Europe’s stricter emission regulations that will kick in next year are allegedly the final nail in the new Ford Focus RS’ coffin. The mega hatch was supposed to arrive after 2022, but recent voices claim otherwise.
Quoting company officials, French publication Caradisiac reports that the automaker has decided to not offer an RS version of the fourth-gen Focus. Not even electrification apparently could save it, as there were rumors about a possible hybrid powertrain with an electric rear axle making at least 400 HP.
Review: 2020 Ford Focus ST Is Very Competent, But Does It Justify Its Price Tag?
Apart from the stricter emission regulations, a new Focus RS was also deemed too expensive to develop; Ford has been on a cost-cutting rampage recently, particularly in its European arm, which would be responsible for the mega-hatch.
We also contacted Ford and will tell you what they said in a future update. Meanwhile, those looking at a four-wheel-drive mega hatch will have to choose between the 400+ HP Mercedes-AMG A45/A45 S and the upcoming Audi RS3. Lowering the bar will get you the 300+ HP AMG A35, Audi S3 or BMW M135i, as well as the new Volkswagen Golf R that’s in development.
If a hot Focus is a must, then you will have to settle for the front-wheel-drive Focus ST. The car is offered with a choice of two powertrains, including a 190 PS (187 HP / 140 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque 2.0-liter diesel. The petrol variant employs the 2.3-liter turbo-four, rated at 280 PS (276 HP / 206 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft).
