The Ford Focus RS's definitive pricing was just announced and it's definitely a bargain.
Apart from pricing, Ford also unveiled the exact specifications of its beloved hatchback, establishing further its intent of dominating the hot hatch market segment.
As reported by Drive, the second generation Ford Focus RS will have a starting price of $50,990 plus on-road costs and claims that it has the better performance compared to its closest rival, the Volkswagen Golf R.
The Ford Focus RS features a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 345 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. In addition, it has a six-speed manual transmission and also boasts benchmark acceleration of going 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds.
By comparison, the Volkswagen Golf R has a starting price of $52,740 and generates 276 horsepower and an estimated 280 pound-feet of torque, with acceleration of 0 to 60 MPH in 5.2 seconds. Clearly, the Ford Focus RS trumps the competition.
Cars Guide also noted that the new Focus is even more powerful than Audi's supercharged S5 and almost as fast as Holden's 6.0-liter V8 engine.
The Ford Focus RS is being hailed by many pundits to be the bargain of the year since it offers not just good, but outstanding performance for a more accessible price.
As noted by The Motor Report, Ford said, "It delivers refined power, a high level of technology, advanced Ford Performance all-wheel-drive and uncompromised driving dynamics that is true to the spirit of the RS nameplate."
But apart from performance, the Focus also stands out with respect to design. Featuring a dramatic look derived from a revised body work as well as featuring 19-inch allow wheels.
The interior of the hatchback is something worth noting too as it includes Recaro sports seats, faux-suede interior trim highlights, a flat-bottom steering wheel, alloy pedals and binnacle gauges that display turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and pressure.
If you're feeling a little fancy, for only $450 Ford Motors offer a "Prestige Paint" option that lets you pick between grey and black color, as opposed to the usual stark white and boy-racer blue that is very common with the car.
Not satisfied with the stock wheels on your RS? Luckily, Ford also offers a $2500 Performance Wheel Pack that features 19-inch forged alloys that you can replace the standard 19-inch cast alloy wheels with.
The Ford Focus RS' price may be a bit steep for some, but with the performance it brings compared to other cars within the same pricing range, you'll definitely see why this is being called the "bargain of the year."
