The iconic RS badge will be back on the Ford Focus in 2016. If you’re a lover of fast Fords, then look no further than the latest RS (you can also look at a pretty cool GIF of every RS Ford’s ever made here). However, the RS badge has been out of action of late, and speed appears to have been an afterthought in terms of desirable features for the Ford Focus. To reminisce about the good old days, and to highlight just how exciting the new version is, we’ve put together this list of the best Ford Focuses ever made, starting with the new Ford Focus RS.
#3 Ford Focus RS
The new Ford Focus RS is the firm’s most extreme hot hatch yet. Boasting strong performance, agile handling and great value even from new, the Ford Focus RS delivers on Ford’s tradition of providing a fast, fun and high performance vehicle.
As you’d expect from a Ford that’s RS badged, its acceleration is electrifying, but its handling is excellent as well. The engine is sporty, turbocharged and ready to excite at any moment. Plus, because it’s well built and made with the family in mind, it isn’t just a racing thug and can be used every single day without worry. If you’re looking for a new Ford Focus, look no further than the RS.
#2 2002 Focus RS
First launched back in 2002, the Focus RS was the first Blue Oval car to wear the RS badge. It was the first since the demise of the Escort RS Cosworth 6 years prior. The Cosworth was much loved, meaning that the Focus RS had a lot to live up to.
The 2002 RS was only available as a limited run of just over 4,000 until late 2003. A front-wheel drive vehicle, it was powered by a 2.0 litre 16 valve engine that produced a whopping 212bhp and an alarming top-speed of 144mph.
If you like a choice of colour in your car, however, the 2002 RS isn’t the one for you. It’s only available in Imperial Blue.
On the interior, it boasted aggressive race seats and a blue-black trim that matched its extiror. With impressive styling, fantastic levels of performance and rarity, it was (and is) much coveted. Much more than a match for its rivals the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
#1 2010 Focus RS500
Rated as a 5* car by the vast majority of motoring magazines, the Focus RS500 is largely regarded as the pinnacle of hot hatch motoring. With matt black paint, a 300bhp engine and a limited run of only 500 ever made, there’s so much for every petrolhead to love about the RS500.
Only 101 cars ever made it to the UK’s shores, so be careful to look around on the internet for the best possible deals on any used models.
With a savage 2.5 litre turbocharged engine, 19-inch alloy wheels and a unique interior, it’ll be well worth the wait.