5:15 am, June 29, 2012
FORD has categorically stated it won’t be producing an RS version of the current Focus model.
At the launch of the hot ST variant at Goodwood, product marketing manager for Ford of Britain, Steve Humbles, said: ‘I know they’ve been a lot of rumours about an RS, but I can state here and now that there won’t be an RS model.’
That news will come as a bitter blow to fast Ford fans, but critics will point to the fact Ford probably wants to shift a few ST models before an RS arrives anyway…
The new ST starts at just £21,995 and now features a four cylinder powerplant producing 250bhp.
Humbles explained that the ST will account for 10 per cent of Focus sales and added that some 37,000 Focuses had been sold in 2012, up to May.
The product planning manager also revealed the Focus range is set to benefit from two Econectic diesel models this year which will emit 88 and 99g/km of emissions – a stark contrast to the ST. That said, the new sporty derivative has 20 per cent improved economy over the last model – while still producing 10 per cent more power.
‘We expect to sell 4,000 a year,’ added Humbles. ‘It is the first ST that will be a global car, selling in 40 countries. The Americans have recently driven it and the press reports were very favourable.
‘Some 90 per cent are expected to be the five door with 10 per cent estate, but the estate has gone down very well with the press so we may revise that number.’
The ST arrives on July 2, but the official launch will be tied into the film, The Sweeney, in which the car takes a starring role, which is released alongside the new plate in September.
