Verdict
A
Hot Hatch · UK · 2002-2018
Ford Focus RS
Ford Focus RS — spec data and generation history.
Years
2002-2018
Generations
3
Segment
Hot Hatch
Ford's halo hot hatch — three Focus RS generations: Mk1 RS (2002-2003) — 2.0 turbo, 212 bhp, FWD with Quaife LSD. 4,501 cars. Mk2 RS (2009-2011) — 2.5 turbo I5 (Volvo-derived), 305 bhp / 350 bhp (RS500). FWD with RevoKnuckle. Mk3 RS (2016-2018) — 2.3 EcoBoost, 350 bhp, AWD with Drift Mode. All three are collectibles. No Mk4 RS — Ford cancelled it during platform transition.
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2002-2003
Mk1 RS
→
2.0 turbo — 212 bhp, 0-62 in 6.7s.
Verdict
A
BHP
212
0–60
6.7 s
Top
144 mph
MPG
25 mpg
Used
$23,000-$44,000
- + First Focus RS
- + Quaife LSD
- − Torque-steer
- − Turbo seals
2009-2011
Mk2 RS
→
RS500 — 350 bhp, 0-62 in 5.6s.
Verdict
A
BHP
350
0–60
5.6 s
Top
165 mph
MPG
25 mpg
Used
$36,000-$76,000
- + Volvo-derived 2.5 I5 turbo
- + RevoKnuckle suspension
- − Timing belt service
- − Front-wheel torque-steer
2016-2018
Mk3 RS
→
2.3 EcoBoost — 350 bhp, 0-62 in 4.7s.
Verdict
A
BHP
350
0–60
4.7 s
Top
165 mph
MPG
30 mpg
Used
$32,000-$51,000
- + AWD with Drift Mode
- + Mountune kits popular
- − Head gasket recall (early)
- − GKN AWD service
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2002-2003 · Mk1 RS
- Turbo seal failures
- Front-wheel torque-steer
- Specialist parts
2009-2011 · Mk2 RS
- Volvo I5 timing belt
- RevoKnuckle wear
- RS500 collectability
2016-2018 · Mk3 RS
- Head gasket failures (early — recall)
- GKN AWD service
- PCM module software
Rivals
VW Golf R · Audi RS3 · Honda Civic Type R · Mercedes-AMG A 45