Ford Focus RS Performance Revealed: 0-62mph: 4.7 Seconds, 165mph

In a new video, the 345-horsepower Focus RS sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

Ford’s rally wannabe Focus RS will cost a shade under $47,000 when it goes on sale across Canada in Spring 2016, with a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder making a “projected” 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. During hard launches, an overboost button kicks up torque to 347 lb-ft of tire breaking torque for up to fifteen seconds.

By the time you’re done reading this sentence, the all-new Ford Focus RS is already at 60 miles per hour. Once selected, all the driver has to do is engage first gear, apply full throttle and then release the clutch.

Oh, and let’s not forget the Focus RS comes with a drift mode that allows the driver to exploit the AWD in order to pull sideways shenanigans. Only the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 (at 4.2sec and 4.3sec respectively) can better it in the hot hatch class, and as Ford has today confirmed, the Focus RS will be considerably cheaper than both of these. The system has been created to control the vehicle’s all-wheel drive, suspension and traction systems for a quick and stable launch. This, along with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, means that the RS will be able to be driven quickly regardless of the conditions.

Moreover, drivers can select the new Launch control mode from the gauge panel on the main dashboard. Output is significantly higher than the 310 ponies produced by the same engine in the Mustang, thanks to a larger twin-scroll turbo and high-flow exhaust.

Ford’s Focus RS becoming less of a hot hatch and more of a sports car-baiting machine. This includes developing innovations and technologies in aerodynamics, light-weighting, electronics, powertrain performance and fuel efficiency that can be applied more broadly to Ford’s product portfolio. Prices start from £28,940.