![]() General interstate cruising doesn't play into the RS's favor, either. Even if you manage to resist the temptation to floor it with every upshift, the RS is EPA rated to suck down more fuel than all its rivals save for the Subaru WRX STI. Its stopping performance is respectable, with zero fade in our testing and a pleasingly firm and responsive feel to the pedal.Ĭhris Doane Automotive | Car and Driver Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGįuel economy is not the strong suit of the Focus RS. ( The other RS we tested was on the standard Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.) The fixed-ratio steering is precise and quick, but not so sensitive as to make the RS twitchy at higher speeds. Its rough ride on poorer roads is made worse by the optional, track-oriented Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires they stick like Gorilla Glue and enhance the Ford's already impressive grip. We won't call the Ford nervous, but it is high strung and rides stiffly even with its adaptive dampers in the softer of their two settings. In this hyper-hatch class, only Civic Type R truly challenges the RS in flat-out performance, and the Honda won the comparison test. The Focus RS is a performance car above all else. The bazooka exhaust pipes loudly pop and snort between shifts and when decelerating. It is an angry hornet's nest of a powertrain even when cruising. ![]() The EcoBoost four has a powerful if industrial growl and snaps to attention with minimal turbo lag. The clutch pedal is firm, but not brutally so, and it doesn't take long to smoothly acclimate to its initial springiness. 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. Powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that churns out 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, the Focus RS tops all others in its class and is capable of serious speed on any surface. Dislikes: Explosive takeoffs require brutal clutch dumps, stiff-legged ride, Honda Civic Type R exists. Likes: Explosive takeoffs, all-wheel-drive grip, Drift mode can unlock your inner Ken Block. Snow Belt dwellers can still order the winter wheel-and-tire package for $1995-we'd find a less expensive set elsewhere, though. While forged 19-inch wheels are also standard, opting for the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires adds $550. The RS2 package-which was a $2785 option for the 2017 version-is now standard it includes navigation, grippier seat inserts, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heating for the front seats, exterior mirrors, and steering wheel. The 2018 Focus RS is available only in Race Red or Nitrous Blue (which adds $695). The cabin also adds carbon fiber to the door handles, the handbrake lever, and around the turbo-boost gauge. The RS2 package is now standard it includes leather-trimmed Recaro racing seats (both front buckets are heated) and voice-activated navigation. Unlike previous versions, this RS features a limited-slip differential for the front axle. ![]() A set of painted 19-inch wheels become standard. The rear roof spoiler is now painted gloss black, too, and it wears blue RS logos on the side wings. The exterior adds gloss-black features, including the roof and mirror caps. The limited-edition models are only available in two colors: Nitrous Blue and a new Race Red. Ford will only sell 1000 of the fiery hatchbacks in the United States, and just 500 examples will see Canadian roads. The Focus RS will be discontinued after 2018. Expect its uncompromising ride and restrictive racing seats to weed out the weak, but whoever's left standing is in for one helluva good time. While its cheap interior can't be ignored, the RS will still fit four adults and their stuff. Its torque-vectoring all-wheel drive is capable of conquering snow-covered streets or gravel-strewn back roads. ![]() Ford's hard-core hatch has a 350-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pairs exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. All good things must come to an end: The fantastic Ford Focus RS enters its final year of production packed with performance paraphernalia and ready to desecrate a racetrack near you.
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