Likes

  • Incredible performance
  • A true driver’s car
  • Holding value (some appreciating in value)
  • Retains practicality of a Focus hatch

Dislikes

  • Extremely firm ride
  • The driver’s seating position too high for some
  • Some used models may have been abused
  • Interior is feeling its age

Stuff you should know

The Focus RS is one of the all time great hot hatches. Amazing performance, endless grip, a rear bias and balanced chassis in an attractive, practical 5-door hatch featuring body-hugging Recaro sports seats, Fords SYNC 3 infotainment system and a decent suite of safety technology. The Focus RS makes for an incredibly compelling purchase option.

But, all is not perfect with the RS (and its more track-focussed Limited Edition sibling), the ride quality is considered too hard for many and quite a few questions have been raised regarding blown head gaskets.

Should you buy one? Read on.

What goes wrong

Due to a mix up of Mustang Ecoboost head gaskets being accidentally fitted to Focus RS engines, quite a few Focus RS engines required either new head gaskets, new heads or entire new engines. Ford quickly repaired and resolved this issue but make sure any RS you’re looking at has had this recall seen to.

The Focus RS is very well engineered but even the best engineering has a limit when it comes to wear and tear. Try to diagnose if the RS you’re looking at has been abused or driven well beyond its limits. If it has been thrashed, repair bills can add up quickly.

Due to a mix up of Mustang Ecoboost head gaskets being accidentally fitted to Focus RS engines, quite a few Focus RS engines required either new head gaskets, new heads or entire new engines. Ford quickly repaired and resolved this issue but make sure any RS you’re looking at has had this recall seen to.

The Focus RS is very well engineered but even the best engineering has a limit when it comes to wear and tear. Try to diagnose if the RS you’re looking at has been abused or driven well beyond its limits. If it has been thrashed, repair bills can add up quickly.

Due to a mix up of Mustang Ecoboost head gaskets being accidentally fitted to Focus RS engines, quite a few Focus RS engines required either new head gaskets, new heads or entire new engines. Ford quickly repaired and resolved this issue but make sure any RS you’re looking at has had this recall seen to.

The Focus RS is very well engineered but even the best engineering has a limit when it comes to wear and tear. Try to diagnose if the RS you’re looking at has been abused or driven well beyond its limits. If it has been thrashed, repair bills can add up quickly.

Should you buy it

If you’re in the market for a quiet, understated, luxurious hatchback, no.

But if you’re after a hatchback that gets your heart rate firing, ignites your passion and love for driving, can handle a track day as easily as picking up the kids and groceries and is sure to be a future classic, then yes.

The Focus RS, even in the current deluge of superb hot hatches, offers a unique and very special experience.

The ride is too firm and the seating position too high but if you’re happy to deal with these issues, the Focus RS is a must.

If you’re in the market for a quiet, understated, luxurious hatchback, no.

But if you’re after a hatchback that gets your heart rate firing, ignites your passion and love for driving, can handle a track day as easily as picking up the kids and groceries and is sure to be a future classic, then yes.

The Focus RS, even in the current deluge of superb hot hatches, offers a unique and very special experience.

The ride is too firm and the seating position too high but if you’re happy to deal with these issues, the Focus RS is a must.

Should you buy it

If you’re in the market for a quiet, understated, luxurious hatchback, no.

But if you’re after a hatchback that gets your heart rate firing, ignites your passion and love for driving, can handle a track day as easily as picking up the kids and groceries and is sure to be a future classic, then yes.

The Focus RS, even in the current deluge of superb hot hatches, offers a unique and very special experience.

The ride is too firm and the seating position too high but if you’re happy to deal with these issues, the Focus RS is a must.

Need help with finance?

What is the car's build year?

2020

Loan Amount

$5,000

Finance estimate ~

$30

Per week*

8.49%

Comparison rate p.a#

Models, pricing & features

Ford Focus RS LE-12

RS

Price when new: $50,990

Price used: $37,100 - $41,000

Equipment

  • 12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
  • 19″ Alloy Wheels
  • 9 Speaker Stereo
  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Active Torque Transfer System
  • Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
  • Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
  • Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
  • Alarm
  • Alarm with Motion Sensor
  • Ambient Lighting – Interior
  • Armrest – Front Centre (Shared)
  • Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
  • Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
  • Audio – Input for iPod
  • Bluetooth System
  • Body Colour – Bumpers
  • Body Colour – Door Handles
  • Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
  • Body Kit – Lower (skirts
  • F & R Aprons)
  • Brake Assist
  • Brake Emergency Display – Hazard/Stoplights
  • CD Player
  • Calipers – Front 4 Spot
  • Calipers – Painted Front
  • Calipers – Painted Rear
  • Camera – Rear Vision
  • Central Locking – Key Proximity
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Control – Electronic Damper
  • Control – Electronic Stability
  • Control – Park Distance Rear
  • Control – Traction
  • Cruise Control
  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Daytime Running Lamps – LED
  • Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
  • Disc Brakes Rear Solid
  • Drive By Wire (Electronic Throttle Control)
  • Driving Mode – Selectable
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Engine – Stop Start System (When at idle)
  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Exhaust System – Dual
  • Floor Mats
  • Fog Lamp/s – Rear
  • Fog Lamps – Front
  • GPS (Satellite Navigation)
  • Gauges – Auxiliary
  • Headlamp Washers
  • Headlamps – Bi-Xenon (for low & high beam)
  • Headlamps – See me home
  • Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
  • Hill Holder
  • Illuminated (puddle lamps) Door Mirrors
  • Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Front Passenger
  • Keyless Start:- Key/FOB Proximity related
  • Launch Control
  • Leather Gear Knob
  • Leather Seats – Partial
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Metallic Finish Door Handles – Interior
  • Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
  • Multi-function Steering Wheel
  • Pedals – Sports
  • Performance Brakes
  • Power Door Mirrors – Folding
  • Power Door Mirrors – Heated
  • Power Steering – Electric Assist
  • Power Windows – Front & Rear
  • Radio – Digital (DAB+)
  • Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
  • Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare
  • Rear Wiper/Washer
  • Scuff Plates – Embossed or personalised
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
  • Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
  • Speed Limiter
  • Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
  • Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)
  • Starter Button
  • Steering Wheel – Sports
  • Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
  • Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Driver
  • Suspension – Sports
  • Tail Lamps – LED
  • Trip Computer
  • Tyre Pressure Sensor
  • Voice Recognition

RS Limited Edition

Price when new: $56,990

Price used: $45,300 - $49,700

Adds

  • Collision Mitigation – Forward (Low speed)
  • Collision Warning – Forward
  • Limited Slip Diff
  • Paint – Prestige
  • Painted – Wheels
  • Painted Roof
  • Race Seats
  • Rear Windows – Extra Dark/Privacy
  • Smart Device App Display/Control
  • Smart Device Integration – Android Auto
  • Smart Device Integration – Apple CarPlay
  • Tyre Repair Kit

Tech Specs

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback

Engine Specs

  • 2.3 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 257kW / 440Nm (All Models)

Transmission

  • 6-speed Manual (All Models)

Fuel Consumption

  • 6.6 – 10.8 / 100km (All Models)

Length

  • 4390mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1823mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1480mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2648mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1575kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Not listed (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • Not tested (All Models)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback

Engine Specs

  • 2.3 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 257kW / 440Nm (All Models)

Transmission

  • 6-speed Manual (All Models)

Fuel Consumption

  • 6.6 – 10.8 / 100km (All Models)

Length

  • 4390mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1823mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1480mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2648mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1575kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Not listed (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • Not tested (All Models)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Hatchback

Engine Specs

  • 2.3 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 257kW / 440Nm (All Models)

Transmission

  • 6-speed Manual (All Models)

Fuel Consumption

  • 6.6 – 10.8 / 100km (All Models)

Length

  • 4390mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1823mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1480mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2648mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1575kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Not listed (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • Not tested (All Models)

Warranty & servicing

Warranty

  • 3 years / 100,000 km (RS, RS Limited Edition)
  • 5 years / unlimited km (RS Limited Edition)

Servicing

  • 15,000 km / 12 months (All Models)

Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.

Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.

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Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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