BUYING GUIDE: Focus RS
Hailed as an instant classic, the original Focus RS is now one of the more-a ordable Rallye Sport Fords. Here’s what to look for.
Everything you need to know if you’re looking to buy the first of the RS-badged Focuses.
Six years after impending legislation and dwindling demand killed off the Escort RS Cosworth and banished the Rallye Sport brand to fast Ford history, Ford breathed new life into its legendary performance division with the 2002 launch of the Focus RS.
‘RS is back’ shouted the advertising campaign and it wasn’t just marketing spiel either. Granted, the new Focus didn’t have the all-wheel drive or the power of its immediate predecessor, but Ford ensured it delivered on the promise of the haloed RS tag.
The all-important performance was provided by a turbocharged, 1998cc, Duratec-badged engine, although, truth be told, it was actually a development of the Zetec. That said, it was no simple rebadging exercise as the Zetec was heavily reworked with the likes of forged pistons and conrods plus a host of detail changes, such as a WRC-style oil pump and injectors, to help it cope with the rise in power generated by the addition of a water-cooled Garrett GT2560LS turbocharger. An air-to-water intercooler and a lowered compression ratio of 8:1 helped keep it all together when the turbo started boosting towards the RS’s maximum 212 bhp. Ford turned to another proven component for the transmission, rolling out the MTX75 five-speeder. As with the engine, it was given a significant makeover, which included bespoke ratios, a Quaife automatic-torquebiasing differential and a short throw shifter. There was also a heavy duty AP clutch and thicker driveshafts. The drivetrain also included heavily upgraded suspension, a wider track and whopping 325 mm vented front brake discs.
Outside was a lesson in less is more, with Imperial Blue paint, flared wheelarches, subtle spoilers and exclusive 8x18 inch OZ Racing rims giving the RS a distinctive yet understated appearance. Inside wasn’t half as restrained though, with striking Sparco buckets, carbon fibre detailing, a very loud steering wheel and even a push button start.
Whether the interior was a little OTT mattered not one iota, though. When the Focus RS went on sale, the 2002 production rapidly sold out and there was a six-month waiting list. Today, demand isn’t as high, but with growing appreciation, good examples are becoming increasingly sought after. There’s no denying it’s a bona fide classic Ford.