Ford Focus RS: A Final Tribute to a Legendary Hot Hatch

All good things must come to an end.” The 2018 Ford Focus RS marks the final chapter of one of the most exciting hot hatches ever produced. As a long-time car maintenance expert, I have seen many legends come and go. The Focus RS stands out with its 350-hp turbo engine, manual transmission, and all-wheel drive. Its performance and legacy in the performance hatchback market are not easily forgotten.

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A Brief History and Legacy

The Focus RS has long been a symbol of raw performance and precision.

• It won over enthusiasts with its agile handling and explosive acceleration.
• Its legacy is built on track days, spirited driving, and lasting memories.

In my many years in the automotive industry, I have witnessed how the Focus RS pushed the limits of what a hot hatch can be. Its blend of power and everyday usability made it a favourite among drivers.

2018 Ford Focus RS: What’s New in the Final Edition

This final model offers key changes that set it apart from previous versions. Here is an in-depth look at what is new:

Limited Production Details

• Exclusive Numbers:
  • Only 1,000 units will be sold in the United States.
  • 500 units are destined for Canadian roads.
• Collector’s Item: These figures make the RS a rare find for enthusiasts.

New Exterior Updates

• Colour Options:
  • Race Red: A vibrant shade for those who love bold statements.
  • Nitrous Blue: An equally striking alternative with a slight premium.
• Gloss-Black Accents:
  • The roof, mirror caps, and rear spoiler now feature gloss-black finishes.
  • Blue RS logos adorn the side wings, adding a touch of sophistication.

Mechanical Upgrades

• Enhanced Traction:
  • A new limited-slip differential on the front axle improves grip on challenging surfaces.
• RS2 Package Now Standard:
  • Heated Recaro seats: Offer comfort even on cold days.
  • Integrated Navigation: Voice-activated for ease of use.
  • Carbon-Fibre Accents: Found on door handles, the handbrake lever, and around the turbo-boost gauge, these add both style and durability.

Example Image:

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Performance and Engineering

The RS is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Here are some key performance aspects:

• Transmission:
  • A six-speed manual gearbox provides precise, quick shifts.
• Driving Experience:
  • The car is designed for explosive takeoffs and impressive grip.
  • It features a unique drift mode that can thrill even the most experienced drivers.
• Exhaust Note:
  • The exhaust produces a loud, industrial growl that adds to the driving excitement.

Performance Table:

Specification	Details
Engine	2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power	350 hp
Torque	350 lb-ft
Transmission	6-speed manual

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Interior, Infotainment, and Practicality

The Focus RS cabin is practical yet performance-focused. Here are some insights:

Interior Design

• Seating:
  • Recaro sport seats provide strong lateral support.
  • The seating is firm, suitable for track days but may feel tight for long journeys.
• Materials:
  • The interior includes some cost-effective plastics.
  • Carbon-fibre touches add a sporty edge.

Infotainment System

• Touchscreen Display:
  • An 8.0-inch screen runs the Sync 3 system.
• Connectivity:
  • Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Includes Bluetooth and multiple USB ports.

Practicality

• Cargo Space:
  • The RS is designed with performance in mind, so storage is limited.
  • Rear seat space is minimal, which suits its character as a driver’s car.

Internal Link: For more on interior car maintenance, see our Car Interior Care Tips.

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Fuel Economy and Real World MPG

The Focus RS is not built for fuel efficiency. Here are the key points:

• EPA Ratings:
  • Approximately 19 mpg in the city.
  • Around 25 mpg on the highway.
• Real-World Experience:
  • During a 200-mile test, the numbers were close to the EPA estimates.
• Comparisons:
  • It lags behind some competitors in fuel economy, but the performance is a fair trade-off.

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Safety and Maintenance

Safety is critical, even in performance models. Below are important details:

Safety Features

• Crash Test Ratings:
  • Earned a five-star rating from NHTSA.
• Driver Assistance:
  • Equipped only with a backup camera.
  • Lacks advanced driver-assistance systems, so caution is advised.

Maintenance Advice

• Regular Checks:
  • Given its high-performance nature, frequent inspections are recommended.
• Expert Tip:
  • Always use recommended fluids and genuine parts. This approach has saved me many costly repairs over the years.

Pricing and Which Model to Choose

The pricing structure for the 2018 Ford Focus RS is designed to offer enthusiasts the best balance of performance and value.

Price Breakdown

Feature	Cost	Details
Base Price	Standard RS2 Package	Includes heated Recaro seats and voice navigation
Nitrous Blue Paint	+ $695	An extra charge for the eye-catching blue finish
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tyres	+ $550	Optional upgrade for enhanced track performance
Winter Wheel-and-Tyre Package	+ $1995	Recommended for those in colder regions; check alternatives for savings

Best Configuration

From my experience, the standard RS2 package provides excellent value. Here’s why:

• Cost-Effective:
  The RS2 package comes standard, eliminating additional charges.
• Performance-Ready:
  Forged 19-inch wheels are standard, and the RS2 package includes essential upgrades.
• Enhanced Comfort:
  Heated Recaro seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat add to driver comfort during long drives.
• Built-In Navigation:
  The voice-activated system ensures you always find your way, adding convenience and reducing distractions.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Powertrain Highlights

• Engine:
  • The 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
  • This engine is robust and delivers a strong, consistent performance.
• Transmission:
  • Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the gearbox provides short and crisp gear shifts.
  • The manual setup ensures that every gear change feels responsive and direct.

Performance Traits

• Acceleration and Grip:
  • The RS offers explosive acceleration thanks to its powerful engine and all-wheel drive grip.
  • It handles well on both wet roads and dry tracks.
• Drift Mode:
  • An innovative drift mode lets you explore controlled oversteer, adding an element of excitement on twisty roads.
• Clutch and Exhaust:
  • The firm clutch is engineered to handle high torque with minimal delay.
  • The exhaust produces a loud, aggressive note with pops and crackles that appeal to performance fans.

Driving Experience

• Steering and Ride:
  • Sharp, responsive steering makes the Focus RS fun to drive.
  • The ride is firm, which is perfect for track days but may feel stiff on rough roads.
• Tire Options:
  • Standard Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres deliver excellent grip.
  • Upgrading to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres offers even more performance at the expense of a slightly harsher ride.

Performance Specifications Table

Specification	Detail
Engine	2.3-litre Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
Power	350 hp
Torque	350 lb-ft
Transmission	6-Speed Manual
Drive	All-Wheel Drive

Table: Key performance specifications of the 2018 Ford Focus RS.

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Fuel Economy: Speed Comes at a Cost

Fuel economy is an important factor, even for performance cars. The Focus RS is built for speed, and this comes with trade-offs.

EPA Estimates

Below is a simple table summarising the EPA estimates for the 2018 Ford Focus RS:

Condition	MPG
City	19
Highway	25

Real-World Performance

In my own 200-mile test route, I found that the Focus RS closely matches its highway estimates. However, daily driving and spirited accelerations can lower the overall MPG.

Comparison with Rivals

• Subaru WRX STI: Offers similar power but is slightly more efficient.
• Honda Civic Type R: Delivers competitive performance with a marginally better rid

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

The inside of the RS tells its performance story. As an expert in car maintenance, I value function over frills.

Cabin Features

• Recaro Racing Seats:
  • These seats are very supportive but can feel tight.
  • They are designed to hold you in place during high-speed turns.
• Limited Rear Legroom:
  • The rear seats have little space.
  • They do not fold flat, which limits cargo flexibility.

Technology Overview

• Touchscreen Display:
  • A standard 8.0-inch touchscreen runs the Sync 3 system.
  • The system is simple and clear.
• Connectivity Options:
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.
  • A 10-speaker Sony audio system offers good sound quality.
• Additional Features:
  • Bluetooth and USB inputs support easy connectivity.

Storage Limitations

• Cubbies and Cargo Space:
  • Small cubbies mean less room for loose items.
  • The performance gear reduces overall cargo space.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2018 Ford Focus RS has notable safety credentials, though it lacks modern driver-assistance technology.

Crash Test Ratings

• NHTSA Rating:
  The Focus RS holds a solid 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• IIHS Data:
  There is no available crash test data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Lack of Advanced Driver Assistance

• Driver Assistance:
  • Only a basic backup camera is included.
  • No advanced features such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist.

This minimal approach to driver-assistance emphasises the car’s focus on performance and driving purity. Enthusiasts should be aware that the RS is built for a driving experience, not for autonomous safety features.

Expert Maintenance Advice

As someone who has worked with high-performance vehicles for over 15 years, I find that proper maintenance is key to keeping the Focus RS in top condition.

Personal Insights

• Regular Check-ups:
  I always recommend routine inspections. A thorough check of the clutch and transmission is vital due to the car’s performance orientation.
• Brake Care:
  Performance brakes are essential. I advise owners to replace brake pads more frequently than on a standard vehicle.
• Tire Management:
  The Michelin Pilot Sport tyres offer great grip but can wear quickly on the track. Always check tire pressure and tread regularly.

Maintenance Tips

• Fluid Changes:
  Ensure that engine oil and coolant are changed at recommended intervals.
• Component Inspections:
  Look out for wear in suspension components and brakes.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Maintaining a high-performance car can be demanding. Ford offers standard warranty coverage to ease this burden. Below is a detailed look at the warranty and maintenance packages.

Pros and Cons of the 2018 Ford Focus RS

Below is a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons for the Focus RS:

Pros

• Thrilling Acceleration and Handling:
  • The car’s performance is hard to beat.
  • It offers an engaging drive on various surfaces.
• Exclusive, Limited-Edition Model:
  • Rarity adds to its appeal.
  • Owners enjoy the uniqueness of the model.
• Drift Mode for Playful Driving:
  • Drift mode unlocks extra fun during spirited drives.
  • It is ideal for enthusiasts looking to push limits.

Cons

• Harsh Ride Quality:
  • The suspension is firm, making for a rough ride on poor roads.
  • Not ideal for long, leisurely journeys.
• Cramped Interior and Limited Storage:
  • Rear legroom is tight.
  • The car lacks practical storage space.
• Poor Fuel Efficiency:
  • The Focus RS consumes more fuel than many rivals.
  • It is best suited for performance rather than economy.

Detailed Pros and Cons Table

Aspect	Pros	Cons
Performance	Explosive acceleration; precise handling	Requires aggressive driving techniques
Design	Limited-edition exclusivity	Cramped interior; minimal storage
Driving Modes	Drift mode available for extra fun	Harsh ride quality on rough roads

Final Verdict: Is the 2018 Ford Focus RS Worth It?