Ford announces new Focus RS, with $70,000 price tag
Ford’s latest tarmac-eating hot hatch, the new Focus RS, will touch down on Kiwi shores as a fully fledged member of Ford’s line-up, dropping the very limited availability of previous models.
Ford has also confirmed the recommended retail price (RRP) of the RS at $69,880 when it becomes available in the middle of 2016.
“The all-new Ford Focus RS will be an official addition to our line-up, rather than a limited run as we did with the previous Focus RS,” says Tom Clancy, Ford New Zealand’s Communications & Government Affairs Manager.
Ford’s engineers have squeezed 257kW from its 2.3-litre EcoBoost power plant; with supporting peak-torque figures of 470Nm. All-wheel-drive with launch control ensures that occupants will get off the line with pace, while RS tuned suspension, adjustable dampers, and a six-speed manual gearbox make the RS sound like an appetizing B-road proposition.
Inside, the RS sports self-branded Recaro shell seats, a flat-base sport steering wheel, various performance gauges, alloy foot pedals, and blue stitching throughout.
“When we brought in the previous Focus RS, it sold out the day we announced it. While we will have more available this time around, we are optimistic that the new Focus RS will prove to be similarly popular and in demand,” says Corey Holter, Ford New Zealand Managing Director.
The RS was part of Ford’s factory presence at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, with internet and rallying stunt-driving celebrity Ken Block peddling it through the Goodwood course.
Ford have started taking orders for sales of the pocket rocket.