The third-generation Ford Focus RS was a wild car, but oh so very entertaining! Eight years on from its final sales year, is it still a good buy?
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The third-generation Ford Focus RS made its South African debut in 2016, marking a significant moment for Ford South Africa and enthusiasts of high-performance hatchbacks. This iteration of the Focus RS was the second to be officially sold in the South African market following on from the 2010 model, bringing with it a new level of excitement.
Ford’s RS badge has always been synonymous with performance, and the third-generation Focus RS continued this legacy with an impressive blend of power, handling, and technology. The Focus RS was a major departure from its predecessors, showcasing Ford’s commitment to delivering an exhilarating driving experience while adhering to contemporary automotive trends and demands.
This generation of the Focus RS was powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, a unit shared with the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Not only did the Focus RS boast blistering acceleration and top-tier performance, but it also featured Ford’s advanced all-wheel-drive system and a sophisticated suspension setup. Having first driven the car at its international launch in Valencia, Spain, we noted in our report:
“Ford has not tried to beat the German opposition in a straight fight, but rather opted to offer driving enthusiasts a pure driver’s car. Is it faster? [We] have [our] reservations, mostly owing to manual shifting compared to the shift speeds achieved with a slick dual-clutch ‘box. The owner of an RS will, however, have much more fun trying to set the ultimate lap time.”
The third-generation Ford Focus RS was a landmark addition to the South African market, embodying Ford’s performance philosophy and embracing the “Rallye Sport” heritage.
Rundown on the Ford Focus RS
At the core of the third-generation Ford Focus RS is a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, an in-line four-cylinder turbocharged unit borrowed from the Mustang EcoBoost and then significantly enhanced for the RS model. In the Focus RS, the engine produced an impressive 257 kW and 470 N.m of torque, with an overboost function that temporarily increased torque to 510 N.m. These figures not only placed the Focus RS at the top of its class but also made it one of the most powerful hot hatches ever produced by Ford.
Ford’s engineers achieved these numbers through several modifications, including a larger twin-scroll turbocharger, an improved intercooler, a high-flow exhaust system, and a low-inertia turbo for reduced lag. These enhancements allowed the engine to breathe better and maintain higher boost pressures, translating to rapid acceleration and robust power delivery. The engine was mated to a six-speed manual transmission – a purist’s choice that underscored the car’s performance ethos.
One of the standout features of the third-generation Focus RS was its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring. This system used twin electronically controlled clutch packs on each side of the rear-drive unit to manage the front-to-rear torque distribution and side-to-side torque transfer between the rear wheels. This setup enabled the Focus RS to achieve remarkable cornering agility, providing the driver with exceptional levels of grip and control.
The introduction of the infamous “Drift Mode” was a bold move by Ford, adding to the Focus RS’s uniqueness in the hot hatch market. By adjusting the torque distribution to send up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels, with nearly 100% of that power being directed to the outer rear wheel, Drift Mode allowed drivers to induce controlled oversteer.
The suspension setup featured a unique front suspension knuckle design called “RevoKnuckle,” which minimized torque steer. At the rear, the AWD system’s innovative design and carefully tuned suspension setup provided remarkable handling dynamics. To complement this, Ford installed dual-mode dampers, which allowed the driver to adjust the stiffness of the suspension to suit their driving style and conditions. The Focus RS also came standard with Brembo brakes featuring ventilated discs all around. Inside the cabin, Ford incorporated Recaro sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a bespoke RS instrument cluster.
What to look out for
One of the most discussed issues with the third-generation Focus RS is the potential for head gasket failure. This problem stems from the initial production run, where some engines were mistakenly fitted with the head gasket from the Mustang EcoBoost, which was incompatible with the RS’ engine. This mismatch could lead to a blown head gasket, resulting in coolant loss, overheating, and engine damage. Before purchasing, prospective buyers should verify that any Focus RS they are considering has undergone the necessary head gasket recall work or repair.
Another potential issue involves the car’s differentials and drivetrain components, especially if the previous owner was an aggressive driver or a track enthusiast. The all-wheel-drive system is robust but requires regular maintenance to keep it in optimal condition. It’s also advisable to check the service history to ensure that the differential fluids have been changed at recommended intervals.
The RevoKnuckle suspension system, which enhances the Focus RS’ cornering prowess, can also be a point of concern. The suspension setup is firm, designed to deliver sharp handling, but it can lead to premature wear of suspension components. Prospective buyers should inspect the suspension for any clunks, creaks, or excessive play, which could indicate worn-out bushings, control arms, or dampers.
While the Focus RS comes with a range of modern features, including a SYNC 3 infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, and a host of driver-assistance features, the overall used materials are known to not be as durable. Scratches on the centre console, wear on the Recaro seats, and rattles in the cabin can detract from the overall experience.
Which one to get?
The third-generation Ford Focus RS has become a coveted choice among South African driving enthusiasts and car buyers who seek a high-performance hatchback. Renowned for its exhilarating driving dynamics, distinctive styling, and robust build, this hot hatch has much to offer as a used car. Several factors contribute to why the third-generation Focus RS remains a compelling option for South African buyers looking for an exciting pre-owned vehicle.
While the Focus RS was not a cheap car when new, it offers good value in the used car market today. As a high-performance vehicle, it does come with certain running costs, but these are often outweighed by the driving pleasure and performance it delivers. For South African buyers looking for a used performance car, the Focus RS stands out as an exciting and rewarding choice in the local used car market.
