2016 Ford Focus RS ‘hyper-hatch’ now on sale in Australia

With a Manufacturer’s List Price of $50,9901 the 2016 Ford Focus RS is the most capable yet likely to be the most affordable RS model ever offered to Australian customers, despite a significant increase in performance.

• RS crowns the Focus range as the most advanced RS model ever built. It is the 30th RS created since 1968 and is the first RS model.
• The Focus RS builds on a heritage of innovation by bringing Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, adaptive dampers and Dynamic Torque Vectoring to hot hatch customers.
• ‘Drift Mode’ is one of four switchable drive modes that combine with a six-speed manual transmission to underline that the Focus RS is all about the driving experience.
• Focus RS has been lauded by the global media as the ultimate value-for-money hyper-hatch, with awards from Auto Express, Autocar and Top Gear.
• Ford is bringing more global performance vehicles to customers worldwide; more than 12 new performance vehicles through 2020 – including Focus RS – to be available globally.

MELBOURNE, July 13, 2016 – The hugely anticipated 2016 Ford Focus RS brings Ford’s most advanced and capable performance hatch to Australian customers. With more power, as well as a driver-focussed Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive, the RS brings scintillating performance and technical innovation at a lower Manufacturer’s List Price than its predecessor.

“The all-new Focus RS is a very serious machine with high-performance technology and innovative engineering that sets a new benchmark for driving exhilaration,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. “The RS line has a proud history of technical breakthroughs that have gone on to benefit all Ford customers, and the new Focus RS is no exception.”

The all-new Focus RS is the 30th car to wear the legendary RS “Rallye Sport” badge, reserved for Ford models that have pioneered performance technologies. Focus RS follows in the footsteps of Ford models including the 16-valve 1970 Escort RS1600, turbocharged Sierra RS Cosworth of 1985, and four-wheel-drive 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.

The bold, muscular stance and wind-tunnel tested aerodynamic improvements give the 2016 Ford Focus RS an unmistakable performance posture. With a goal of zero lift front and rear, the RS boasts a uniquely aggressive front bumper, raised rear spoiler and dramatic yet functional rear diffuser. While its exterior’s bold colour palette, 19-inch alloys with Michelin Super Sport tyres and Brembo brakes scream athleticism, the RS badge signifies that its performance story is not merely window dressing.

Thanks to a new Launch Control function – the Focus RS finds itself in the company of premium dedicated sports cars.

This RS has more power than its predecessor, its all-alloy 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder boasting a twin-scroll turbocharger and a substantial 257kW2. Maximum torque of 440Nm is delivered between 2000 and 4500rpm, with 470Nm available for up to 15 seconds on transient overboost during hard acceleration1.

The EcoBoost engine itself shares its backbone – including block, crankshaft and therefore 2261cc capacity – with the 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Produced in Valencia, Spain, especially for the Focus RS, it has been significantly reengineered to deliver not only more power and torque, but a sharper acceleration response backed with a cack-and-burble from its larger exhaust system on lift-off for an entertaining drive both on- and off-throttle.

The Focus RS is offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission that remains true to the RS goal of the most exhilarating, engaging driver involvement. It continues the RS tradition of using manual transmissions as the ultimate in driving pleasure.

The 2016 Focus RS comes standard with Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive – a Focus first. Ford engineers didn’t stop there. The sophisticated AWD system enabled Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which means that the Focus RS can split its torque not only front-to-rear, but also side-to-side for unprecedented road-holding.
Sport Mode is one of four selectable drive modes – the first RS model to offer such a feature – that maximise the livability and enjoyment of the Focus RS. Each of these modes alters the steering, which has been recalibrated for more linearity, as well as the ESC, engine and exhaust settings. They also alter the adjustable dampers, another first for the 2016 Focus RS. Normal and Sport are calibrated for road use, with Track and Drift modes for the occasional closed course and racetrack experiences only. The dampers can also be changed independently, with two settings available. The drive modes operate independently of the Launch Control system.

The high-performance character of the RS is reflected inside the car with heavily-bolstered partial-leather Recaro sports seats as the centrepiece of the cockpit. There’s also a flat-bottom steering wheel, while the Focus RS offers technologies new to the RS marque including Ford’s SYNC connectivity system. Simple voice commands such as “Find a race track” enable RS owners to get instant directions to the nearest public circuit.

A flood of orders since full specification of the Focus RS was confirmed at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show has underlined the customer desire for an affordable, exquisitely

FORD FOCUS RS MODEL FEATURES
Powertrain:

• 2.3-litre EcoBoost (exclusive RS high-performance version)
• Auto-Stop start technology standard
• Stall Recovery

Mechanical:

• All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system with launch control
• Drive modes – including industry-first ‘drift mode’
• RS tuned driver selectable sport suspension with adjustable dampers

Exterior:

• 5-door bodystyle
• Unique RS bodykit/fascia
• 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres
• Bi-Xenon HID with LED DTRL
• Keyless entry
• Thatcham alarm

Interior:

• Recaro-branded shell seats – Partial leather / Micro-fibre fabric panels
• SYNC2 with Emergency Assistance
• High-resolution 8.0-inch high resolution colour touch screen
• Bluetooth with audio streaming
• Natural language Voice Control for phone, music, climate and navigation controls
• Satellite Navigation with ‘One Shot’ destination entry via Voice Control
• 9-speaker audio
• USB & RCA inputs
• Rearview camera
• Dual-zone climate control
• Push button start
• Cruise Control with speed limiter

OPTIONS
The following option is available with the LZ Focus RS:

PERFORMANCE WHEEL PACK
The wheels and tyres in this optional pack are designed to improve the Focus RS on track performance while still being suitable for every day road use.

Wheels

• 19-inch forged alloys
• High-performance lightweight design
• Low gloss black colour
• Enhanced strength & impact resistance
• Weight saving

Tyres

• 235/35 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
• Enhanced performance in dry and wet track conditions

EXTERIOR COLOURS
Four exterior colours are available on the Focus RS, with Nitrous* being the feature colour in the Australian market. Other colours are White, Magnetic* and Shadow Black*.

*Prestige paint is an option that incurs and additional charge

PRICING
The Manufacturer List Pricing (MLP) for the LZ Focus RS is:

1This is the Manufacturer’s List Price for the vehicle only.  Prices shown include GST/LCT. A number of other components, including a dealer delivery fee, stamp duty, registration, compulsory third party insurance and other statutory charges may be payable by a customer in relation to the purchase of this vehicle.  The final transaction price will be as negotiated by the customer with their chosen Dealer.
2Power figures measured using premium fuel (95RON).
2016 ford FOCUS RS – Technical Specifications
PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY

ØFord test figures. ØØThe declared Fuel/Energy Consumptions, CO2 emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car’s fuel/energy consumption, CO2 emissions and electric range. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

^Power figures measured using premium fuel (95RON).

ENGINE DATA

^Power figures measured using premium fuel (95RON).

WEIGHTS

#DIN
DIMENSIONS

‡ Measured in accordance with ISO 3832. Dimensions may vary dependent on the model and equipment fitted.

STEERING AND SUSPENSION

CHASSIS

BRAKES

WHEELS & TYRES