ROAD TEST
Ford Focus RS — hot, but price will burn you
Ford’s Focus RS is an impressive driver’s car among its hot hatch rivals, writes Lerato Matebese
The previous generation Ford Focus RS was an unapologetic, brash hot hatch that would be swinging from the chandeliers were it at a party, such was its persona. Under the bonnet beats a 2.3l four-pot turbo petrol unit similar to the one that does duty in the Mustang, but beefed up here to put out 257kW and 470Nm via a six-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive. There is no automatic option. Those looking for the dual personality of, say, a Golf R with its DSG automatic gearbox need not apply. The RS is every bit a driver’s car. Thanks to the manual gearbox, throaty exhaust note and a clever four-wheel drive system, there are plenty of theatrics and adjustability to appease most keen drivers. The seating position does feel slightly higher than usual. Also, the interior appointments are a touch sombre and the overall tactile feel does not warrant the asking price of our test car, which is rather steep. Even so, there is a tangible way in which the vehicle rewards the keen driver. O...
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