Likes
- Incredible performance
- A true driver’s car
- Holding value (some appreciating in value)
- Retains practicality of a Focus hatch
Used Ford Focus RS review
2016 - 2018
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.
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Models, pricing & features
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)
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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.
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