Ford Focus RS: Specs, Engine, AWD System & Performance Data

small car

The Ford Focus RS is a high-performance car. It takes the regular Focus and adds serious power. This car is built for speed lovers. Many people call it one of the best hot hatches ever made.

Ford created the RS badge for racing. It stands for Rallye Sport. This name comes from Ford’s racing history. The Focus RS carries this proud tradition forward.

What Makes the Ford Focus RS Special?

The ford focus rs is different from normal cars. It has more power and better handling. The car looks aggressive and sounds amazing. You can drive it every day or take it to the track.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Strong turbocharged engine with 350 horsepower.
• Smart all-wheel-drive system.
• Special drift mode for fun driving.
• Track-ready brakes and suspension.
• Racing seats inside.
• Only comes with manual transmission.
• Produced in limited numbers.

Three Generations of the Ford Focus RS

First Generation (2002-2003)

The first ford focus rs came out in 2002. It was only sold in Europe. The car had 212 horsepower. It used front-wheel drive. This version started the legend.

Second Generation (2009-2011)

The second version was much stronger. It had 301 horsepower from a five-cylinder engine. People loved its unique sound. The car also had special front suspension. This helped with steering control.

Third Generation (2016-2018)

The latest ford focus rs is the most powerful. It finally came to America in 2016. This version has all-wheel drive. Ford gave it 350 horsepower. The car can even drift on purpose. This generation became very popular worldwide.

Engine Power and Speed

The third-generation model uses a 2.3-liter Eco Boost engine. This engine is turbocharged. It makes serious power for a small car.

Engine Details

• Engine size: 2.3 liters
• Type: Four-cylinder with turbocharger
• Power: 350 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 350 lb-ft from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm
• Fuel type: Premium gasoline only
• Engine material: Aluminum for light weight
• Maximum rpm: 6,800

How Fast Is It?

The ford focus Rs is seriously quick. It competes with much more expensive cars.

• 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
• Quarter mile: 13.2 seconds
• Top speed: 165 mph
• Braking distance: About 100 feet from 60 mph

Transmission

• Six-speed manual only.
• No automatic option available.
• Short shifter for quick changes.
• Strong clutch handles the power.

Size and Weight

The ford focus rs is compact but feels solid. It’s not too big for city driving. But it has enough room inside for four adults.

Outside Measurements

• Length: 172.8 inches
• Width: 71.7 inches with mirrors
• Height: 58.0 inches
• Wheelbase: 104.2 inches
• Weight: 3,434 pounds
• Ground clearance: 5.5 inches

Inside Space

• Front headroom: 39.1 inches
• Rear headroom: 37.2 inches
• Front legroom: 41.9 inches
• Rear legroom: 33.4 inches
• Cargo space: 23.3 cubic feet
• Cargo with seats down: 44.8 cubic feet

Wheels and Tires

• Wheel size: 19 inches
• Wheel width: 8.5 inches
• Tire size: 235/35R19
• Tire brand: Michelin Pilot Super Sport
• Material: Forged aluminum wheels

All-Wheel-Drive System

The ford focus rs has a smart AWD system. This system is better than most competitors. It can send power to different wheels.

The system moves up to 70% of power to the rear. Then it splits power between the rear wheels. This helps the car turn better. It also gives more grip.

Four Drive Modes

The car offers four different settings:

• Normal Mode: Best for daily driving with balanced power.
• Sport Mode: Sharper throttle response and louder exhaust.
• Track Mode: Maximum performance for racing.
• Drift Mode: Lets the rear slide out for controlled drifts.

Each mode changes how the car behaves. Normal is comfortable. Track is aggressive. Drift mode is pure fun.

Suspension Setup

The ford focus rs uses race-inspired suspension. It’s stiffer than a regular Focus. But it’s not too harsh for streets.

Front Suspension

• MacPherson strut design.
• Stiffer springs than standard.
• Performance shock absorbers.
• Larger anti-roll bar.
• Better bushings for response.

Rear Suspension

• Multi-link independent setup.
• Progressive springs.
• Adjustable dampers available.
• Heavy-duty anti-roll bar.
• Stronger subframe.

Steering

• Electric power steering.
• Only 2.4 turns lock-to-lock.
• Flat-bottom sport wheel.

Braking System

Good brakes are essential for this powerful car. The ford focus rs has large disc brakes. They work hard to stop the car quickly.

Brake Specs

• Type: Ventilated discs all around.
• ABS: Four-channel system.
• Extra features: Hill-start assists.
• Optional: Brembo upgrade package.

Inside the Cabin

The interior mixes sport and comfort. You get racing seats. But you also get modern technology.

Seats

• Recaro sport seats in front.
• Partial leather material.
• Strong side support.
• Heated seats available.
• Rear seats split 60/40.

Technology

• 8-inch touchscreen display.
• SYNC 3 infotainment system.
• Apple CarPlay standard.
• Android Auto standard.
• Sony audio with 10 speakers.
• Navigation available.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Multiple USB ports.

Special Touches

• RS-branded gauges.
• Turbo boost gauge.
• White shift knob.
• Aluminum pedals.
• Illuminated door sills.
• Flat-bottom steering wheel.
• Carbon fiber trim available.

Outside Design

The ford focus rs looks mean. It has wide fenders and big vents. Everything serves a purpose.

Front End

• Large cooling grille.
• Hood vents extract heat.
• Aggressive bumper design.
• Bright headlights.
• Integrated fog lights.

Side View

• Flared wheel arches.
• Side skirts for aerodynamics.
• RS badges on fenders.
• Body-color or carbon mirrors.

Back End

• Large rear wing.
• Twin exhaust tips.
• Rear diffuser.
• LED taillights.
• RS badging.

Comparing to Other Hot Hatches

The ford focus rs faces tough competition. But it has unique advantages.

Versus Volkswagen Golf R

• More power: 350 hp vs 292-315 hp
• Has drift mode
• Manual transmission only.
• Better steering feel.
• Usually costs less.
• More fun to drive.

Honda Civic Type R

• All-wheel drive vs front-wheel drive
• Less extreme styling.
• More comfortable ride.
• Better in bad weather.
• Smoother power delivery.

Versus Subaru WRX STI

• Newer technology.
• More horsepower (350 vs 310).
• Better fuel economy.
• Modern interior.
• Advanced torque vectoring.

Fuel Economy

The ford focus rs uses more fuel than regular cars. But it’s reasonable for the performance.

MPG Numbers

• City: 19 mpg
• Highway: 26 mpg
• Combined: 22 mpg
• Tank size: 12.4 gallons
• Fuel needed: Premium only

Safety Features

The car includes modern safety equipment. It protects you while going fast.

Active Safety

• Stability control.
• Traction control.
• Anti-lock brakes.
• Blind-spot monitoring.
• Rear cross-traffic alert.
• Lane-keeping assist.

Crash Protection

• Multiple airbags.
• Strong steel structure.
• Crumple zones.
• Three-point seatbelts everywhere.
• Child seat anchors.

Maintenance and Care

Taking care of a ford focus rs requires attention. Performance cars need more maintenance.

Regular Service

• Oil changes: Every 5,000-7,500 miles.
• Use synthetic oil only.
• Rotate tires regularly.
• Check brakes often.
• Change transmission fluid at 30,000 miles.
• Service AWD system as scheduled.

Things to Know

• Some early models had head gasket issues.
• Drift mode wears the clutch faster.
• Performance tires cost more.
• Needs premium fuel always.
• Insurance costs more.
• Holds value well.

Conclusion

The Ford Focus RS delivers 350 horsepower in a practical package. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system and drift mode make it unique. The car handles daily driving and track days equally well. With limited production and no replacement planned, values are rising. This manual-only hot hatch represents the peak of compact performance. It combines Ford’s racing heritage with modern technology perfectly.