It’s been almost 40 years since Ford’s RS badge first appeared on the rump of the RS1600, a Ford Escort family sedan with a Cosworth-designed twin-cam BDA race engine under the hood. Since then, the RS (Rallye Sport) badge has denoted a blend of the exotic with the prosaic; a mass-produced model, with breathed-on performance, a good sum of sub-branded bolt-on parts and loving attention to the handling by a skunkworks crew. It’s a working man’s supercar.

Hand-built in small numbers, RS models were intended as halo cars to push the more ordinary tin. Ford almost killed the golden goose in the ’80s and ’90s with a number of marketing specials such as the anodyne front-drive RS Escorts and the RS1800i Fiesta. The RS Cosworth Escort, however, was a mighty all-wheel-drive, rally-derived weapon capable of winning races as well as hearts.

The RS badge has always been close to enthusiasts’ hearts in the U.K., even after Ford closed its Essex-based Advanced Vehicle Operations (which built the RS models) in 1975 and moved RS production to Germany. A sign of that popularity is that more than half the 4500 Mark I RS Focus models made since 2002 have been sold in the U.K. That first RS-badged Focus was aimed at restoring the brand’s reputation, but its gestation was problematic, with exhaust manifold problems and a torque-sensing Quaife front differential that helped give this four-cylinder model a ferocious reputation for steering itself under hard acceleration. Torque steer.

This, the Mark II version and the 22nd model to wear the RS badge, is based on the second-generation Focus model with an all-new drivetrain and an extra cylinder. Is it a worthy hunk of steel to wear those two very important performance letters? —Andrew English

The Specs
Don’t confuse this Focus with anything in Ford’s stateside stable. The European Focus shares a platform with the Mazda 3 and Volvo S40/C30 in the U.S. This new three-door hatchback RS has a 2.5-liter 300-hp Volvo five-cylinder turbocharged engine with 325 lb-ft of torque. This is the first time that anyone has tried to channel 300 hp through the front wheels of a mass-produced car, and Ford worked with Quaife on a new differential to lessen torque steer. It also developed a front suspension joint known as “RevoKnuckle,” which reduces kingpin offset-angle variations. According to John Wheeler, the car’s chief development engineer, this Òredefines what is possible with front-wheel drive.”

A six-speed manual gearbox is the only option, and the suspension is the ubiquitous MacPherson strut front, with a mildly modified version of Ford’s control blade multilink independent system at the rear. Raw performance data makes impressive reading, with a top speed of 163 mph, 0-to-62-mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds and NEDC Combined economy of 25.4 mpg (U.S). For a 3236-pound car, that’s quick. Although it’s worth recalling that the 1970 RS1600 (pictured at right) weighed just 1920 pounds.

On the outside, the Focus gets a host of wings, spoilers and extra grilles, not all of which are related to squeezing out the last ounce of performance and handling. The absurdly large biplane roof spoiler sets the tone, although the side vents and all-in-one lower grille are good-looking. Riding on 19-inch aluminium wheels with rubber-band-thick, 35-series tires, the RS looks serious.

In the cabin, the style is similar to that of the standard Focus but, well, more focussed. The result is a tad glitzy and incongruous, with faked fabricated seat mountings and cheap-looking ancillary gauges, but such discrepancies have long been part of the RS experience. Materials are a mix of aluminium, chrome, leather and carbon-fiber, with contrasting electric blue stitching. The front seats are heavily contoured Recaro units, the pedals are aluminium and rubber race items and the big steering wheel is perforated leather with limited reach-and-rake adjustment. The driving position will suit the tallest drivers, but some have complained of having to sit too low in the car and too far from the wheel. The rear seats are large enough for a couple of adults, although for most owners, they will be glorified parcel shelves.

The Drive
Toggle the key, and the engine spins and settles into a nervous, slightly uneven idle. The gear lever has a fragile quality, but slots quickly and cleanly. The clutch suffers a slight over-center feel that needs learning for smooth getaways. Even at low speeds, the engine has sufficient torque to pull from low revs, giving an intriguing glimpse of what is to come. The suspension is not quite as flexible, so the Focus clambers awkwardly over bumps at low speeds. It’s not a restful ride, but it isn’t harsh, either.

Speed up and … wow. The chassis comes to life, and the steering, which is well weighted and uncannily accurate, becomes hugely communicative as well. It tells you of impending front-wheel slides before they happen, of road-surface changes the second you’ve crossed them and of which side of coin they’ve just run over. This car is completely dominated by the front end. Get the front wheels into a bend and the rest will follow swiftly and surely. It’s a Ford of European driving characteristics, at its acme in this RS. There is still some torque steer in the chassis, but it merely pulls the nose harder into the corner rather than crossing the street when accelerating as with the previous model.

As we drove out west from London, rain clouds were boiling the sky over the Queen’s retreat at Windsor Castle. The roads soon became wet and slimy, but it is a mark of the safety and stability of this pocket supercar that its inherent good balance and road manners meant that it was predictable, fast and not at all scary. At extremes, the nose runs wide, and lifting the throttle provokes the car to correct its line and eventually oversteer, but it is well-controlled by the standard electronic stability program. Particularly commendable are the brakes, which combine eye-popping deceleration with absolute control and feel. Several times we braked so hard that the car’s safety systems activated the hazard-warning lamps.

The engine is a remarkably assured piece of tuning. The kick in the back starts fully at just above 2000 rpm and is undiminished all the way to the ignition cut out at 7000 rpm. The hard-edged growl is in sharp contrast to the milder turbine spin of the Focus ST, and lifting the throttle results in some wastegate chatter and a distant POP as unburnt fuel ignites in the exhaust. Yet it is also a refined unit, quiet when unstressed, and in sixth gear at 70 mph the engine is turning over at just 2500 rpm. Experience tells us that this unit becomes a dipsomaniac when pushed, but we see no reason to doubt Ford’s claim of around 25 mpg (U.S.), provided the turbo remains dormant.

The Bottom Line
For this sort of money (£25,745, or $41,133 U.S.) there is little to touch this hot Ford—at least in Europe. Volkswagen’s 2010 Golf GTI and the Vauxhall/Opel Astra VXR simply aren’t fast enough, and the Renault MŽgane R26.R is an extreme machine that would be impossible to use everyday as the Focus undoubtedly is. Ford admits that the RS is quicker around its demanding test tracks than even the GT supercar. There is a rumor that this might be the last-ever RS model, and, if so, what a triumphal car to bow out on. It’s a shame the U.S. won’t be getting this hot hatch. Perhaps it’s worth a trip to Europe to find out what the fuss is all about.

This article is about the North American Ford Focus. For the Focus sold worldwide, see Ford Focus (International).Ford Focus (North America).
When the North American versions were launched in 1999, initially as a 3 door hatchback, 4 door sedan and 5 door wagon (a 5dr hatchback soon followed) the cars featured subtle, but notable, styling differences from the European versions:
The front and rear bumpers (larger and of a different design on the North American version)
The grille (of which the North American versions incorporated the indicators/running lights).
Front wings (of which the European version featured indicator repeater lights)
The rear lights (although the units themselves were the same shape).

1st-gen Ford Focus SE Wagon

Even though both versions were identical in other respects (unlike the Mondeo and Ford Contour) these detailed differences meant that the Focus was categorised as being available in two distinct versions – North American and European. For 2005, the North American Focus received updates to the styling of the interior and exterior, as well as new engines.

The North American version is only available in the US, Canada, and Mexico, while the European version is available elsewhere around the world.

Unlike previous Fords in the North American market, the Pinto, the Escort and the Contour, no Mercury version is available. Also, the current Focus is about the same length as the 1984–1987 Ford Tempo (also a compact car), rather than its predecessor, the Escort.

The American Ford Focus fits smallest into a line of sedans (smallest to largest) by Ford: Focus, Fusion, Taurus, and Crown Victoria.

Second generation (2008-) This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile.
It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle.
Second generation

The North American Ford Focus was redesigned for the 2008 model year and was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Featuring Ford’s new signature grille design, the exterior was completely redesigned. A two-door coupe will be offered for the first time, in addition to the 4-door sedan. Both 3-door and 5-door hatchback will be dropped, as well as the station wagon. The interior was also redesigned and features a message center on the top of the dashboard, which displays radio information.

According to Design Head Lon Zaback, the “new” Focus “appears to be a little bit shorter and have shorter overhangs. It has a much more sporty appearance because of some of the proportional things we did with it.” New features for the car include lighted cupholders, new seats, brushed aluminum dashboards, and the new Microsoft Sync to integrate electronics into the automobile. Sync allows Bluetooth connectivity, voice activation, and MP3 player hookups, and will be fully upgradeable. The Sync system will be exclusive to Ford for only one year.

Mechanically, the 2008 North American Focus is still based on the First Generation Focus with slight changes. The engine choices have now been trimmed down to the 2.0 liter engine from the previous generation, dropping the 2.3 liter inline-4. The reason for developing a new Focus on the original chassis is reportedly because Ford doesn’t have the resources to develop a new car or to bring over the Mk. 2 Focus to North America; however, there is rumoured to be a US-spec compact MPV based on the Focus C-MAX.

Presently, Ford uses the Wayne Stamping & Assembly facility for the manufacturing of the Focus. It is located in Wayne, Michigan. The other former facility is located in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The plant in Wayne currently builds all varieties of the car. The Mexican plant used to build the ZX3/ZX5/FocusSVT hatchbacks prior to consolidation of production in Michigan in 2006. That cleared the way to assemble the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ in Hermosillo.

Besides rallying, the Focus is also used in the Speed World Challenge Touring Car series.

Trim levels (North American)

The North American Focus received trim levels in S, SE, SES, ST, LX, ZTW ZTS, SVT, and ZX3/ZX4/ZX5 Premium editions.

Hydrogen powered Focus sedan

There is a Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV).

On 2005 and 2006 models in the US and Canada, the second generation Focus are coded with a ‘ZXx’ designation. ie ZX3, ZX4, ZX5, ZXW; these designations have been removed from Ford’s website and the call-outs deleted from the liftgates/trunklids of 2007 models.

Special Vehicle Team, or SVT

In late 2001, Ford’s in-house performance group, known as Special Vehicle Team (SVT), introduced the SVT Focus to the United States and Canadian markets for the 2002 model year. Ford billed the SVT Focus as the sportiest offering of the Focus to date. Cosmetically, the exterior included unique front and rear bumpers, fog lamps, rear spoiler, special exhaust tip and 17″ alloy wheels wearing fairly sticky “Y” rated 215/45R17 tires from Continental. Mechanically, the car featured a thoroughly reworked version of the 2.0 liter Zetec engine available in other Focus models. Developed by Cosworth, this engine featured many advanced technologies. Included were a special aluminum cylinder head with enlarged intake ports, heavy duty pistons and connecting rods, piston oil squirters, variable camshaft timing, dual stage intake manifold, and a 4-2-1 tubular exhaust header. These additions coupled with an increased 10.2:1 compression ratio bumped horsepower from 130 to 170, while still achieving good fuel economy and emissions. For the transmission, Ford went to German manufacturer Getrag to provide a six-speed manual which is shared in the Mini Cooper S. This transmission was a twin layshaft design, and included a dual mass flywheel to eliminate vibration. Other changes to complete the package included sharper steering through an increased boost ratio in the steering rack, larger disc brakes on all four corners and stiffened suspension with larger anti-roll bars. Inside the car was offered with several leather bits including seats, and steering wheel. Both the shifter knob and e-brake handle as well as their corresponding boots are in black leather also. Several options were offered including a powered glass sunroof, 8 speaker Audiophile sound system with 8″ subwoofer, a cold weather package including heated seats, traction control, a 115V block heater, and heated side mirrors, and for 2003 and 2004 models, HID xenon headlamps.

In 2002 the SVT was offered in the 5-door bodystyle and an all new European Appearance Package for 3-doors only. It included all available options but included full leather Recaro seats, and 15 spoke dark argent colored wheels while the exterior was available in two new colors, Screamin’ Yellow and Competition Orange. In 2004, its final year of production, the Euro package was available in the 5 door model as well.
2005-2007 ZX4 ST The North American SVT Focus was discontinued in 2004. Its replacement is the ZX4 ST sedan, which has a 2.3 litre, 151 HP (154 SAE Torque ft-lbs) Duratec driving a 5 speed manual transmission with reverse lock-out. While horsepower is down from the SVT, acceleration is only slightly affected, as the engine has more torque at lower RPM. The ST has the same dampers and stabilizer bars that the SVT used, but with softer springs. The ST has a unique interior and 16″ wheels. It is also equipped with a spoiler, color-keyed fascia, and 4 wheel anti-lock disk brakes. Handling balance is roughly the same as that of the SVT, but has a milder ride due to the softer springs, and generates less grip due to the narrower 205/50R16 all season tires. The 2005 ST included everything from the SES package with additional options such as heated seats, heated mirrors, full leather interior, sun/moonroof, and the Audiophile package controlled by a feature-rich Delphi headunit. 2007 is the final year for the 2.3L engine in the Focus.

Street Appearance Package (SAP) In 2006 Ford introduced the Street Appearance Package to spice up the aging Ford Focus design. This included two unique front and rear fascia choices. The front fascia included integrated fog lamps and side markers. While the rear offers a rear diffuser in addition to a large Rally Style spoiler. This option is priced at: US$1295.

Lake Geneva rally race.
Introduced for 2001, the European-designed Focus quickly displaced the Escort as Ford’s top-selling small car. The front-drive compact comes as a four-door sedan, a two-door hatchback, a four-door wagon and a new four-door hatchback. Sedans are offered in LX, SE and ZTS trims, while the two-door hatchback is a ZX3 and the four-door hatchback is the ZX5.

Performance is the word for 2002. Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, which has been turning out performance-oriented offshoots of regular production models for years, has focused its attention on the smaller end of the spectrum. A new entrant into what Ford has called the “hot hatch” segment, the 2002 SVT Focus aims to attract nontraditional buyers who might otherwise gravitate toward imports. Its principal rival is the Honda Civic Si, which is being reintroduced for 2002.

A Street Edition Focus with European-type suspension tuning joins the 2002 lineup, along with the new five-door hatchback body style. Both carry the same 130-horsepower, 2.0-liter Zetec four-cylinder engine as the ZX3 and ZTS. The five-door has been the top seller in Europe, and Ford hopes to sell about 20,000 units per year in the U.S. market. Another new model is the sporty ZTW wagon, which comes with the Zetec engine and is comparable to the ZX3 and ZTS. Each “Z” edition includes some special interior extras.

Exterior
The Focus sedan is nearly 175 inches long — about the same as the Honda Civic and slightly longer than the Toyota Corolla. And at 56.3 inches in height, the Focus sedan is 2.6 inches taller than the Corolla. This makes the Focus look much larger on the road than its actual dimensions might suggest. The hatchback is nearly 7 inches shorter than the sedan, but it displays the same front styling. Ford calls the distinctive styling “New Edge.” It’s marked by prominent creases and dramatically designed headlamps that sweep back into the hood and fenders.

Interior
Seats are higher in the Focus than in the nearly departed Escort. The seats are part of a tall, long interior designed to accommodate a population that is getting taller and older, despite the car’s emphasis on youth. Doorways are larger, which makes it easier to get in and out. Bigger-than-usual, clearly labeled interior controls are easier to see and positioned for an easier reach. Ford claims the Focus not only is capable of comfortably seating five but is roomier than key rivals, including the Chevrolet Cavalier, Dodge Neon, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The backseat folds down on all models to expand cargo capacity.

Under the Hood
The base engine is a 110-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. ZX3, ZX5 and ZTS models get a 130-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s also used in Ford’s Escort-derived ZX2 coupe. Each is available with a five-speed-manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The new SVT Focus uses a 170-hp engine and a six-speed-manual gearbox.

Safety
Antilock brakes and side-impact airbags are optional. An optional AdvanceTrac electronic stability system reduces engine power and applies brakes to individual wheels to help prevent skidding. Available on Z models, AdvanceTrac works with the antilock braking and traction control systems.

Driving Impressions
European heritage reveals itself mainly in the Focus’ crisp cornering ability, as well as in its roomy, ergonomically oriented interior in an upright design. The hatchbacks look sharper than the sedans and are practical for carrying cargo.

Frisky on the road with manual shift, the ZX3 accelerates eagerly from a standstill and is quite spirited for passing and merging. Highly maneuverable, the hatchback also is fun to drive, helped by smooth clutch action and a gearbox that works fairly easily. Ride comfort also is above par, if firm, as the suspension deals competently with urban bumps. Long side glass helps visibility in the hatchback, despite the presence of thick pillars. Front headroom ranks as huge.

Though it is capable enough, the ZTS sedan with the automatic transmission comes across as uninspiring next to the hatchback. All Focus models represent good value when compared to such rivals as the Honda Civic and Volkswagen’s Golf and Jetta.

GRONHOLM TEST FORD FOCUS MC 2007

Official FIA Highlights of the 2007 World Rally Championship with Citroen, Ford, Subaru, Skoda and many more…

Look at it!!! it’s impossible!!! Ford focus rally crash.

The Ford Focus WRC is a car built for the BP Ford World Rally Team by Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport and based on the Ford Focus production hatchback, developed to compete in the World Rally Championship.

Like all contemporary World Rally Cars, the car is heavily modified from the production version, with which it shares only the basic shape and some parts of the bodyshell. The car features four wheel drive, rather than the front wheel drive of the road car. Even the engine has been replaced with a Yamaha tuned engine.