The World's Best Hot Hatch: An Unbiased Love Letter to the MK3 Focus RS
If you've browsed this website at all, you've undoubtedly been graced by the presence of my Focus RS... well, photos of my two Focus RSs, to be precise. Both the Nitrous Blue 2017 model gracing the homepage and the Shadow Black 2016 model lurking on the Car Guide and Services page are (or were, sniff) members of my automotive family. And before you ask, yes, before I owned those two I had a 2016 Focus ST in the ONLY acceptable color, Tangerine Scream. So, as you can see, I'm clearly a beacon of impartiality when it comes to these cars.
Now that you trust my unbiasedness (and clearly impeccable taste), you can read the headline again and know that it is an absolute, unimpeachable fact: the MK3 Focus RS is, without a doubt, the greatest hot hatch ever put into production. Ask around. Everyone agrees. It's settled law. There are numerous reasons why the world has reached this consensus, any one of which would be enough to crown the Focus RS king. But Ford, in their infinite wisdom, decided to stack these achievements like a glorious, tire-shredding Jenga tower until the RS's supremacy was undeniable.
Before you start shouting about the Golf R and its fancy-pants DSG, or the GR Corolla and its rally-bred all-wheel-drive, or even the recently departed Veloster N and its funky three-door setup, let's just address the elephant in the room: they're not the Focus RS. Sure, they might be competent, they might even be quick, but they lack the raw, untamed, unapologetically bonkers spirit of the RS. They're hot hatches, yes, but they're hot hatches that probably follow all the rules and color inside the lines. The Focus RS is in a league of its own, a league built on a foundation of glorious excess and a blatant disregard for common sense. It is the best, and we will not be taking questions on the matter.
Let's break it down into the categories that truly matter: Looks, Drivetrain, Design, Engagement, Colors, Features, and of course, How Fucking Gorgeous It Is.
1. Looks: A Masterclass in Aggressive Elegance (Especially in Nitrous Blue)
The Focus RS doesn't just look good, it looks purposeful. It's a visual assault on the senses, a symphony of scoops, vents, and spoilers that scream, "I'm here to party, and by party, I mean devour apexes." The standard Focus is a decent enough looking car, but the RS takes it to a whole other level, like a street fighter that cleans up nice and can show up to a black tie gala event ready to impress. The rear wing is perfectly proportioned, a statement piece that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The front fascia is all gaping maw and hungry for tarmac. The whole package is aggressive, yet somehow refined. And let's not forget the colors. While other shades exist (for the visually impaired, apparently), Nitrous Blue is the only color that truly captures the RS's soul. It's the color of speed, the color of victory, the color of Valhalla. If you disagree, you're simply wrong. Also, while Shadow Black is a boring (wrong) color, the ability to fly under the radar with that color is a tactical advantage. The RS isn't just a car; it's a design icon. Every curve, every angle, every detail is perfect.
It's the kind of car that makes you want to stare at it for hours, preferably while it's parked in your garage, so you can also make sure nobody touches it. It's the kind of car that makes other hot hatches look like they were designed by committees of accountants. The Focus RS was designed by a team that clearly understood that form and function can, and should, coexist in perfect harmony. And if you disagree with that, well, maybe you should just buy a Prius. The Recaro seats that were designed specifically for this car are supportive and firm, yet comfortable even on longer drives. The seating position is nearly perfect, making the driver feel completely connected to the machine. Seriously, have you seen this car? In Nitrous Blue? It's breathtaking. It's a masterpiece. It's the automotive equivalent of a supermodel that can also bench press 400 pounds. It's the kind of car that makes you want to quit your job, sell your house, and just drive until you run out of road (or gas, which will happen sooner than you think).
2. Drivetrain: A Symphony of Controlled Explosions
The beating heart of the RS model is a marvel of modern automotive engineering: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that defies all expectations by unleashing a monstrous 350 horsepower and an equally impressive 350 lb-ft of torque. But the RS isn't simply about raw power—although those figures are undeniably exhilarating. It's about the delivery, the finesse, the way that power is harnessed and unleashed.
This is made possible by an ingenious all-wheel-drive system equipped with torque vectoring, capable of directing up to 70% of the engine's power to the rear wheels. In extreme scenarios, it can even channel 100% of that power to a single rear wheel, providing unparalleled traction and control. This translates to a driving experience where the RS claws its way out of corners with ferocious tenacity, gripping the road like a coked-up honey badger.
And then there's the sound. Oh, that glorious, intoxicating sound! It's a mechanical symphony of perfectly controlled explosions, a visceral roar that will send shivers down your spine and make your passengers question your sanity in the most delightful way. This isn't merely a drivetrain; it's an experience that transcends the mundane, a visceral encounter that borders on the religious.
Every time you press the accelerator, you're not just propelling the car forward; you're igniting a controlled explosion, a symphony of power and precision that resonates through your entire being. The RS doesn't just move you; it awakens something primal within you, a thirst for speed, a hunger for the road. It's a car that doesn't just get you from point A to point B; it transforms the journey itself into an unforgettable experience.
3. Engagement: This Isn't Just Driving, It's a Partnership
The Ford Focus RS isn't merely a vehicle you drive; it's a machine that demands your active participation and fosters a symbiotic relationship between driver and automobile. The steering feels almost telepathic, responding to your every input with laser-like precision. It's as if the car anticipates your intentions, translating your thoughts into actions with uncanny accuracy.
The six-speed manual gearbox, the sole option available and rightfully so, is a masterpiece of engineering. Its short, crisp throws and perfectly weighted clutch engage you in the driving experience, making each shift feel like a symphony of mechanical movement. It's a transmission that begs to be used, rewarding skilled drivers with a sense of mastery over the machine.
This car isn't simply a mode of transportation; it's a demanding teacher, a relentless taskmaster that pushes you to improve your driving skills. It rewards smooth inputs and punishes sloppy mistakes, forcing you to be constantly aware and engaged. It's a car that transforms you into a better driver, honing your reflexes and sharpening your senses.
The Focus RS isn't for the faint of heart or those who prefer a relaxed driving experience. It's a car that demands respect and rewards those who are willing to put in the effort to master it. It's a visceral, raw experience that makes you feel truly alive. The RS delivers an adrenaline rush that's hard to match, making every drive an unforgettable adventure.
4. Features: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't
The Ford Focus RS isn't simply a car; it's a meticulously crafted driving experience that seamlessly blends exhilarating performance with everyday comfort and convenience. Every element, from the snug Recaro seats that hug you during spirited cornering to the perfectly proportioned steering wheel that responds to your every input, is designed to elevate your connection to the road.
The advanced infotainment system offers a full suite of connectivity features, but let's face it, the true soundtrack to your drive is the intoxicating symphony of the engine and exhaust. The Focus RS's all-wheel-drive system and launch control aren't just performance features; they're transformative elements that empower you to harness the car's full potential.
But the Focus RS isn't just about raw power; it's about thoughtful details that enhance your daily drive. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel banish the chill of winter mornings, while customizable drive modes allow you to tailor the car's performance to your mood and the road conditions. Seamless Android Auto integration keeps you connected, and a premium sound system delivers crisp, clear audio without overwhelming your senses. The Focus RS shatters the stereotype that performance cars must sacrifice comfort and convenience, proving that a true driver's car can cater to every aspect of your driving life.
Conclusion: The MK3 Focus RS - Bow Down, Peasants
We could have written this entire article about the virtues of the Toyota Corolla, or the Honda Civic Si or even the Golf R. We could have talked about practicality, fuel efficiency, and resale value until we were blue in the face (but not Nitrous Blue, because nothing compares to that). But we didn't. Why? Because the MK3 Focus RS isn't about being sensible. It's about being awesome. It's about driving a car that makes you feel like a superhero, even if you're just going to the grocery store to get more Hot Pockets.
The MK3 Focus RS isn't just a hot hatch; it's a legend, a cult classic, a rolling middle finger to automotive mediocrity. It's a testament to what's possible when a team of engineers, fueled by caffeine and a blatant disregard for the rules, is given the green light to create something truly special.
This car is a barely contained explosion on wheels. It's a four-wheeled fuck-you to automotive boredom. It's a goddamn masterpiece, and if you don't agree, well, you're probably just jealous. It's a car that will make you laugh like a maniac, cry tears of joy (and maybe a few of frustration when the head gasket inevitably goes), and question every other car you've ever driven.
And if you're lucky enough to own one, especially in Nitrous Blue, cherish it. Seriously, guard it with your life. Park it in a climate-controlled bubble. Never let anyone else drive it, unless they can prove they've signed a waiver in their own blood promising to treat it with the respect it deserves. Because they truly don't make them like this anymore. This is a special vehicle that deserves to be preserved for future generations to marvel at.
Clutsh's Final, Final Word (We Mean It This Time):
I know what you're thinking: "Hold on a minute, doesn't this guy also own a 2021 WRX STI?" Guilty as charged. The STI is a direct competitor to the RS, in theory, but let's be real here. Driving these two cars back-to-back is like comparing a very good steak (the STI) to a life-altering, mind-blowing, Michelin-star-worthy wagyu experience (the RS). Sure, I love my STI, it is a great car and I have enjoyed my time with it, but it doesn't elicit the same visceral, borderline-religious experience as the RS. I'd sell the STI tomorrow without shedding a tear. The RS, on the other hand? That's a different story. Part of the reason I still have the STI is to keep the mileage down on my precious RS. I save the RS for special occasions, for those drives where I want to feel truly connected to the road, where I want a car that demands and rewards my full attention, those moments where I want to remind myself why I love driving. Those moments, my friends, are what the Focus RS is all about. As for anyone who thinks the STI is somehow superior, I have three words for you: drive them both. Then we'll talk.
If you're even thinking about buying a Focus RS, we salute you. You're clearly a person of discerning taste, refined sensibilities, and a healthy disregard for practicality. And we're here to help, even though, let's be honest, you probably don't need our help because you already know how amazing this car is. But, if you want to make sure your future RS hasn't been thrashed within an inch of its life by some over-enthusiastic previous owner (and let's be honest, it probably has), then hit us up. We can help you find the perfect RS, negotiate a price that won't make your accountant weep (too much), and ensure you don't pay a penny more than you have to for this rolling masterpiece.
Go forth and find your Nitrous Blue unicorn. You deserve it. And if you see me on the road in mine, don't even think about racing. You'll lose. Unless you are also in a MK3 Focus RS, in which case we should be friends.
