According to the head of Ford’s RS (Rallye Sport) department, the new Ford Focus RS is “a very serious machine, with the performance, traction and precision to match much more exotic sports cars. The RS badge is not something. Let’s take it lightly and I think this car proves it. ” Strong words, but can Ford’s latest model match the hype?

Ford has done so much for this car compared to a standard Focus that it’s hard to know where to start with mods. The engine is still 2.5 liters like the previous models, but it has a newly designed turbo, a new exhaust, huge brakes and many other adjustments that have increased the power offered to around three hundred. Despite all this available extra grunt, the RS is still front-wheel drive, managing to reduce power effectively thanks to a new highly advanced front suspension setup that Ford claims prevents the car from handling torque. Beyond that, the aggressive exterior styling of the car sees the Focus adorned with large, deep side skirts, a massive rear diffuser, and a somewhat quirky-looking rear spoiler that really makes the new RS look perfect.

So how do you drive? For a front-wheel drive car, the Focus RS has astonishing traction considering the power being applied on the road and it just doesn’t seem to suffer from understeer at all. In a straight line, unsurprisingly, the Focus manages a fairly quick 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds and 0-100 in about 14 seconds. Despite the car’s suspicious appearance, the handling actually behaves very well and the driver maintains control even when putting their foot down and, coupled with a surprisingly comfortable ride, means that in addition to being a fun toy to pull . over the weekend, the RS certainly has enough comfort and practicality to be used as an everyday car.

While fuel economy and insurance prices are sure to be high, Ford’s list price for this car certainly isn’t. Priced at less than £ 25,000 in the UK, the car is a real bargain considering the performance on offer. Some might say it’s too expensive for a modified Ford Focus, but under the hood, the RS is certainly much more than that. It’s been a long wait for the latest incarnation of the RS and this new arrival certainly doesn’t disappoint.