Ford Focus RS Mk3

Ford Focus RS Mk3

The Ford Focus RS, designated Mk3 by enthusiasts, represents the apex of the hot hatch concept. When Ford Performance (formerly SVT/RS) engineers decided to make the Focus RS the most capable and engaging hot hatch ever built, they started with the Focus ST's 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and then rethought virtually everything else, creating a car that transcended its segment.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four, fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger, produced 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. This output from a four-cylinder engine was remarkable, but the engine's character was equally impressive. Thanks to the twin-scroll turbocharger, boost arrived quickly and built progressively, avoiding the on-off power delivery that plagued earlier turbocharged hot hatches. The engine rev'd enthusiastically to its 6,800 rpm redline with a raspy, purposeful exhaust note.

The RS's most significant technical innovation was its GKN-developed all-wheel drive system with rear torque vectoring. Unlike conventional AWD systems that merely distributed power between front and rear axles, the Focus RS could actively vary the torque split between the two rear wheels independently. This allowed the car to rotate its rear end under power, creating an adjustable, rear-biased handling balance that was utterly unlike any previous front-wheel-drive-based hot hatch.

The torque vectoring system enabled the RS's famous 'Drift Mode,' which loosened the electronic stability control and biased torque to the rear to allow controlled power oversteer. While this feature attracted headlines and YouTube views, the system's real genius was in how it improved grip, stability, and adjustability during normal fast driving.

The six-speed manual transmission was the only gearbox available -- Ford refused to offer an automatic, maintaining the purist driving experience that RS buyers expected. The shift feel was positive and direct, with well-chosen ratios that kept the engine in its power band through corners.

Suspension was fully independent, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, both equipped with specially tuned dampers. Spring rates were significantly stiffer than the Focus ST, and the ride height was lowered. The result was exceptional body control during hard cornering with a firm but acceptable ride quality on public roads.

Braking used 350mm ventilated discs with four-piston Brembo calipers at the front and 302mm ventilated discs at the rear. The system provided exceptional stopping power and resistance to fade during repeated hard stops.

Visually, the RS was distinguished from lesser Focus models by a more aggressive front fascia, widened fenders to accommodate the wider track, a prominent rear spoiler, and unique 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The overall appearance was purposeful and athletic without being cartoonish.

The interior featured Recaro sport seats (heated as standard in many markets), a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and RS-specific instrumentation including a boost gauge. The Focus's inherent practicality was preserved, with usable rear seats and a reasonable trunk.

The Focus RS Mk3 was produced from 2015 to 2018, and it was sold globally, including the US market for the first time -- a significant milestone for the RS badge. It has been universally acclaimed as one of the greatest hot hatches ever built.