We reported back in December last year, that Ford would be using a mild-hybrid system for the next Focus RS hot hatch, with a full four-wheel drive system. Car had understood that the fourth generation would use a 48-volt system to drive down the CO2 emissions.

However, this development no longer seems to be the case. A Ford spokesperson had said that the development of a new model is not cost effective. With no Focus RS coming, the most powerful Focus on sale is the current Focus ST at 276bhp.

“As a result of pan-European emissions standards, increased CO2 taxation and the high cost of developing an RS with some form of electrification for a relatively low volume of vehicles, we are not planning another RS version of the Focus. We remain committed to Ford Performance vehicles in Europe as part of our DNA, with cars like the multi-award-winning Focus ST and Fiesta ST, as well as our Mustang and Ranger Raptor models.”

Ford

The third generation Focus RS was introduced in 2014, then dropped from sale last year in the summer, followed by an anniversary edition.

Source: Autocar – Image: Ford UK