Ford takes 1500 orders for new RS 15 | 10 | 2015

FORD HAS ALREADY taken 1500 orders from UK buyers — including a number from Scotland — for the new Ford Focus RS: and that's without even a test drive being taken. First deliveries are expected to be made to customers next Spring.

Significantly, one-third of the orders were placed before prices and specifications were announced at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Not  surprisingly, interest has accelerated even faster since the car’s base price of £28,940 was revealed.

Many of the first buyers of the 165mph car are being very specific in terms of how they are speccing the car, with motorsport-style Recaro shell front seats (£1145), 19in black forged alloy wheels (£595), Luxury pack (£1000), and electric tilt/side sunroof (£575) being top of the choices. Clearly that takes the average price close to £32,000.

“These enthusiasts are taking great care in building their optimum specification,” Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said.

“We expected those first in the queue, many of whom are owners of previous RS models, to be exacting about their requirements, and so it has proved, with many opting for motorsport-style Recaro shell front seats, 19in black forged alloy wheels, luxury pack, electric tilt/side sunroof and Ford SYNC2 navigation and sound system.”

Powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost engine, the 345bhp third-generation four-wheel-drive Focus RS will catapult from standstill to 62mph in just 4.7secs. And while maximum torque of 324lb/ft is delivered between 2000 and 4500rpm, there's an overboost function delivering up to 346lb/ft for up to 15 seconds.

Related: Roadtest — Ford Focus ST

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Jim McGill