Ford Orders pass 2,300 as aticipation growsfor the fastest ever Focus RS.

Ford is accelerating into the new year with 2,300 UK orders for the all-new Ford Focus RS ahead of deliveries of the 165mph machine in spring. Buyers have pored over brochures and equipment lists since the all-new Focus RS performance car’s £29,995 price was announced in September.

Some 89 per cent of buyers have specified the optional Luxury Pack, including power-fold door mirrors, rear parking sensors, Ford KeyFree System, cruise control and privacy glass, with 89 per cent also opting for Ford SYNC2 navigation and premium sound system.

Most popular of the five different colour finishes is Nitrous Blue, chosen by 61 per cent of buyers, with Frozen White attracting 15 per cent and Shadow Black 10 per cent.

Around 85 per cent have ordered the optional blue-painted brake callipers and 19in black forged alloy wheels.

“Care and attention is being given by Focus RS buyers to make sure their car has exactly the desired specification,” said Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director.

“More than half of buyers want the most expensive item on the extras list – Recaro RS shell front seats.  Most are owners of previous RS models, which were all similarly personalised.”

The all-new Ford Focus RS is a technological powerhouse featuring Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Launch Control technology which boosts it from rest to 62mph in just 4.7sec.

It has a long list of standard equipment including 19in multi-spoke alloy wheels, 350mm ventilated front disc brakes, RS rear spoiler, twin-pipe high-performance exhaust, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Recaro front seats, dual-zone electronic temperature control, heated windscreen and washer jets and  Thatcham Category 1 alarm.

The new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine shares its fundamental structure with the all-aluminium four-cylinder engine in the all-new Ford Mustang and is significantly upgraded for the Ford Focus RS to deliver 10 per cent more power.

The Ford Mustang itself is recording impressive sales figures – 2,650 right-hand-drive Mustangs have been ordered so far by UK customers, with customer deliveries under way.