The original Focus RS revived Ford’s most serious performance badge and turned the acclaimed Focus chassis into a raw, limited-production front-wheel-drive special.
1. Every car was Imperial Blue
Ford offered the Mk1 RS in one colour only, linking the road car visually with its contemporary World Rally programme.
2. Only 4,501 were produced
The Focus RS was built from 2002 to 2003 in a tightly limited run, making it far rarer than later Focus RS generations.
3. It stayed front-wheel drive
Despite its rally inspiration, it did not use four-wheel drive. Ford instead concentrated on controlling 212 PS through the front wheels.
4. A Quaife differential was central to the car
The automatic torque-biasing differential helped the car deploy power but also contributed to the lively steering behaviour for which it became famous.
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5. The engine was based on the regular Zetec
Its turbocharged two-litre Duratec RS engine grew from Ford’s Zetec family but received forged components, a Garrett turbo and extensive cooling changes.
6. Brembo and OZ supplied major hardware
Four-piston Brembo front brakes and 18-inch OZ Racing wheels made the showroom car look and feel unusually close to competition machinery.
7. It was assembled in Saarlouis
Production required many specialist components and additional hand-finishing at Ford’s German plant.
8. The clutch came from AP Racing
Competition suppliers appeared throughout the specification, including an uprated AP Racing clutch designed for the turbocharged engine’s torque.
9. It divided road testers
Some praised the feedback and aggression while others criticised torque steer and a demanding limit. That controversy is now part of its appeal.
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10. It restarted a famous bloodline
Ford had not offered a European RS road car since the Escort Cosworth ended in 1996. The Focus RS successfully reopened the story.
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Sources
For more about this car, read our Ford Focus RS Mk1 guide.
