Model tested: Ford Focus RS
Price: £26,100
Date tested: September 2009
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 88%
The Ford Focus RS is a landmark car. It redefines what's possible for a front-wheel drive car, and is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished hot hatches ever built. But is it worthy of the RS badge?

1. Looks
The Focus RS is an intimidating sight. Its deep front bumper barely contains the intercooler, the bonnet features a pair of vents while its flanks wear large vents and deep sideskirts that complement the huge blistered wheelarches.
10/10

2. Looks inside
The interior is largely standard, but there are wonderful hip-hugging Recaro sports seats, a thick RS-branded steering wheel and additional gauges on top of the dash. Some of the silver plastics look low-rent though.
9/10

3. Practicality
The practicality of the standard Focus is generally carried over to the RS, but the three-door layout and big front seats means it's tricky getting into the back. There's also a far wider turning circle - 12.2m compared with the standard car's 10.6m.
7/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Focus RS' handling represents the biggest leap forward for any hot hatch for many years. A limited slip differential and a clever suspension knuckle almost eliminate torque steer. The result is a sensation yet the ride is pretty good too.
10/10

5. Performance
It'll reach 62mph in less than six seconds, before hitting 163mph. That might not sound much more than the Focus ST's benchmarks, but the RS feels incredibly muscular throughout the rev range.
10/10

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6. Running Costs
Given its performance and rarity, the RS isn't costly at just over £26,000; around £4,000 more than the excellent Focus ST. Insurance is group 19, CO2 emissions are 225g/km, and there are 12,500-mile service intervals. Expect fuel consumption in the mid-twenties - less than the official 30.5mpg average.
7/10

7. Reliability
The Focus has a good reputation for reliability. The engine, although highly tuned, is a proven Volvo unit, so faults should be rare.
8/10

8. Safety
There's a five-star EuroNCAP rating, with driver, passenger and side curtain airbags, a collapsible steering column and pedals plus a passenger airbag deactivation switch on request.
9/10

9. Equipment
You'll get the equipment you expect, but not much more. The Recaro sports seats are standard, as is air-con, a six-CD autochanger with a DAB radio and keyless entry.
8/10

10. X-Factor
It's an RS - enough for many buyers to choose one. But it also happens to be devastatingly quick on B-roads and a genuine joy to drive. Every trip to the shops will be a blast.
10/10