Ford Focus, 20 Years of the Focus Part 2

Ford Focus, 20 Years of the Focus. Over the last two decades the Focus has redefined what it means to own a ‘fast Ford’. Let’s look back at some of those sporty models from the past twenty years as we delve into the history of the Focus… Words DAN WILLIAMSON / Photos VARIOUS.

BIGGER, BADDER BROTHER 

Appearing in January 2009, the headlinegrabbing RS transformed the three-door ST225 into a fire-breathing super-hatch, boasting 301bhp and the biggest wings we’d seen since Cossies reigned the roads. The wild spoilers and wide arches were matched by bonnet vents and whopping 19in alloy wheels, which wrapped around 336mm front discs and 300mm rears. A big Borg Warner K16 turbo had been bolted to the ST’s five-cylinder engine, taking top speed to 163mph and reaching 60mph in just 5.7 seconds. Traction was helped by fancy RevoKnuckle front suspension and a return to the ATB differential inside its M66 gearbox; as before, the Focus RS set new benchmarks for front-wheel-drive handling, and drew a new generation of fans to worship at the Rallye Sport altar. Recaro bucket seats and an RS steering wheel lifted the cabin above ST trim, while options included part-leather upholstery, Luxury Pack 1 (climate control and key-free entry), and Lux Pack 2 (touch-screen sat nav). Three body colours were offered: Frozen White, Performance Blue and Ultimate Green.

Again, Ford approved mountune upgrades, but this time included the 345bhp MP350 conversion as standard on the factory-built Focus RS500. Available from April 2010, the RS500 was coated in a matt black 3M wrap over Panther Black paintwork, complete with matching black wheels. Sat nav and red leather seats were optional, and there was a numbered plaque on the dashboard: just 101 of the limited-run of 500 were sold in the UK. RS production ceased in September 2010, and the mainstream Mk2 Focus was killed off in 2011, by which time 22,361 STs had left the Saarlouis assembly lines plus around 11,500 examples of the RS.

THIRD GENERATION 

It took until June the following year for a high-performance Mk3 to arrive, when the ST was offered to 40 markets around the world. Faster and more economical than its predecessor, the ST250 (named after its 250PS/247bhp output) had reverted to a four-cylinder engine – now the 1999cc EcoBoost, with Borg-Warner K03 turbo. Maximum speed was 154mph, 60mph was reached in 6.2 seconds, and it could easily keep pace with the outgoing RS. The ST boasted six-speed manual gearbox, uprated suspension, 320mm front brakes and sharpened steering but in enthusiasts’ minds it lacked its predecessor’s character: there was no limited-slip differential, no five-cylinder soundtrack and no three-door option. Still, at least the five-door hatch was now joined by a sublime estate. Both types featured a stylish bodykit and 18in alloys, and both were offered in three trim levels: the ST-1 included Recaro front seats and air conditioning, the ST-2 added coloured panels on clothcovered seats, climate control and heated windscreen, while the ST-3 topped the lot with black leather seats, Recaro rear bench, keyless entry and xenon headlamps. A selection of popular options included the Style Pack (Rado Grey wheels and red brake calipers) and a trendy new colour: Tangerine Scream.

ST production was paused in mid 2014 until a facelifted version arrived the following year, when it was reintroduced as a choice of the previous EcoBoost or oil-burning ST TDCi. Criticisms of the ST’s torque-steer were addressed with revised suspension and recalibrated steering, while there was better-looking front end styling and dashboard. Options now included 19in rims and 335mm front brakes. The derv-powered ST TDCi was Ford’s first diesel hot hatchback, offering most of the regular model’s benefits – including the taut chassis and Recaro-trimmed cabin – but with 67mpg potential. Yes, the performance deficit was substantial – down to 183bhp, the 135mph top end and 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds appeared lethargic – but reviewers reckoned it was barely noticeable for day-to-day driving.

Besides, at least it was a proper ST – unlike the ST-Line revealed in June 2016. Pretty much a repackaged Zetec S, the Focus ST-Line was offered as a one-litre (123bhp or 138bhp) or 1.5-litre (148 or 178bhp) EcoBoost petrol, or 1.5-litre (118bhp) or twolitre (148bhp) TDCi. All were available as hatchback or estate, and automatic transmission was optional. Standard kit included ST bodykit, 17in alloys, sports seats and ST-Line badging. In stark contrast was the greatest Focus to date, and arguably Ford’s best-ever allrounder: unveiled at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show was the Mk3 RS, the most hotlyanticipated machine in fast Ford history.

GAME CHANGER 

And it was well worth the wait. Boasting a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbo, the RS produced 345bhp, hitting 165mph and 0-to-60mph in 4.5 seconds. Answering fans’ calls for fourwheel drive, it featured an advanced new system with electronic clutch packs, which allowed 70 per cent of the torque to be taken to the rear axle; four different driving modes allowed the user to choose between Normal, Sport, Track or Drift settings. In five-door form only, the RS came with Brembo 350mm brakes, 19in wheels, deeper spoilers, rear wing, Recaro seats and an options list including Luxury Pack, forged rims and shell seats. Colour choice included Frozen White, Stealth Grey, Magnetic, Shadow Black or unique Nitrous Blue. September 2017 saw the RS Edition released, adding a Quaife limited-slip front differential to the standard spec, along with Nitrous Blue paintwork, matt black roof and carbon fibre cabin goodies. A similar Race Red RS Edition was announced for Christmas; 300 examples were built between February and March 2018. Ending production on 6 April 2018, the RS went out with a blast: 50 Heritage Editions were assembled, painted Deep Orange and including LSD and mountune FPM375 (370bhp) performance upgrade.

NEXT GENERATION 

But that’s not the end of the Focus story. Far from it, indeed. The incoming Mk4 has been launched with an ST-Line and ST-Line X integral to the range of five-door hatchbacks and estates, offering lowered suspension and 17/18in alloys as standard. With powerplants including a 123bhp three-cylinder EcoBoost and a 179bhp 1.5-litre, it’s likely to be lively – if not a full-fat ST. For that we’ll need to wait until 2019; yet to be confirmed by Ford, the Mk4 ST may be powered by a heavily-reworked 1.5-litre unit or – more likely – a 2.0 or 2.3-litre EcoBoost; output is expected to exceed 250bhp, weight is due to be reduced and driver focus is predicted to outclass all of its rivals by a massive margin. It will certainly keep us entertained until the next RS arrives. Neither admitted nor denied by the Blue Oval, reports of a 400bhp four-wheel-drive petrol/electric hybrid appearing in 2020 seem if anything to be an understatement. What a way to start the next 20 years…

Sources: Fast Ford Dummer 2018

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