FOCUS RS MK
“You don’t have to be a fast Ford fan to appreciate the RS Mk3’s exceptional handling or ability to hit 60mph in less than five seconds”
The time has come. Whether you’re addicted to the buzz of a boosted Fiesta ST or dedicated to an old-school Cossie cause, it’s impossible to ignore the Focus RS Mk3 – and the possibility of putting one in your garage.
Not just because it’s the only up-to-date RS money can buy. And not only because it’s the best hot hatch ever to wear a Blue Oval badge. But simply because it’s a phenomenally great car..
And with prices for early cars now as low as £20,000, the Mk3 RS is finally accessible to everyday enthusiasts – with 500bhp only a credit card away.
The Focus RS Mk3 was launched on 18 January 2016 (production began at Saarlouis on 14 January). Offered only as a five-door hatch, the oily bits made up for any misgivings: a 345bhp 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine feeding a state-of-the-art electronic all-wheel-drive system and computer-controlled driving modes.
Okay, the bodywork lacked wild wings, and the cabin was sedate except for Recaro seats, but a choice of five body colours and 19in alloy wheels – plus desirable optional extras – saw waiting lists heaving.
But by summer 2016 reports of head gasket failures were common; Ford eventually issued a recall, but would-be owners must be aware of the risks.
A 500-run of RS Editions in September 2017 – Nitrous Blue with Quaife LSD, black roof and carbon-fibre trim – was followed by a Red Edition of 300 in December. An RS Heritage edition of April 2018 saw just 50 in Deep Orange with mountune FPM375 upgrade, after which RS production ended.
Finally, three RS50 Evos arrived in January 2019, boasting multiple mountune upgrades. Sadly, the incredibly limited numbers of an ‘official’ Ford product meant investors outbid enthusiasts to get one.
But for us that’s just the start of it. Whether you want a cast-iron collector’s piece,
