Ford is enjoying a good start for its new generation Focus RS, the performance hot hatch, already launched on most European markets. Among them, the UK market, one of the most important for Ford RS division. The Focus RS orders demonstrate the love of UK pulic for fast hatchbacks.
According to Ford, the all-new Focus RS has raced up to 1,500 orders from UK buyers without a single test drive being taken. In the month before prices and specifications were announced at September’s Frankfurt Show, 500 Focus RS fans had already paid deposits to secure the first cars.
Since then Ford dealers have logged a stream of 1,000 further prospective buyers keen to be among the first to take delivery from Spring.
“We expected those first in the queue, many of whom are owners of previous RS models, to be exacting about their requirements, and so it has proved, with many opting for motorsport-style Recaro shell front seats, 19in black forged alloy wheels, luxury pack, electric tilt/side sunroof and Ford SYNC2 navigation and sound system”, said Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director.
There is a choice of five different colour finishes, including Metallic and Mica options.
The all-new Focus RS, which has a recommended on the road price of £28.940, uses Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Launch Control technology which delivers 0-62mph acceleration in just 4.7sec.
Standard equipment includes 19 inch multispoke alloy wheels, 350 mm ventilated front disc brakes, RS performance rear spoiler, twin high-performance exhaust, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Recaro front seats, dual-zone electronic temperature control, heated windscreen and washer jets and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system.
