Test: Ford Focus RS is the upper hammer
Ford puts a smile on its customers' faces. Especially when they crack serpentines with the brand-new Focus RS, drive a brute 266 km/h on unrestricted highways and can still rely on the ultimate performance of the all-wheel-drive vehicle on all paths and roads. The latest Ford RS, based on the redesigned third-generation Focus, is [...]
The latest Ford RS, based on the redesigned third-generation Focus, is a top performer in more ways than one: It starts at an affordable 48,900 Swiss francs in its class and, with 350 hp, still plays in the upper league of its performance segment, where powerhouses like the Mercedes A45 AMG, BMW M2 or Audi RS3 are priced at considerably higher rates. The stated factory consumption of 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers in the mix - which can be higher depending on the heaviness of the accelerator foot - is quite moderate for this sporting cannon.
Lots of driving fun with Dynamic Torque Vectoring
Ford has said goodbye to the front-wheel drive of the RS launched in 2009 in its new, thoroughly successful model. Now no steering wheel acrobatics are required to accelerate the thoroughbred sports car at full load. The all-wheel drive system with dynamic torque vectoring developed by the Ford performance team plays a major role in the impressive driving dynamics, the high cornering forces and the immense driving pleasure, which can be kept permanently under control by the many electronic helpers on board.
Special Michelin tires for the new bolide
In close cooperation with Ford, Michelin has developed special high-performance tires. The Pilot Super Sport standard tires in the 235/35 R 19 dimension implement the exceptional dynamic characteristics of the new RS. The newly developed 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine sets the tone. It reaches 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The Focus RS's speedometer shows up to a whopping 300 km/h. With a possible top speed of 266 km/h, that's not even too far off the mark.
Four novel operating programs, including race track and drift mode, are further defining signs of pure RS sportiness, which is simply fun because the enormous potential of the car, which is suitable for everyday use, can be exploited by anyone without restriction. Although the suspension provides firm feedback, it is never brutal to the occupants and is even quite gentle on the stomach for shaken passengers on mountain roads. The gears are easy to engage and civilian speeds over the city promenade are pleasant to drive. The Ford can be a very normal, well-behaved car.
More top athletes are in the program until 2020
The new Focus RS is a prime example of Ford's love of perfection. A 4.40-meter-long sports car that weighs only 1599 kilograms when empty, it is a must for lovers of powerful, perfectly equipped, chic and yet affordable cars. Incidentally, it is the first of more than twelve sporty vehicles that the Group plans to launch by 2020.
www.ford.ch
Photos: Factory
