The Ford RS models belong to the brand like the flourishes in the blue emblem. The latest compact RS, based on the revised focus of the third generation, is awesome in several respects: It starts at 40.000 euros and still plays in the top league of its segment with 257 kW / 350 PS, where top-class cars like the Mercedes A45 AMG , BMW M2 or Audi RS3 for significantly more expensive courses.
From the front-wheel drive of the previous RS, Ford has adopted in favor of four-wheel drive. Within 4,7 seconds should be highway speed. The disgrace of the fans about the loss of a cylinder (the forerunner was a fiver) is likely to dissipate pretty quickly after the first few meters. After all - proper downsizing does not have to cope with the gasoline-in-blood fraction, because with 2,3 liters of the new RS gives still relatively abundant.
As soon as you get in, you can see the additional instruments with oil temperature and boost pressure display - wonderful. The engineers put an everyday car on the wheels in racing trim, the thick roof spoiler, along with the diffuser and the two stovepipes, is simply part of it. It is all the more astonishing how calmly the 4 × 4 starts to move. The clutch engages smoothly, the gear lever slips smoothly through the alleys. The chassis gives tight feedback, but is never brutal to the occupants.
At the push of a button, the Focus becomes firmer (electronic dampers), its e-gas sharpener and the sound more threatening. The compact yaws on curves, avoids drive influences in the steering wheel even at full power. How it works? The supplier GKN has developed an all-wheel-drive system that can control the torque distribution in a lightning-fast, wheel-selective manner using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. With powerful acceleration, the rear axle is given more power than the front wheels to give the athlete a bit of rear-wheel drive feel.
Feeling gentle pressure with turbo boost in the grand passage exudes a sense of sovereignty. In normal mode, the 2,3-liter still sounds fine, even if it does not sprout out of the two tailpipes. The Recaro seats have the occupants firmly under control and work well outside of S-turns. Long distances are not an issue, the RS has retained a touch of residual comfort, although it is designed firmer than the already well-trained ST. Powerful Brembo brakes also allow fine dosing and pack when needed. Why, however, an autonomous braking system still needs to be paid for 250 Euro extra charge, not clear. After all, this is about security. The price is still unbeatable for a 350 PS chunk that gets 266 km / h fast. And that you can drive at leisurely pace sometimes with less than eight liters, goes through as a nice candy.