For The Ford Focus RS looks great, sounds great, and is great to drive. The power delivery is outrageous and the handling is truly awe-inspiring.

Against Three-point-turns are a nightmare, because of the limited turning circle, and boy, does it like a drop of unleaded.

Ford Focus Hatchback

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

Stunning in almost every respect, the Focus RS is hot, but not too hot to handle. It's civilised and, at this price, it's a bargain too.

Reader review rating

3.61039
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Key facts

0–60mph
5.9 secs
Top speed
163 mph
Average mpg
30.5
Tank range
366 miles
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Features

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Size

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Focus range is so big that it really does provide everything from economical runabouts to fire-breathing hot hatches, via practical estates and sexy coupe-cabriolets. These three- and five-door hatchbacks are the core of the range, however. The sheer number of used Focuses out there means that resale values aren’t strong, but the flipside is that you can get a big discount on the list price.

Entry-level models are a little short on power and kit, so we’d recommend moving up to Zetec trim, because you then shouldn't have to add any optional extras.

Of the wide range of engines, the 1.6 TDCI diesel is our pick. It’s flexible and refined, yet provides incredible fuel economy and emits very little CO2. The dearer diesel and petrol models push the price uncomfortably high, while the hot ST model sounds great, but its five-cylinder engine is thirsty and it’s not as much fun as it should be.

Reader test team says:

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