2003 Ford Focus RS review from UK and Ireland

No faults.

I am so pleased with this car I don't know how to put it into words.

The engine is awesome. Power builds from next to no revs, with a mid range surge that just makes me laugh. Sounds lovely as well with a great exhaust burble. It used a bit of oil in the early days, but it's settled down now, and hasn't missed a beat.

Handling redefines what a front drive car can do. Understeer simply doesn't exist, and this will take the M1 to M25 East slip road (a tightening downhill right hander and my reference corner) a good 20 mph faster than my old Golf GTI Anniversary would even dare to attempt it, whilst offering more feel through the steering and seat than almost anything I've driven. The steering feel, gearbox and those big Brembo brakes back up the chassis and performance with all the feel, feedback and effect you could wish for. This is not just a quick Focus, but a sorted, engaging missile.

In fact in all respects, apart from interior quality, this car makes my old Golf look stupid beyond what I would expect from the tiny difference in list price. The best bit is it makes a lot of more expensive cars look stupid too. Not much will stay with the RS on most types of road. It will even stay with Impreza turbos in the dry.

Downsides? It's thirsty when thrashed (low 20's) and the diff does odd things sometimes when the road gets uneven, which can give odd tugs on the steering, but it's nothing you can't live with. Just knowing you're driving a small Ford family hatchback which can embarrass a ten-grand more BMW 330i on any road in any situation makes you smile.

And it looks gorgeous to boot.