also probably the best.”

With 20,000 miles on the clock, a full-service history with full documentation of receipts for the after-market work done to the vehicle, who wouldn't want to own this top of the range hatch?

See the full advert for our Ford Focus RS EcoBoost 2.3L here:

FORD FOCUS RS FULL ADVERT