New Focus RS Hot Hatch Locked In For February 3 Unveiling

Ford has revealed that its all-new Focus RS hot hatch will make its global debut on February 3.

The news comes after the long-anticipated news in December that Ford would at last introduce a new RS model, confirming rumours that had been circulating since the current Focus range first appeared in 2010.

Today’s announcement is accompanied by a first teaser video, which reveals the RS in prototype form, sliding its way around roads and courses in Europe and the US.

The carmaker remains tight-lipped on technical details, of course, although reports suggest the new RS will be driven by Ford’s 2.3 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine - the same unit available with the new Mustang.

But, while the engine’s already confirmed 233kW output would be compelling enough, Ford is believed to have set its heart on challenging the big-power AMG A 45 (265kW in its current form) and the new Audi RS 3 (270kW).