New Focus RS to feature all-wheel drive for the first time

Ford has officially unveiled the third generation of the Focus RS in Cologne, Germany - the very place where the RS badge was first introduced 48 years ago. Just last month, the hot hatch made a brief appearance on a teaser video, albeit under camouflage, at one of Ford's testing circuits.

Developed by the Ford Performance team with help from professional Rally Driver and Star of Gymkhana films Ken Block, the Focus RS features groundbreaking new All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Dynamic Torque Vectoring to help the hot hatch achieve better cornering speed and limit handling.

Powering the performance hatchback is a 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder engine that pushes out more than 320bhp, giving the hot hatch a century sprint timing of under five seconds. This will make the Focus RS a proper fighter to the Volkswagen Golf R and Subaru WRX STI.

On the outside, the Focus RS will feature necessary bits to make it a through-and-through hot hatch, such as an aero kit complete with a roof wing. Expectedly, there will be a pair Recaro sports seats for the lucky driver and his front passenger.

Production of the Focus RS will start late this year at Ford's manufacturing plant in Saarlouis, Germany.