Ford Focus RS MP350 coming to NZ

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Auto Trader NZ
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Published 3 September 2020

Ford NZ is officially importing 10 of the “ultimate hot hatch” for Kiwi buyers, and will be available from the end of August. All 10 will come with the Ford-approved Mountune Performance MP350 upgrade kit that boosts peak output to 257kW (350PS) and 460Nm of torque.

“The Focus RS is an iconic model and we’re very excited to be getting them in New Zealand,” said Chris Masterson, Ford New Zealand Marketing Manager. “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 for the Ford Focus RS consists of a larger tailored high-performance alloy intercooler, a new Mountune-designed high-flow airbox, high-flow exhaust downpipe, Mountune uprated fuel delivery module, and a revised engine calibration for the potent 2.5-litre Duratec RS engine.

The MP350 allows the Ford Focus RS to reach 0-100kmh in 5.4 seconds, a 0.5 second improvement over the standard RS, continuing on to a top speed of 275kmh.

The Focus RS MP350s can be reserved now through Ford dealers and have an RRP of $79,990. The vehicle is available in three colour schemes including the special Ultimate Green paint with inlaid metallic flake. Focus RS MP350 will also be available in the classic RS choice of Frozen White or Ford Performance Blue.

Front and rear quarter panels have been revised to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, along with deeper side rocker mouldings. Triangular, RS-badged vents sit behind the front wheel arches. Two classic-style bonnet louvres help maintain the correct temperatures for the systems underneath the bonnet.

The front bumper design for Focus RS incorporates a deep front airdam with a large, mesh lower grille in an extended trapezoid. Chromed xenon headlamps are framed by matt-black housings with additional vents running underneath.

At the rear, a deep new rear bumper incorporates a large venturi tunnel with small vents at each corner of the bumper, which houses two chromed exhaust tailpipes.

Inside, the Focus RS features sculpted partial block leather Recaro high-performance sports seats, accents matched to the exterior colour, and brushed aluminium highlights. The centre console is finished in a stylish gloss, carbon-look trim and metallic highlights abound, from air vents, door grab handles, switchgear and gearshift surround, to unique RS-branded scuff plates on the door sills.

The gear lever is finished with a six speed gear shift graphic in RS blue. There is a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel, finished with ‘Ford’ and ‘RS’ logos, and the foot pedals are aluminium. The performance driving environment is completed by three additional gauges from the Focus XR5, including turbo pressure, sitting atop the centre console.