Although the audio system includes a volume knob and tuning “flipper,” many actions are done through the touchscreen, which is set deep into the dashboard, making it awkward to access and a long reach for some. Less useful, however, is the infotainment layout.
#2017 ford focus rs plus
On the plus side, there’s a good amount of under-floor storage, something we find very useful. Cargo space is a mixed bag yes, you have the utility of a hatchback, but the space is rather narrow, and the folded rear seat backs rest about three inches below the level of the cargo floor and not nearly flat. Other elements that make the RS “practical” are fairly good visibility, a reasonable degree of interior storage, and good though not great interior room, as legroom in back virtually disappears behind a tall front-seater. Other RS touches include added gauges, dual exhaust outlets (which emit a slightly artificial-sounding gutteral note), monogrammed door sills, and - naturally - identifying RS badges. That’s not to say it just ignores them, but the reaction is rarely jolting, another dynamic element that helps make the RS an acceptable every-day transportation tool. Further aiding that cause are a light, easily modulated clutch and positive if slightly notchy shift feel.Ĭonsidering the aggressive suspension and tires - which do, indeed, provide seriously sporty if not quite racer-like handling - the RS doesn’t rattle your teeth over bumps. While that’s perhaps a bit of a disappointment from a thrill-seeker’s standpoint, it does serve to make the RS more tractable in traffic. While certainly strong, full-throttle acceleration is not quite as “explosive” as one might expect. But what you get for that sum is an extremely quick and capable car that also exhibits a fair degree of practicality. Moving up from the ST to the RS requires adding $11,000 to the tally, as the RS sports a near-$37,000 price of entry - and that’s if you can find a dealer willing to let one go for list price. Powering the RS is a 350-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four, joined in its pursuit of performance by cosseting Recaro-brand seats, sport-oriented suspension and tires (the latter special track-oriented Michelin Cup 2s on 19-inch alloys that came courtesy of the $1900 Equipment Group 600A), and - thankfully - strong Brembo-brand brakes.Īs might be expected, none of this comes cheap. Toward the same cause, performance-oriented suspension and tires are included, as are Brembo-brand brakes and a host of other sporting features, along with the requisite distinctive badging. With the RS, Ford dials up the engine’s tuning to deliver a rousing 350 horsepower, and also adds all-wheel drive to make sure none of it goes to waste. And it’s still front-wheel drive, which struggles to put all those ponies to the pavement. While Ford has long offered the sporty ST in its Focus compact-car lineup, that model uses a turbocharger to up the horsepower ante of the base model’s 160 to “just” 252.
But it finally crossed the pond for 2016, and we finally got our first drive in one. But the Focus RS boasts more than enough performance to back up its “boy racer” looks.Įurope has long enjoyed its own version of the hot-rodded RS, dangling it in front of salivating American enthusiasts like a non-exported gourmet sausage. More Ford Focus price and availability informationĪlong with the rest of America’s auto-enthusiast world, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ford’s legendary, rally-inspired Focus RS on U.S. The not so good: Ride, infotainment controls The good: Passenger and cargo room (for a performance car) The great: Overall performance, all-wheel-drive traction Options on test vehicle: Nitrous Blue paint ($695), Equipment Group 600A ($1990), RS2 package ($2785) Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.ĮPA-estimated fuel economy: 19/25/22 (city, highway, combined)īase price: $35,900 (not including $875 destination charge) All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.
2017 Ford Focus RS in Nitrous Blue (a $695 option) 2017 Ford Focus RSĭriving mix: 60% city, 40% highway CG Report Cardīig & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only.
0 kommentar(er)
