The engine in the RS trim of the 2017 Ford Focus recently earned recognition as one of WardsAuto's 10 Best engines. Fresh on the heels of that accolade comes another for the Focus RS, as AutoGuide.com named the hot hatchback the winner of its 2017 Car of the Year award.
The @Ford Focus RS Wins https://t.co/6dQBo9AR19 2017 Car of the Year Award. Congrats, Ford!! https://t.co/P7EhBNGs3g #AGCOTY #Ford pic.twitter.com/BwSq1TiYjy
— AutoGuide.com (@AutoGuide) December 13, 2016
The Focus RS had some intense competition to contend with over the five days of intense back-to-back testing in Southern California. “Ford Focus RS is one of those rare cars that gets massive hype, then still delivered beyond our wildest expectations,” said Jonathan Yarkony, group editorial director for AutoGuide. “Not only is it a great deal on paper as a practical, all-wheel-drive hatchback, but it leaps right to the top of the hot-hatch segment with 350 horsepower, an enthusiast’s-choice manual transmission and, best of all, its engaging character.”
“It’s an honor to earn the Car of the Year award from AutoGuide.com,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Performance. “The success of Focus RS throughout 2016 is testament to the entire Ford team who put all of their energy into creating such a special car that captures the hearts of driving enthusiasts everywhere.”