Production has begun for Ford's long-anticipated, 350bhp Focus RS hot hatch, and the first all new Focus RS has rolled off the line in Saarlouis, Germany.

The Focus RS is one of 12 performance vehicles Ford will bring to customers globally through 2020. Developed by a team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the U.S.A, the Focus RS is powered by a specially engineered version of Ford's new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. Its 4.7-second 0-100km/h sprint makes the high-performance hatchback the fastest-accelerating Ford RS model ever.

The Focus RS also pioneers innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for a new level of handling, grip and cornering speed. For the first time, the RS model gets selectable drive modes - including industry-first drift mode that allows controlled oversteer drifts - and launch control.

Here's hoping that the new Ford Focus RS will eventually make its way to our shores.