Ford Focus RS review

"Noise, power, speed - the RS has it all"

Right then, here’s your starter for 10. What happens when you put a 305hp engine in a front wheel drive car? Horrendous torque steer I hear you cry. Well, no actually – the new Focus RS proves this isn’t necessarily the case.

Ever since Ford revealed performance stats for the car there has been much debate as to whether it would be totally undriveable. Now, after lengthy and totally selfless research involving some amazing Cote d’Azur roads, a full tank of fuel and a complete disregard for the wellbeing of my passenger, I can report this is not the case.

Okay, so when you really gun RS it’s steering wheel does squirm a little in your hands. But as a Ford press officer helpfully explained, this is not torque steer, which is bad, but torque reaction.

And, apparently, “this is an enjoyable part of the front wheel drive experience.” I don’t know about that. However, I do know the Focus RS is very easy and hugely fun to drive.

This is partly due to the new front suspension design, which somehow almost eradicates the aforementioned torque steer. Super sharp steering, which is 10 per cent quicker than on the ST, helps too. So does the limited slip differential which maximize grip as does the fact the anti roll bars have the same levels of stiffness as those on the 2006 WRC Focus.

However, it’s that brilliant engine that amazes most. It’s the same 2.5-litre turbo unit as in the ST, which remember originally came from a Volvo. Here though it has a larger turbo, new pistons and a whole heap of other stuff, which I can’t actually remember right now.

That doesn’t matter though. What does is how the engine delivers its power. Maximum torque of 440Nm comes in at 2,500 rpm and stays til 5,500rpm. This means you can go like a rocket by short shifting gears.

But if you’re the kind of person who likes to hold on to ratios for a heady readline rush, no worries, the RS’s engine is just as happy to do this too, spinning feverishly all the way to 7,000rpm.

In short, the engine is brilliant. And it sounds brilliant too. In fact I found out it actually emits three separate distinct noises. There’s a guttural roar from the exhaust under acceleration; lifting off means air exiting the turbo’s wastegate makes a noise like a sighing horse. And finally, as you decelerate, there’s a faint whistle, which I’m told, is the turbo impeller slowing and not because the airbox is probably coming loose as I suggested.

While everything may seem rosy, there are a couple of things going against the RS. The first is the looks. Basically they won’t be to everybody’s taste. I love the car’s aggressive styling. But then again, I also like wearing tracksuit tops.

But it’s the price which is the main problem. The Focus RS costs £24,995. That’s hell of a lot. I appreciate this is the most powerful front-wheel-drive car ever. I don’t deny that 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and 163mph top speed is pretty damn impressive.

And I also accept that fact in terms of horsepower per pound sterling the RS sounds good value on paper. However, 25 grand for a Focus? I don’t know if I could. But that doesn’t matter because this is only a question you – the car buying public – can answer.

by Mat Watson