The new generation, three-door Ford Focus RS is the most powerful production car ever made by the company in Europe and reaches showrooms at the end of March priced from just under £25,000.It is the 22nd model to carry the RS badge since 1970 and the second Focus in the series since 2001.The new model is a development of the Focus ST but there are very significant electronic, engine, transmission, steering, brakes and suspension modifications to produce and cope with 300bhp and 440Nm peak torque from the 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine and six-speed box.That punches it to 62mph from standstill in less than six seconds and the top speed is above 160mph.The Focus RS is the first to utilise the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited slip differential in conjunction with a RevoKnuckle front suspension link at the bottom of the strut, which effectively gives it a lower wishbone arrangement.This is the key to the newcomer's truly sensational responsiveness and handling as I found out on mountain roads in the south of France this week.Without going to the complexity, weight and expense of four-wheel-drive, the latest Focus RS shows exceptional stability over any surface and it's matched by a finely tuned electric hydraulic power steering, some of the biggest brakes on any production car and surprisingly compliant springs and dampers aided by uprated anti-roll bars.They are set up with a firm bias but they are not jarringly hard and only really allow low speed bumps to be felt. But once on the move the car's composure is absolute.Inside there are unique slim, enveloping colour-coded Recaro seats, aluminium and carbon effect detailing and the RS boasts a unique body with different front, rear and side panels designed to accommodate the wider wheels and tyres on the 40mm stretched track. It is topped off with the signature RS double wing over the back window.With a bigger footprint on the ground, the Focus RS is going to have greater poise and it's not lost its agility but feels even sharper than the popular ST with a higher ratio rack.What sets it apart is the additional low speed grunt and through the gears acceleration. The 2.5 engine has a bigger turbo, modified profile camshafts, new pistons, inlet and exhaust systems and revised six-speed box. It produces a flat power line from 2,300-4,500rpm producing 440Nm of torque and punches out 300bhp maximum power at 6,500rpm.Even driving it badly, floor the throttle and it immediately sends out a deep exhaust roar and you hang on while it bites into the tarmac and shoots away. The reworked steering is sharper without suffering vibrations and the brakes only need modest effort to bring about huge stopping ability with complete control.If you want to drive in a more relaxed manner, the Focus RS will do that as well. You can happily sit back and let the car gobble up the miles of a long motorway journey.The Ford Focus RS will be sold in its halo colour of ultimate green, while frozen white and performance blue can be ordered, and it comes with option packs for dual zone air conditioning, auto lights and wipers, parking sensors, tyre deflation warning and key-less ignition, as well as touchscreen navigation, hands-free phone and leather trim. Ford Focus RS MILESTONESPrice: £24,995Powertrain: 300bhp, 440Nm, five-cylinder, 2.5-litre, turbocharged petrol, 6-speed, front wheel drivePerformance: 160mph, 0-62mph: 5.9sec, 30.5mpg, CO2 225gkm, VED Band F £210 (£215 from April)Dimensions: L 4402mm; W 1842mm; H1497mm, kerb weight 1467kg, boot space 385-litresInsurance group: 19AFor: Performance, sharp handling, amazing gripAgainst: Only a three-door bodystyle, high emissions, red-rag to a bull even in ultimate green
