The 2018 Ford Focus RS is a hatchback on steroids. Starting at $41,995 (which includes an $875 destination charge), the undisputed king of the Focus range combines the performance of a sports car with the utility and consumer comforts of a hatchback. Armed with a 350-horsepower engine under the hood, a six-speed manual transmission, and standard all-wheel drive, the Focus RS is shockingly quick, fun-to-drive option for enthusiasts who want the spiciest hatchback possible.
What's New for 2018
2018 marks the final year of production, and Ford is offering only 1,500 Focus RS hatches to North Americans. For 2018, the Ford Focus RS' new standard features include a navigation system, power front seats, a front limited-slip differential, and 19-inch wheels. The Focus RS comes standard with a bright Race Red exterior paint, but for 2018 is offering a brilliant Nitrous Blue color, a carryover from last year's model, for an additional $695.
Choosing Your Ford Focus RS
To be honest, there really isn’t much to consider when it comes to selecting a 2018 Ford Focus RS. Besides a $1,995 winter wheel package that swaps in Michelin Pilot Sport Alpin tires and 18-inch wheels and an optional power moonroof for $895, there are no additional packages for consumers to customize their RS from the factory.
The RS is powered by a turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that belts out an impressive 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to a standard all-wheel-drive system by way of a six-speed manual transmission. This powertrain returns an EPA-estimated 19 miles per gallon city, 26 mpg highway, for a combined 22 mpg. More important to Focus RS owners, though, will be its performance – a zero-to-60 time in the mid four-second range and an available Drift driving mode, for when sideways action is needed.
Some of the impressive standard features include LED lighting, carbon fiber interior accents, a pair of heated leather front seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a dual-zone climate control system, a rearview camera, and a Sony audio system with a voice-activated eight-inch touchscreen running Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. The standard navigation system includes a five-year, prepaid SiriusXM traffic and travel link subscription. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are included.
The 2018 Ford Focus RS also features a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, push-button start, a four-inch LCD display in the instrument cluster, two USB charging ports, 60/40-split rear seating, a rear spoiler, and a perimeter alarm system. Heated exterior mirrors are a nice option for future RS owners living in cold-weather climates.
The 2018 Ford Focus RS is arguably the leader in the competitive hot hatchback segment. With 2018 being the last year of production according to Ford, consumers looking for a peppy hatchback might want to test drive one sooner than later. While the Focus RS is standard in Race Red, the Nitrous Blue is very attractive and pairs well with the blue painted brake calipers.