Background and Introduction: The History of the Focus RS

The Mk3 Ford Focus RS, unveiled in 2015, marked a significant step change in the direction of the Blue Oval’s flagship performance car. This third-generation model wasn't merely an incremental improvement over its predecessors - it was a quantum leap that redefined what was possible from a chassis built around a transversely mounted engine mated to an AWD drivetrain.

Before the Mk3, hot hatches with all-wheel drive were typically limited by the ubiquitous Haldex system, which primarily operates as a front-wheel drive powertrain until slip is detected, at which point up to 50% of torque can be sent to the rear axle. This configuration, while effective for stability, often leads to handling that prioritises neutrality over outright excitement. The Mk3 Focus RS with its electronically controlled, twin-clutch all-wheel drive system shattered this mould.

Excitement has always been at the core of the Focus RS. The original Mk1, introduced in 2002, was a front-wheel drive animal, boasting a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that delivered 212 bhp through a notoriously lively Quaife differential. It was designed as a direct link between Ford's WRC efforts and the showroom, with aggressive styling and razor-sharp handling that quickly endeared it to enthusiasts.

2009 saw the launch of the Mk2 Focus RS, which turned up the heat with a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, producing an unprecedented 301 horsepower. This power was still delivered through the front wheels, but with trick ‘RevoKnuckle’ suspension and massive tyres, it managed to (mostly) tame torque steer and deliver its ferocious performance to the tarmac. Both the Mk1 and Mk2 have since cemented their status as hot hatch icons.

The Mk3 trod a different path. Power output leapt to 345 bhp, matching the output of the limited-run Mk2 RS500, but the engine producing it changed. Hiding under the bonnet this time was a 2.3-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder ‘EcoBoost’ engine, shared with the Mustang but tuned specifically for the RS to deliver a more aggressive power curve. This shift resulted in some initial reliability concerns - more on that later [internal LINK] - but it also brought a significant performance boost, enabling the Mk3 to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.

But the real magic lay in its handling dynamics. What truly made the Mk3 Focus RS stand out in the hot hatch segment wasn't just its power or its performance stats - it was the way it combined cutting-edge technology with raw driving pleasure. The all-wheel-drive system employs dynamic torque vectoring to distribute power not just between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right wheels. This gave the Focus RS its razor-sharp cornering ability and made it a joy to drive whether on a twisty B-road or race track.

For the first time on an RS, the suspension featured adjustable dampers that allowed drivers to tailor the ride for comfort or performance at the touch of a button. The braking system, developed by Brembo, provided the stopping power necessary for a car of this capability, ensuring confidence-inspiring performance in all conditions.

And then, of course, there was Drift Mode - a feature that allowed drivers to indulge in controlled oversteer at will. This blend of potency, practicality, and playfulness made the Mk3 Focus RS the new benchmark hot hatch of its time.

Yet, despite this initial acclaim, the Mk3 Focus RS somehow failed to fully capture the imagination of enthusiasts. Its star burned brightly but briefly, before sales were overshadowed by newer or more tunable rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf R and BMW M140i. The Mk3’s relatively conservative styling - particularly in darker colours where it could almost pass as a Q-car - might have played a role, as did the switch to a five-door-only body shell, which some felt lacked the focused aggression of its three-door predecessors. Mk2 owners also bemoaned the loss of the characterful inline five-cylinder engine, refusing to trade up to the new model.

Today, this means the Mk3 Ford Focus RS has become somewhat of a forgotten gem. Nonetheless, it remains a fantastic driver’s car worthy of closer examination by any enthusiast, and is very likely to become a sleeper appreciator given that Ford has since retired the RS badge, meaning the Mk3 Focus RS is the last of its kind.