Ford’s five-star Focus RS has added “Hot Hatch of the Year” from Auto Express to its increasing awards collection. The latest acclaimed fast Ford has already been honoured by Top Gear, Autocar and Vehicle Dynamics International this year.
Now the all-wheel drive performance sensation has also been sent to the top of the class by top-selling weekly motoring magazine and website Auto Express.
“The flames of the hot hatch fire were well and truly fanned when the Ford Focus RS hit the market,” said Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler.
“Despite the muscular styling, the RS is still practical – just as a hot hatch should be. Ford has put distance between the hottest Focus out there and its similarly priced competition – in fact graduating into the mega hatch league of Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS3, only a lot cheaper.”
The £31,000 hatch can now be specified for all seasons, with the addition of heated steering wheel and seats available as a Winter Pack. While summer is supposedly here, demand for Focus RS means an order today will be delivered in mid-winter.
Consequently Winter Packs comprise 10 per cent of latest specifications, with an additional five per cent opting for the heated wheel only. Luxury Pack (powerfold mirrors, rear parking sensors, KeyFree, cruise control and privacy glass) continue to be on 90 per cent of orders.
Ford of Britain chairman and managing director Andy Barratt, said: “For new Focus RS to add Auto Express Hot Hatch of the Year to its trophy cabinet is yet another highlight in its still short life.
“Since specs and prices were announced 10 months ago, we have already taken 4,500 orders – around the UK’s first allocation. While we have secured additional cars, prospective Focus RS owners need to move quick to be part of this thrilling chapter of RS history.”
The 350PS Focus RS achieves 0-62mph in 4.7sec and its 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine can power the car on to 165mph. Its development was filmed for an eight-part online documentary called “Rebirth of an Icon”, capturing the highs – and lows – of engineering the third-generation Focus RS:
Further Fords commended
Five other Ford models were commended in other Auto Express award categories:
| Best Coupé: | Mustang |
| Best Convertible: | Mustang |
| Best MPV: | S-MAX |
| Pick-up: | Ranger |
| Van: | Transit |
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