UNIQUE ROLE OF THE FOCUS RS

Until you revisit Focus history, you tend to forget how single-mindedly Ford has used its RS model to stimulate second-half sales in a model’s life. Since the first Focus made its debut 20 years ago, three separate RS models have been offered for only about half the time …

Focus RS Mk1 (2002-2004)

Original two-wheel-drive model well known for its flared wheel arches and its effective but infamous Quaife mechanical limited-slip diff. Didn’t appear until the Focus had been on sale for four years. Fast, with excellent Brembo brakes, but quirky about traction keeping and needed firm handling to give of its best.

Focus RS Mk2 (2009-2011)

Bigger and heavier than the Mk1 so more benign and stable with more sophisticated chassis electronics. Extra poke from an ex-Volvo five-pot 2.5-litre turbo engine and again well respected for sheer speed across the ground. Introduced only after Ford launched its ‘kinetic design’ mid-life models, so once again quite short-lived.

Focus RS Mk3 (2014-2018)

Longest-lasting of the Focus RS models and the most technically advanced, with sophisticated four-wheel drive and much-ballyhooed Drift mode. Serious poke (350hp) from ex-Mustang 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-pot engine. Last version, called Heritage Edition yields 370hp with Mountune engine tweaks. Reverts to a Quaife front diff.