New £40k Ford Focus RS Heritage Edition marks production end

Ford's Focus RS hot hatch will go out of production in April this year, but the brand isn't quite finished with it yet. A new Heritage Edition has been launched, with more power, extra equipment and a unique 'Deep Orange' exterior colour.

Priced at £39,985, just 50 of the Heritage Edition RS will be built and sold in right-hand drive. They will be the last UK bound examples of the hottest Focus before production stops in Saarlouis, Germany.

As well as the striking paintwork, the Heritage Edition benefits from grey brake callipers sat behind black alloys, with contrasting black door mirrors and a black rear spoiler. Inside, part-leather Recaro seats, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel and privacy glass are the kit highlights. 

But it's not just a cosmetic upgrade, as Ford has installed a Quaife limited-slip differential to the front axle of the all-wheel drive RS, designed to improve traction and control in hard cornering. The limited-run model also gains the dealer-fitted 'FPM375' Mountune upgrade, boosting max power from 345bhp to 370bhp. Torque is also up 30Nm to 510Nm thanks to a recalibrated turbo and induction kit. 

The Heritage Edition's price tag is just over £7,000 more expensive than a standard RS, but will likely justify some of that increase with better resale value as a last-of-the-line model. It also commemorates 50 years of the Escort nameplate, a car synonymous with many RS models throughout its history. 

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