Which Ford Focus was the fastest?
The fastest Ford Focus ever produced for road use is the Mk3 Focus RS (2016–2018), with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivering about 350 horsepower and all-wheel drive, allowing a 0–60 mph sprint in roughly 4.5 seconds and a top speed around 165 mph. A limited-edition Focus RS500 also exists in the record book, offering a similar horsepower boost and delivering faster times in some tests, though it remains extremely rare.
To understand why, it helps to look at how speed is measured across generations and editions. Ford’s high-performance Focus variants combine turbocharged power with all-wheel drive, upgraded suspensions, and tuning that targets quick acceleration and strong grip. The result is a clear hierarchy: early hot-hatch versions were quick for their time, but the modern RS models push the envelope with modern turbo tech and traction systems. The following section highlights the fastest Focus models through the years and how they stack up in real-world testing.
Fastest Ford Focus models
Below is a concise comparison of the main road-legal Focus variants most noted for speed, from early generations to limited editions. The values are typical figures reported by manufacturers and/or independent tests and can vary by car, weather, and measurement method.
Focus RS Mk3 (2016–2018) — 2.3L EcoBoost, about 350 PS, all-wheel drive; 0–60 mph approximately 4.5 seconds; top speed around 165 mph.
Focus RS500 (limited edition, around 2016–2017) — tuned to roughly 350 PS with limited production (about 500 units in total); AWD; 0–60 mph commonly cited around 4.0–4.3 seconds depending on test; top speed around 165 mph.
Focus RS Mk2 (2009–2011) — around 305 PS from a 2.5L turbo I-5; AWD; 0–60 mph typically in the high 5-second range (roughly 5.5–5.9 seconds), with top speed around 140–150 mph.
Focus RS Mk1 (1999–2002) — about 212 PS from a 2.0L turbo; AWD; 0–60 mph in the mid-to-high 6 seconds range; top speed around 140 mph.
In summary, the modern-era fastest Focus in production form is the Mk3 Focus RS, with the rare RS500 edition offering even more aggressive test times for a limited audience. The earlier Mk2 and Mk1 RS models were impressive for their eras but do not reach the peak acceleration figures of the Mk3 and RS500.
What makes the Focus RS so fast
The quickest Focus models leverage a combination of high-torque turbo engines, sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems, and chassis tuning fine-tuned for traction and acceleration. In the RS500, Ford paired extra power with limited production, creating a more intense acceleration profile in favorable conditions. Real-world performance can vary based on launch technique, surface grip, and weather.
Summary
For contemporary road-going Focuses, the fastest is the Ford Focus RS Mk3, delivering 350 hp with all-wheel drive and times around 4.5 seconds to 60 mph. The ultra-rare RS500 edition can edge into even quicker test results, but its availability is limited. Across generations, Ford’s performance strategy with the Focus has consistently prioritized grip and power delivery to produce the quickest accelerating Focus hatchbacks in history.
