Tweaked Ford Focus RS coming to NZ

A Mountune-tuned version of Ford's Focus RS, the MP350, is on its way to NZ.

Ford will be importing the much-vaunted Focus RS to New Zealand - but in super limited numbers.

Only ten of the Mountune Performance-tweaked MP350s will be available to buy here.

Belting out an impressive 257kW and 460Nm, the kitted-up RS will be the premier Focus model on sale in New Zealand, followed by the XR5 turbo, which has already proven popular.

"The Focus RS is an iconic model and we're very excited to be getting them in New Zealand," said Ford marketing boss Chris Masterson.

"What's more, the addition of the Mountune performance upgrade makes an already thrilling car even more exciting and unique. The Focus RS MP350 offers performance on par with the special edition Focus RS500, which was recently released in Europe. All 500 sold out in 24 hours."

The Mountune Performance package that the ten RSs will be fitted with includes a larger alloy intercooler, bigger exhaust downpipe, an uprated fuel system and a far nastier programme for the 2.5 Duratec RS engine.

This will equate to a half-second advantage over the 'stock' RS model in the 0-100km/h sprint - it will hit the legal limit in just 5.4 seconds. It will also belt along to a top speed of 275km/h - no mean feat for any hatchback.

Mountune tested the package under some serious conditions, including the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife and Ford's Dunton Technical Centre.

On the outside, the RS is identified by swelled front and rear quarter panels to accommodate the wider track, and has triangular air vents behind the front arches. The bonnet features classic RS-style vents.

The front spoiler incorporates a yawning airdam with meshed out lower grille sitting below chromed xenon headlamps framed in black.

At the back, a deep new rear bumper incorporates a deep venturi tunnel with vents and each corners and business-like twin tailpipes. On top is a twin-element spoiler echoing the design of Ford rally cars both past and present.

The ten buyers - who will have to be quick, sources say it'll sell "like Metallica tickets" - won't need supercar-deep pockets, it will carry a sticker price of $79,990.

- NZ HERALD STAFF