Plenty of Blue Oval models have found themselves at the mercy of the Top Gear crew throughout its run. Take the Shelby GT500 and the 2005 Ford Mustang, which were tested on their own, while the Ford GT was pitted against a Zonda and a Ferrari to find out which one was the best all-around ride and the Ford Fiesta was thrown into a series of bizarre, movie-worthy circumstances to test its mettle. In another classic review, Top Gear got its hands on a second generation Ford Focus RS, which was never offered stateside, putting it wheel-to-wheel with a Renault Megane R26.R.
First aired on July 12th, 2009, the classic Top Gear episode highlights the Ford Focus RS, which was offered as an affordable but fun-to-drive coupe with an insane top speed for its size. Jeremy Clarkson comments that it’s especially incredible considering that the front-wheel-drive (FWD) model’s steering wheels could also handle over 300 horsepower. Torque steer was an issue with this vehicle, and Ford attempted to fix it when a unique front differential that only somewhat remedied the issue.
Even so, it has incredible grip while cornering. It’s an amazing car with plenty of cargo storage and comfortable seats. “When it comes to offering the maximum amount of fun with the most amount of practicality for the least amount of money, I can’t think of anything that even gets close,” Clarkson says.
Enter Richard Hammond and the Renault Megane R26.R. The little FWD coupe is much lighter than the Ford Focus RS, but it also has fewer horsepower. After wrangling the Megane’s four-point harness, Hammond is finally able to challenge Clarkson to a race. While the Megane is quick because it’s light, the Ford Focus RS excels in the sheer power department. They agree to trade rides for another go, and produce the same results – at least, until the crew reins them in to avoid a costly wreck between the two overpowered grocery getters.
All in all, the Ford Focus RS was a fun, powerful machine, one that made track-capable performance approachable for buyers on a budget.
Two recalls were issued in response to the problem.
It's been kind of a "meh" vehicle for them.
Ford has already partnered with some big companies in its recent past.
Featuring a host of off-road-ready upgrades, too.
Potentially announcing new models.
