Ford Focus RS Mk 1 (2002-04)
Overview: The **Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002-04)** was a landmark model for Ford, marking the return of the **RS badge** after a five-year hiatus and reinforcing Ford’s commitment to **high-performance hot hatches**.
**Key Significance**
- **Rally-Inspired Engineering:** The Focus RS Mk1 was heavily influenced by Ford’s **World Rally Championship (WRC) program**, featuring a **turbocharged 2.0L Duratec engine** producing **212bhp**: review, history, prices and specs | evo](https://www.evo.co.uk/ford/17259/ford-focus-rs-mk1-2002-2003-a-rally-inspired-hot-hatch-icon).
- **Aggressive Styling & Performance:** With **flared wheel arches, a lowered stance, and a Quaife limited-slip differential**, it delivered **sharp handling and strong acceleration**.
- **Limited Production:** Only **4,501 units** were built, making it a **rare and desirable collector’s car**.
- **Competitive Edge:** It helped Ford **compete with rivals like the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo**, despite being **front-wheel drive**.
- **Cult Classic Status:** The Mk1 RS remains a **modern classic**, appreciated for its **raw driving experience and rally heritage**: review, history, prices and specs | evo](https://www.evo.co.uk/ford/17259/ford-focus-rs-mk1-2002-2003-a-rally-inspired-hot-hatch-icon).
Would you like to explore its motorsport history or collector appeal? You can also check out **[this review](https://www.evo.co.uk/ford/17259/ford-focus-rs-mk1-2002-2003-a-rally-inspired-hot-hatch-icon)** for more insights!
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Production Total: 4,501
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New Price: The Ford Focus RS Mk 1 was launched in 2002 with a price tag of £19,995 in the UK. It was a rally-inspired hot hatch with impressive performance, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 212 bhp.
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Rivals: In 2002, the Ford Focus RS Mk 1 faced competition from several hot hatches and performance cars. Here are approximate prices for some of its main rivals in the UK:
Volkswagen Golf GTI: Around £18,000–£20,000.
Honda Civic Type R (EP3): Approximately £16,000–£17,000.
Peugeot 306 GTi-6: Around £15,000–£16,000.
Subaru Impreza WRX: Starting at £20,000–£22,000.
These cars offered a range of performance and features, making the early 2000s an exciting time for enthusiasts.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are 331 Ford Focus RS Mk 1 cars licensed for road use in the UK, with an additional 1,288 registered as "Statutory Off Road Notification" (SORN). This brings the total to 1,619 known vehicles remaining.
The Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002-2004) had a few common faults that owners often reported:
1. **Differential Issues**: The Quaife limited-slip differential could sometimes cause torque steer and handling issues.
2. **Gearbox Problems**: Some owners experienced issues with the gearbox, particularly with the synchros.
3. **Rust**: Like many cars of its era, the Mk1 Focus RS was prone to rust, especially around the wheel arches and sills.
4. **Electrical Problems**: Issues with the instrument cluster and other electrical components were not uncommon.
5. **Suspension Wear**: The suspension components, particularly the bushings, could wear out relatively quickly.
Despite these faults, the Focus RS Mk1 remains a beloved hot hatch for many enthusiasts.
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Generations
The Ford Focus RS has gone through **three generations** since its introduction in 2002. Each generation brought various updates and enhancements, making it a popular choice among performance car enthusiasts.
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Trim Levels
The Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002-2004) was available in a single trim level, which was the **RS** trim. This trim was specifically designed to offer a high-performance driving experience, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and various performance enhancements.
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Engine
The Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002-2004) was fitted with a **2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine**. This engine produced **215 bhp** (160 kW) at 5,500 rpm and **229 lb-ft** (310 Nm) of torque at 3,500 rpm. It was paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
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Performance
The Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002-2004) offered impressive performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:
- **0-60 mph (0-97 km/h)**: Approximately 5.9 seconds.
- **Top Speed**: Around 143 mph (230 km/h).
- **Power Output**: 212 bhp (158 kW) at 5,500 rpm.
- **Torque**: 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) at 3,500 rpm.
These figures made the Focus RS Mk1 a highly sought-after hot hatch, known for its thrilling driving experience and rally-inspired design.
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Spares
You can find spares for the Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002-2004) from several sources in the UK and Ireland:
1. **[BuyCarParts](https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/ford/focus-daw-dbw/17012)**: They offer a wide range of parts for the Mk1 Focus RS.
2. **[Pumaspeed](https://pumaspeed.co.uk/car-Focus-RS-Mk1-2003_3_22.jsp)**: Specializes in performance tuning and spares for the Focus RS.
3. **[AutoDoc](https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares/ford/focus/focus-daw-dbw/17012-rs)**: Another reliable source for spares and accessories.
4. **[Ford Online Shop UK](https://shop.ford.co.uk/pages/focus-rs-parts)**: Offers genuine Ford parts for the Focus RS.
5. **[PartsGateway](https://www.partsgateway.co.uk/ford-parts/focus+mk1)**: Connects you with multiple Ford breakers to find the parts you need.
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Specialists
Yes, there are several garage services in Northern Ireland that can service a Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002-2004). Here are a few options:
1. **[TrustFord Lisburn Ford Store & Van Centre](2)**: Located in Lisburn, they offer vehicle servicing and have a good reputation with a rating of 4.6.
2. **[Desmond Motors FordStore & Transit Centre](3)**: Based in Londonderry, they provide comprehensive services for Ford vehicles and have a rating of 4.2.
3. **[TrustFord Coleraine Car & Transit Centre](4)**: Situated in Coleraine, they offer vehicle servicing and have a rating of 4.6.
4. **[Ballylisk Car Sales - Craigavon](5)**: Located between Portadown and Tandragee in County Armagh, they are known for their quality service and have a rating of 4.8.
These garages should be able to help you with servicing and maintaining your Ford Focus RS Mk1.
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Racing
The Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002-2004) did have a connection to racing, particularly rallying. While the road-going version was not directly used in professional racing, it was heavily inspired by Ford's participation in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during that time¹². The Mk1 Focus RS featured many design elements and engineering improvements derived from the rally cars, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who appreciated its rally heritage.
The Ford Focus RS Mk1 (2002-2004) has a rich rally heritage, heavily inspired by Ford's participation in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during that era. Here are some key points about its rally heritage:
1. **Rally-Inspired Design**: The Mk1 Focus RS featured many design elements and engineering improvements derived from Ford's rally cars. This included a more aggressive front and rear bumper design to produce downforce and enhance grip.
2. **Performance Enhancements**: The car was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 212 bhp, a Quaife limited-slip differential, and sport-tuned suspension, all of which were influenced by rally technology⁵.
3. **Rally Success**: The Focus RS Mk1's development was closely linked to the success of the Ford Focus WRC car, which dominated the international rally scene in the early 2000s.
4. **RS Badge**: The "RS" stands for "Rallye Sport," a badge that has been used on some of Ford's most famous and loved motor vehicles since the late 1960s.
These elements made the Focus RS Mk1 a highly sought-after hot hatch, known for its thrilling driving experience and rally-inspired design.
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