Ford have announced the price of the 2009 Focus RS.
If you happen to have 25 grand stuffed under your mattress (well, it wouldn’t be in the bank at the moment, would it?) then you can exchange that for a shiny new Focus RS and get £5 change. In comparison, a top-spec Focus ST3 with 225bhp costs ‘just’ £20,408 so at £24,995 the RS is significantly more.
However, you are getting a lot more hardware for your cash. This will include a Quaiffe torque-biasing differential as well as Ford’s new Revo-knuckle device (similar to a device used on the Renaultsport Megane R26) that almost eliminates torque-steer as 301bhp (now confirmed by Ford) is transferred through the front wheels. That power output is due to some serious tinkering with the ST’s 5-cylinder 2.5-litre engine and results in 0-62mph of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 164mph. Upgraded suspension components and brakes will give the new RS even sharper handling.
Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights and LED rear lights, Quickclear windscreen and heated door mirrors. On the inside are Recaro sports seats, manual air-conditioning and a Sony radio with 6-disc CD player. Security comes courtesy of a Thatcham Category 1 alarm.
Should you want more you can specify the optional Luxury Pack for £750. This includes dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic windscreen wipers, keyless entry, tyre-pressure detectors and rear-parking sensors. For £1500 you can have all of the above plus a DVD sat-nav system with an 8-inch touch-screen. Additionally you can order part-leather seats for £500, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port for £200.
Your paintwork choices are limited. The cost-free choice is Frozen White, whereas the Performance Blue paint in the picture costs £395. For £695 you can choose the tri-coat metallic Ultimate Green paintwork as seen on the first preview cars, which on the open road will have a similar level of ‘LOOK AT ME’ as the ST’s Electric Orange paintwork.
