Ford Focus RS performance hatchback coming to Canada

2016 Ford Focus RS is coming to Canada (Photo: Ford)

Ford revealed its new third-generation 2016 Focus RS hatchback on February 3 and when it goes on sale late this year, the car will be the first RS ever to be made available in Canada.

The German-built Focus RS is one of a dozen new global performance vehicles – cars to be sold around the world with only minor tweaks between versions sold in different markets – that the automaker will launch between now and 2020, Ford says.

The Focus RS boasts a 315-horsepower 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, the most powerful engine fitted to a Focus, and will come with all-wheel-drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control to dramatically improve handling.

It also features a six-speed manual transmission; optional track-only Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires developed by Michelin especially for the Focus; and aerodynamic aids to help reduce lift and improve stability.

Ford says it worked with professional rally driver and ‘Gymkhana’ star Ken Block on the development of the new Focus RS, and made changes to the car based on his feedback.

The 2016 Ford Focus RS will begin production later this year and hit global markets shortly thereafter. Pricing details have not yet been made available, but the MSRP should be somewhere north of the Focus ST’s $27,499 price tag.