10 things we learned about the Ford Focus RS
Date:
02 September 2016
|
Author: Alisdair Suttie
|
Category: | Lower medium | Key rival: | Volkswagen Golf R | Model tested: | RS | Price as tested: | £31,000 | | | | | |
|
The Ford Focus RS is unquestionably fast, but Al Suttie asks if you could live with one as a company car?
1 - 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and a 165mph top whack put the RS in the bleedin' quick category.
2 - It also grips, handles and steers in ways that embarrass cars costing twice as much, helped by all-wheel drive.
3 - All of this, and the instant power from the 2.3-litre turbo motor, make the Focus RS immense fun to drive.
4 - However, short blasts are one thing, but what about living with this loony performance day in, day out?
5 - Well, you can trundle along in the RS without feeling you're wasting its talents and without the constant temptation to let loose.
6 - Sure, the ride is firm, the exhaust a bit noisy on start-up and the optional sports seats fitted to our test car don't adjust for height.
7 - All this is forgiven when you do get the chance to use the car's talents, though this does come at a price.
8 - That price is fuel consumption, and jeez does the Focus RS like a drink when being used to its full potential.
9 - Combined economy is claimed at 36.7mpg, but we saw 10mpg less than that in mixed driving.
10 - With 175g/km emissions, the RS will never be a cheap option for those lucky enough to have the chance. But it's a chance you should grab while you can.
Subscribe