Skip advert
Advertisement

300bhp group test

Ford’s 301bhp Focus RS has hit the UK, and to celebrate, we’ve lined up an eclectic mix of vehicles that can match its power output.

With an output that’s unmatched in the hot hatch class, the 301bhp Ford Focus RS is the most powerful front-wheel-drive car Ford has ever produced. And as we found out on its road test debut, it delivers absolutely electrifying performance.

However, you can put 300bhp to good use in all kinds of machinery, and to celebrate the UK debut of the fast Ford, we’ve lined up an eclectic group of vehicles. They all have around 300bhp, but generate and use it in very different ways. First up is the Ariel Atom. If you think the Focus is fast, this lightweight special delivers outrageous acceleration.

Next comes the Lexus GS 450h executive saloon. The clever hybrid combines petrol grunt and electric urge to create a unique blend of power and smoothness.

We couldn’t leave SUVs off our high performance list, and the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI uses its diesel torque to produce the kind of pace that defies its dimensions. However, if it’s real pulling power you want, look no further than the mighty John Deere 8430. This colossal tractor has 300bhp – but backs it up with an incredible 1,394Nm of torque. That means this 11,770kg monster is a true agricultural powerhouse.

If, on the other hand, you want a house with power, then the incredible Fleetwood Pace Arrow motorhome fits the bill. It comes with all mod cons, and its V10 petrol engine produces 304bhp. To find out what it and the other vehicles in our crazy line-up are like to drive, then read on...

Advertisement - Article continues below

See our exclusive Auto Express video of all six of these head-to-head on the track.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Ford Focus

Ford Focus

RRP £20,970Avg. savings £2,877 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra

RRP £26,180Avg. savings £4,687 off RRP*Used from £11,490
Ford Puma

Ford Puma

RRP £21,055Avg. savings £2,230 off RRP*Used from £8,495
Seat Leon

Seat Leon

RRP £24,140Avg. savings £7,081 off RRP*Used from £10,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid 2026 review: supermini rises to the next level with hybrid power
Richard Ingram with the Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid

New Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid 2026 review: supermini rises to the next level with hybrid power

Fiat is on to a winner with the mild-hybrid version of the impressive Grande Panda supermini
Road tests
21 Apr 2026
New Citroen 2CV: £13k electric city car to lean on brand nostalgia
Citroen 2CV exclusive image 2026

New Citroen 2CV: £13k electric city car to lean on brand nostalgia

A 2CV-inspired small car is in the works, designed to bridge the gap between the Ami quadricycle and e-C3 supermini
News
24 Apr 2026
New Chery Tiggo 4 review: £20k SUV’s shortcomings are overshadowed by its unbeatable value
Tom Jervis with the Chery Tiggo 4

New Chery Tiggo 4 review: £20k SUV’s shortcomings are overshadowed by its unbeatable value

The Chery Tiggo 4 has the small SUV elite in its crosshairs, and it undercuts nearly all of them
Road tests
22 Apr 2026