Ford Focus RS (2002-2003) Review

On the road

• Previous: Reliability and Quality
• Next: Safety and Security

Much the same as a normal Focus. The turning circle is the same as standard, despite the lowered suspension and big wheels, while the gearbox is un-intrusive and visibility is fine. Ergonomics are good too, with all controls just where you'd expect them. The engine is happy at low speeds too, despite its sporting intent and even though you've got a specialist clutch and brakes, they're both very progressive in feel. Ah, the RS ethos. Once you're outside town and the roads open up, you can forget the Focus RS's ride quality and start getting the benefit of that stiffened suspension. With a track the same as the WRC Focus, Sachs racing dampers, the limited-slip differential and unique OZ 18" alloys, the Focus RS was built to hustle down twisty roads. The torque spread is so wide that third gear is appropriate for most corners, so you can concentrate on: braking (stupendous, the Brembo four-pots are among the best around with good pedal feel and modulation); turn-in (very good, the steering wheel is nice, while the steering is sharp and accurate, if not as talkative about the road surface as, maybe, a Clio Cup or Integra Type R, but leagues better than an Impreza, Civic or Leon); mid-corner (great again, solid and planted, adjustable, with bags of grip and plenty of poise); and corner-exit (the steering tugs a bit as the Quaife diff does its work to distribute the ample power, but it's bearable, keeps you on your toes though, and the overall pace is breathtaking, without much noticeable turbo lag). Thread a few tight corners together, clipping apexes and working at the controls and it definitely feels the full WRC part. Only fly in the ointment, as it happens, is that most of this excitement and commitment can be had in the Renault Clio Cup, which costs some seven grand less.

The last few years have seen a massive increase in the sort of horsepower you need to stay ahead of the hot-hatchback crowd. Honda's Civic has 200bhp, the Leon Cupra R has just under 210, while you can even get a Renault Clio with 172bhp. But no messing about and no excuses from Ford. Here's a Focus with a very resounding 212bhp. But it's not just the absolute power that's impressive (though sparking the Focus from rest to 60mph in 6.4 seconds and onto 144mph, the absolute power is impressive), it's the flexibility of the unit which is most remarkable. From low revs through to the 6,200 red-line, the engine pulls incredibly strongly, and that makes it a great powerplant to use on twisty roads, where you can leave it in third or fourth and spear between corners. Though there's a sweet-little orange shift-light from 5,800rpm, there's very little point taking the engine past maximum power at 5,500 because there's so much torque and power available in the next gear in the five-speed gearbox - peak torque of 310Nm can be had at 3,500rpm. Oh, and believe us, five gearbox-ratios is plenty with a unit this flexible, there's really no need to complicate things and have six.