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- Highs Powerful turbocharged engine, crisp-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, drift-worthy handling.
- Lows Stiff ride, cramped interior, low on the practicality scale.
- Verdict The Focus RS is blast to drive, but its tight Recaro seats, stiff ride, and high starting price mean that not everyone will tolerate its rambunctiousness.
Overview
The Ford Focus RS is a weapons-grade compact hatchback with a 350-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system designed with rally-car shenanigans in mind. That it's built upon the workaday Ford Focus might suggest dullness, yet this sport compact’s charisma is cranked up to 11. While the RS lacks the refined demeanor and upscale interior of some of its rivals, the Ford’s racier setup makes it a highly entertaining driver’s tool.
What's New for 2017?
Now in its second model year, the RS enters 2017 unchanged.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $36,995
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four that churns out 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, the Focus RS tops all others in its class and is capable of serious speed on any surface. At more than 3400 pounds, the RS isn’t light, but its all-wheel-drive traction, combined with the six-speed manual’s short gearing and crisp engagements, allow it to bolt away from stoplights with ferocity. A standard Drift mode that uncorks the torque-vectoring rear axle lets you blast through corners sideways with the tires smoking. We do not endorse this kind of behavior anywhere but on a track, of course, but the Focus can and will indulge your exhibitionist tendencies if asked. There also are Normal, Sport, and Track drive modes. We won’t call the RS nervous, but it is high strung and rides stiffly, even with its adaptive dampers in the softer of their two settings.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Focus is one of the older and more cramped-feeling compacts in its class, and the RS has too many economy-car plastics in the cabin for our liking. It is a functional office for the business of spirited driving, but Ford’s RS makeover didn’t allot many dollars for interior improvements. The leather-trimmed Recaro front buckets are very tight, and a lack of power outlets and climate-control vents make the rear seat spartan. Like the conventional Ford Focus hatchback, the RS sits toward the low end of its segment in terms of overall stowage, and it's short on smaller cubbies for loose items.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The RS comes standard with the Sync 3 infotainment system and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, which brings bright menus, logical navigation, and ample connectivity. A 10-speaker Sony stereo is the only audio system offered. While Sync 3 does not feature an auxiliary input or Wi-Fi hotspot, it does include Bluetooth and USB inputs, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Navigation and SiriusXM real-time traffic data are optional.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Ford Focus RS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
