The 2017 Focus RS has the goods to do it: a bonkers engine, all-wheel drive and sports-car-beating grip. If you want the ultimate hot hatch, the 2017 Focus RS could very well be it.
The Focus RS is an ultra-high-performance version of the standard Focus hatchback. At first glance, it looks similar to the already hopped-up Ford Focus ST, a car with 252 horsepower and solid hot-hatch credentials of its own. But the Focus RS hits the afterburners with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that sends 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels, the RS comes standard with a six-speed manual and a unique torque-vectoring system. Michelin Pilot Super Sports wrap nineteen-inch wheels; we recorded a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds in our testing. Developed with input from Ken Block, we judge the RS to be better than the Subaru WRX, WRX STI, and VW Golf R.
EPA-estimated fuel economy wasn't available at publishing time, but last year's Focus RS posted a rating of 22 mpg in combined driving (19 city/25 highway).