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Ford was dangerously quiet recently. Nothing big was happening around the brand. They released new Fiesta, new Ka… but nothing spectacular. All these cars were cool, but not to sensational. They didn’t put some hybrid, supergreen, eco fafarafa, “tree hugging” drive system… Just a whole set of boring, every day cars in many segments. I was starting to think, that they are turning into Toyota or something

I like Ford for that… it’s not trying hard to be something what marketing advisers will invent. Just a pure, solid brand with tradition. I drive a Focus myself and it does the job. It’s not a super hot hatch, interior is very classic. But it works ok for me, it’s reliable. It’s not a 100% fun car, but the driving experience is very sharp and positive.

Then last year I heard about that Ford is reviving the RS badge. I thought: cool… they already have a successful hot hatch ST version… RS is worth checking out. New Focus was about to be powered with already known 5 cylinder 2.5 litre Volvo engine, but it’s power output increased to 305 HP! They promised acceleration from 0-62 mph in less than 6 seconds (with FWD!). These numbers talk… They talk loud and make people smile

This would mean that it will be the new leader in the hot hatch class (more powerful than Golf GTI, Renault Megane RS, Opel Astra OPC, Honda Civic TypeR)…

But then… I read that Ford wants to keep it a front wheel drive.

Are they crazy? All this power will rip Your hands of… And leave them in the cloud of smoke left while trying to move forward… Looks like the idea was noble, but they didn’t have the guts to give everything they had and held back. They said that it will be a competition for Mitsubishi Evo and Impreza STI. Yeah… Right… FWD against these two. They said that it would cost too much to put the 4WD in Focus. Also car would be too heavy. So I waited expecting a FWD at a price of Evo, to be a massive failure…

The car was officially released 2-3 months ago, and the motoring press went crazy. All the journalists which I knew wrote, that the car drives better then most of the 4wheel drives! That it’s the best FWD ever built. They created a custom designed front wheel suspension called RevoKnuckle with limited slip differential. It makes the car front wheels keep the optimum alignment to the surface at all times (on straight and in turns). And it works! The only downside is the turning radius – that needs to be increased a little.

This means that You get the really sporty car that You can use 7 days a week, to take Your kids to school. It won’t ruin Your budget (producer says the average fuel consumption is about 25 mpg – 9,5 l/ 100 km). And this for the price of a family saloon car (about 28 k Euro = $ 40k).

I don’t want to start about how the car looks. I like it very much, but I don’t really care about the design in this masterpiece. The way it drives, made Ford to raise my opinion about them. I didn’t have a chance to try myself, but friend journalist said it’s amazing. Ford is coming back strong. In this month TopGear magazine they tested it along with Ford GT, and You know what?

Apart from the power difference, RS was better at cornering and easier to drive. How cool is that this hatchback can compete with Ford’s “supercar”?

The only downside I found in this car is that only 8500 of them was produced. And what is even worse: they don’t plan to sell it in U.S. I don’t understand why! This is the new Ford’s flagship car! Reason to be proud! And all of them were sold pre-ordered.

Anyway I hope they will release more of them, then I’m buying one for sure!

I announce this car to the XFactor award of June 2009. I know it’s a little late, but Ford Focus RS is worth awarding a special section. Starting from this month I will add a “special” car to this category every month! If You have a proposition for the next candidate, let me know by commenting!

Why should You Buy it?

It’s amazing! The Xfactor, value for money, the looks! The best hot hatch so far!

Why shouldn’t You Buy it?

If You wake up in the morning and think that You are a potato, this might not be a car for You. I can’t find any other reason.

And some video review below:

More info and full in-depth review: MotorAuthority.