Ford Focus RS named Auto Express ‘Hot Hatch of the Year’
Ford’s smash-hit Focus RS has added Auto Express “Hot Hatch of the Year” to its increasing awards collection. This follows honours by Top Gear, Autocar and Vehicle Dynamics International this year, as well as an upcoming review from Simply Motor! Watch this space. I’m sure by now you can probably guess the outcome; with the Focus being praised by just about everybody in the industry. That doesn’t stop me wanting one on the drive for a week though; if anything it makes me more keen!
“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; just in time to make best use of them.
Surprisingly, despite many Focus RS owners ticking all the options boxes, Winter Packs comprise 10 per cent of latest specifications, with an additional five per cent opting for the heated wheel only. On the opposite end of the scale is the Luxury Pack (powerfold mirrors, rear parking sensors, KeyFree, cruise control and privacy glass) which is present 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.”
