Dream Cars - Ford Focus RS

Part 2 in our series on dream cars is looking at the Ford Focus RS. Ford is one of the most established names within the car manufacturers industry across the whole world. In fact back in the 1980's and 1990's Ford dominated the affordable performance car industry with models such as the Escort RS turbo and the Sierra Cosworth.

Over the past decade the Ford motor company has been out classed and out muscled by other companies such as Honda and VW but Ford have hit back in style with the release of the Ford Focus RS. The Ford Focus RS was first brought to the attention of the public in 2000 as a concept car but has since made the jump from concept to reality with cars going on sale in 2002. Three years down the line these cars still boast a very high spec and with limited numbers produced Ford has managed to secure the prestige associated with all limited edition RS series.

Now I know what you're thinking, a ford focus is a family car not a performance machine. Ford have tried to overcome these preconceptions with aggressive body styling and a performance to match, in my opinion they have succeeded.

The ford focus comes in only one colour, blue and the specifications that come as standard are impressive with alloy wheels, full electrics and full leather interior.

The performance of the car is not to be overlooked either with a 2.0 litre turbo charged engine bringing the performance of the machine up to date and out classing many of its rivals. The turbo charged engine produces 215 bhp and gives the car a 0-60 mph of 6.4 seconds with 0-100 mph measured at an impressive 9.8 seconds. With a top speed of 144 mph this Ford Focus seems to be worthy of the RS badge that it wears with pride.

The only thing that would really hold back the majority of performance car fans would probably be the price. With a price tag of £19,999 it isn't cheap and the fact that these cars are relatively new means that you won't find a good example on the second hand car market for much less than £16,000. Add this to the cost of your performance car insurance and you may be inclined to look at what else is available in this price bracket. The fact is that a decent Subaru Impreza WRX would only set you back a couple of grand more brand new, does the focus still look so appealing.

The deciding factor would probably have something to do with the badge that the Focus wears. With years of history the fact that Ford has brought the RS series into the 21st century says it all. The aggressive look of the Focus RS and the fact that you will be buying a prestige limited edition car with a bit of history tips the balance for me. With car insurance costs being relatively low for this car despite its specification (expect to pay at the age of 26 between £800 - £1500 fully comprehensive). I think ford have come up with a real contender for the crowded hot hatch market with the Focus RS. With the prospect of a Ford Focus Cosworth on the horizon the sky seems to be the limit for Ford.