New Focus RS vs rivals

The time has come to test the 21st Century fast Ford to the limit! With development lasting more than five years, a barrage of spy shots and some startling performance claims from engineering bosses, the Focus RS has it all to prove.

In an exclusive group test, Auto Express is first to drive the fastest front-wheel-drive Ford ever built, back-to-back with two of its top class competitors. Following our in-depth special Focus RS supplement free with Issue 1,051, we’re all familiar with the newcomer’s vital statistics. A colossal 301bhp going through the front wheels, a groundbreaking suspension set-up and the hallowed RS badge should catapult the latest flagship into the fast Ford hall of fame.

Opting not to make the RS four-wheel drive was a controversial decision. Showing the potential of a high-performance 4x4 system here is Subaru’s Impreza WRX STi. Now offered only as a hatchback and with a similar power output to the new Ford, the legendary Scooby could be under threat.

But let’s not forget the Focus’s roots. At heart it’s still a hot hatch, which is why we had to bring along our favourite three-door thriller of the moment, the MINI John Cooper Works. With an advanced differential of its own and a significant weight advantage, the 208bhp model could provide an unlikely threat to the flagship Focus.

Buckle up – it’s time to find out what the RS can do!