New Ford Focus RS Priced From £24,995

Ford's latest Essex hot hatch, the second-generation Focus RS, has just been officially priced.  £24,995 is the price that will get your tush into the seat of this new pocket rocket.

The specifications offer an extremely tempting amount of performance for the money.  The RS features a Volvo-derived 2.5L "Duratec" 20-valve inline 5 cylinder engine with turbocharging and intercooling.  It is an upgraded version of the Focus ST's engine, using new camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket, as well as changes to the intake system and a freer-flowing exhaust manifold.  Obviously, the boost levels are increased, and the official output of the RS is a stunning 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.

This power is routed to the unlucky tarmac through a 6-speed manual transmission, a Quaife ATB limited-slip diff, and out through the front wheels.  Ford claims their innovative "RevoKnuckle" suspension geometry system will keep the massive torque steer to a minimum.

Performance claims are a 0-100km/h (62.5mph) sprint of 5.9 seconds, and a top speed north of 160 miles an hour.  Pretty heady stuff - a 160 mph hatchback?

Other niceties include Recaro seats, Xenon HID's, available satnav and parking sensors, and a lot of other fluff you don't really need on an RS.

Meanwhile, Americans will continue to get this turd of a Focus:

Thanks a lot, Ford.  For you lucky Europeans unaware of this awful travesty, that's a first-generation Focus.  That's been facelifted.  Twice.  But hey, it's got SYNC.  And lighted cupholders!  Wonderful!