Ford Focus RS: Confirmed For SA

If you want a fast Focus with a bit more, well, focus then it’s advisable to wait for the forthcoming RS. After an absence in the extra hot hatchback league, Ford aims to tackle players like the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3 and Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.

It’s only fitting that we start by talking about power. The new RS will employ a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine (that’s Ford parlance for turbocharged) which will spit out “in excess” of 240kW. This is the same engine that features in the new Mustang, although it has been heavily revised for this application. It receives a cylinder head able to withstand higher temperatures and the cylinder block is lined with high tensile cast iron. And here’s a pub fact for you: it’s got the biggest radiator ever fitted to a Focus.

Smiles on faces – that’s what Ford wants to achieve. And they’re quite pleased about this engine’s distinctive “burbles, pops and crackles” – according to Ford, drivers will also feel “inspired” by the surge of the turbocharger as they hit the red line. It all sounds very promising, doesn’t it? Unlike its peers, Ford hasn’t opted for two-pedal convenience, pairing the engine to a six-speed manual gearbox instead.

Power is sent to all four wheels, with a trick torque vectoring system. It uses clutch packs on either side of the rear drive unit, which manages the torque split. The system constantly monitors the driving situation, with sensors taking measurements 100 times per second. And a maximum of 70 percent of the engine’s power can be sent to the rear. An electric power steering system is employed and Ford worked with Michelin to develop a set of Pilot Super Sport tyres that promise a sweet compromise between daily use and track stints. But you can have a set of Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres if you’re really serious. It should also be noted that Ken Block – gymkhana video star and rally driver – was brought in as a consultant in the development of the new RS. See him hoon it around in the video below.

http://youtu.be/Qy-mhyUAaqE

An RS wouldn’t be complete without the visual theatrics. Something this clearly has, as you’ll tell from the pictures. Ford’s engineers said they’ve made the cooling aperture up front as wide as they possibly could. Bigger rocker panels on the side give it that typical, pumped-up RS appearance. It rolls on lightweight, 19-inch wheels that bring a 1kg saving compared to the old model. There are four exterior colours: Nitrous Blue, Stealth Grey, Absolute Black and Liquid Blue. You might be disappointed to learn there’s no lurid lime green.

Inside, expect snug Recaro buckets, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and RS badges galore. It’ll also boast the SYNC connectivity system, with a simpler control layout. Another novelty is the navigation system, which has a “Find a racetrack function”. According to Minesh Bhagaloo, product communications manager at Ford South Africa, the RS is likely to land on our shores in the first half of 2016.

-IgnitionLIVE Reporter