The Ford Focus RS is unquestionably fast, but Al Suttie asks if you could live with one as a company car?
1 – 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and a 165mph top whack put the RS in the bleedin’ quick category.
2 – It also grips, handles and steers in ways that embarrass cars costing twice as much, helped by all-wheel drive.
3 – All of this, and the instant power from the 2.3-litre turbo motor, make the Focus RS immense fun to drive.
4 – However, short blasts are one thing, but what about living with this loony performance day in, day out?
5 – Well, you can trundle along in the RS without feeling you’re wasting its talents and without the constant temptation to let loose.
6 – Sure, the ride is firm, the exhaust a bit noisy on start-up and the optional sports seats fitted to our test car don’t adjust for height.
7 – All this is forgiven when you do get the chance to use the car’s talents, though this does come at a price.
8 – That price is fuel consumption, and jeez does the Focus RS like a drink when being used to its full potential.
9 – Combined economy is claimed at 36.7mpg, but we saw 10mpg less than that in mixed driving.
10 – With 175g/km emissions, the RS will never be a cheap option for those lucky enough to have the chance. But it’s a chance you should grab while you can.
