Focus RS: the sports car hatchback

Ford Focus 2.5i RS

What is it?

If you like your cars to look like a British Touring Car saloon racer, then look no further: the Ford Focus RS. Not a car for the shy and retiring, the big, bold and brash RS does little to hide its explosive 300-odd bhp.

What’s hot?

• Just awesome, awesome performance…
• …five-cylinder turbo accelerates you into hyperspace
• And its engine warble sounds glorious
• As does the deep and booming basso exhaust note
• Phenomenal grip from large 19inch alloy wheels
• Helped by Ford’s ‘RevoKnuckle’ suspension…
• …This prevents ‘torque steer’ (front wheel wander)
• Although you’ll still feel the steering tug and squirm
• Bucket seats provide racing-driver style support
• Hatchback practicality means Focus RS is versatile too
• Remarkably hushed while cruising
• And also capable of over 30mpg

What’s not?

• The ride is firm…will get tiring over rutted roads
• CO2 emissions means it’s expensive on company car tax
• High insurance banding (but you knew that)
• It could severely damage your licence

What you need to Know?

P11D Value:	26,395
Monthly Rental*:	£430 (CH)/£495 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted:	33%
Monthly BiK:	144(20%)/£287 (40%)
Engine:	2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo
CO2 Emissions:	225g/km
Power/torque:	305PS/440Nm
Economy:	30.1mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

The Ford Focus RS is truly compelling. Put your foot down and you are propelled from the real world into a fast-moving video game. And all this blistering performance in a car that that costs just over £26k – and one that will also take your weekly shopping. For fast-moving entrepreneurs look no further.