My FH5 Log: We appreciate your interest in the Focus

 “Unfortunately, Ford will no longer be building the Focus. But you can still contact your local dealer about availability and check out our other vehicles that might be perfect for you and your family.” This is what Ford said when production of the third-generation Focus, the last-ever Ford Focus sold in its home market, ended in 2018. When Ford said goodbye to the Focus after three generations, the world market forgot the memo and decided to have another go with the Focus, except this was overseas only.

This is what's known to be the Mk4 Ford Focus, the one Americans didn't get, and I won this car from Forza Horizon 5's High-Performance Dailies Wet Season Playlist. If we, the American people, still had the Ford Focus here, it would look like this.

The Mk4 Ford Focus runs on a C2 platform, which makes it roomier and stronger than the world-proven Mk3 model. It was launched in 2018 and is offered with a five-door hatchback, the Active, and the estate version. It received a minor change in 2021, and China received the 4-door sedan variant.

This variant featured in the game is the Ford Focus ST, the definitive hot-hatch driving experience. It's powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost engine producing 280PS of power and 420Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed AT that propels this hatchback to a 0-62mph time in 5.7 seconds. The ST Track Pack features KW coilover suspension with springs, Brembo 18" performance brakes, and Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires for track-level control.

The Ford Focus ST Edition is a limited-edition model that includes all of the features of the Focus ST but with some special touches. It has a special Azura Blue exterior paint with black contrast elements, Motion Blue interior stitching, Winter Pack, Driver Assistance Pack, and a B&O sound system. Only 300 of these cars were made and sold.

Let's see how the Ford Focus ST performs against the competition in one of the new sprint races. The results will leave you speechless.

Why are we so meek? We really wish the Ford Focus would remain in the native lineup but sadly, it's too late for that.

If Ford had retained the Focus in its native lineup, it would have become one of the most affordable high-performance daily driver's cars offered. Sadly, it's too late for that. The Mk3 Focus was the final Focus offered for Americans, and the Mk4 Focus turned out to be the true ending. With production ending next year, what's next? Here's your headline...

FORD FOCUS RETIRING. NOW WHAT?

We appreciate your interest in the Focus. Enjoy it while you can.

My GT7 Log: Stars and Us

The first-generation BMW M2 and the Ford Focus Mk3 RS are the coolest things to come out from the mid-2010s. No, I'm not referring to some orangutan who drove both of these cars from a certain streaming TV show. I'm thinking about the starry feeling about these two mid-2010s sports cars.

Both the M2 and the Focus RS are compact midsized sports car wonders that satisfy most drivers behind the wheel. The dynamics and character made these two special in every way but just how different between these two?

Beginning with the Ford Focus Mk3 RS, is known to be the last American hot hatch offered on American soil, although it was fully imported from Europe. It has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 320PS and it has the strongest braking system ever made for a Ford. Despite being 4WD, the Focus Mk3 RS features Drift Mode that allows this hatchback to drift like a rear-wheel-drive car.

When the first BMW M2 was launched, this successor to the 1M Coupe is powered by a 3.0L six-cylinder turbo engine that produces 370HP of power and 465Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed M DCT for the purpose of being quick on the line. The M2 featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the facelifted version, the M2 Competition. This version saw its engine power bumped to 405HP thanks to a new S55 engine sourced from its M4 big brother, capable of hitting a top speed of 280kph thanks to an optional package.

Having gotten to know these two, it's time to give these shining stars a one-lap drive toward memory lane at Brands Hatch. Man, it's just like I remembered. A long time ago in an upside-down country far far away, I put these two on a heated sprint race and found out that the less powerful Focus RS trumped the M2 by a narrow margin.

Now, here we are. Doing this stint again but this time, this is Gran Turismo 7. The M2 went through greater heights while the Focus RS remained the same. Still, what a reunion these two stars are, and looks like they're going to settle this again, this time at Brands Hatch. Roll the tape.

After the two have the time of their lives, here are the results;

BMW M2 Competiton '18 - 1m45.442s

Ford Focus RS '18 - 1m48.725s

It looks like the M2 is the winner of this...friendly rivalry between the two stars.

Rivals! Friends and foe alike, today and tomorrow! It's been an honor to drive these two machines once more even in a different game like Gran Turismo 7.

Sure, the Focus RS is already gone for good while the BMW M2's story continues in new and exciting ways, but these two are proven to be the most enjoyable machines not because of the performance and dynamics but because of the charm they possess. Something reminded us of a certain rivalry a long time ago. 

Sounds girly but it's all about dreaming and rolling. Get it? Dreaming and rolling, that's what these two cars are all about and I love them for it.

Keep your dreams rolling, no matter where you are!

My FH5 Log: Kingmakers

With the countdown to the upcoming FH5 Rally Adventure expansion in full swing, the Horizon Wilds Takeover series update features the dirtiest cars on the planet as well as Ken Block-themed challenges in honor of the late HHIC. The perfect time for a warm-up before the dirtiest rally gauntlet begins.

The Wet Season Playlist welcomes back two rally monsters that will come in handy when the Rally Adventure hits at the end of March. These are the Ford Focus RX from GYMKHANA 9 and the mythical #2 Audi Sport Quattro S1.

The 2016 Ford Focus RS RX #43 is specially modified for Ken Block's ninth Gymkhana outing; RAW INDUSTRIAL PLAYGROUND. With its turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing nearly twice the power as the normal 2.3L-powered road-going model, the 4WD rally monster is capable of burning all four wheels while unleashing hell in the industrial park. Apart from that, it features a Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox, a special exterior design that complies with FIA World Rallycross regulations, Cosworth engine management and data logging, and Reiger suspension, among others.

As the improved version of the Audi Sport Quattro rally car, the S1 complies with Group B regulations, and with that, they've built 20 units for homologation purposes. Powering the Quattro S1 is a 2.1L inline-5 engine that produces 470hp of power, making it the most powerful rally car ever built, while mated to a then-experimental version of the dual-clutch gearbox, making it the forebearer of the double-clutch gearbox. Notable drivers include Hannu Mikkola, Walter Rohrl, Michele Mouton, Bobby Unser, and Stig Blomqvist, who won the 1984 WRC title. Apart from the WRC, the car saw success in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb from 1985, and 1987 to 1989.

Let's give these rally monsters a quick exercise before getting them ready for the upcoming Rally Adventure very soon. The ideal time to flex their muscles before getting ready for the most grueling rally gauntlets. Roll up the tape.

Although messy, they've flexed enough to take on the most grueling rally gauntlets coming very soon. Looks like these two are ready for the Rally Adventure.

Enjoy your new rides!

Forza Horizon 4: Where It All Began

Gymkhana TEN has arrived and the last of the Gymkhana TEN car collection on Forza Horizon 4, the Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Focus RS RX, has arrived on the Forzathon shop for this week only so if you have the points for that car, now's the time to complete your Gymkhana TEN car collection and create your own Ultimate Tire-Slaying Tour across Britain.



So, the Ford Focus RS RX that Ken Block drove in the Gymkhana TEN video, what is it, then? Although this tire-slaying Focus dons its new wardrobe for the video, the mechanical specs remain the same as the last Focus RS RX Block drove in the previous installment. It's still the same Rallycross-spec Focus RS that made in partnership between Ford Performance, Hoonigan Racing Division, and M-Sport. It still has the same 600HP EcoBoost engine tuned for Rallycross duty, a 6-speed Sadev sequential gearbox, Reiger suspension, Brembo brakes, OZ rims, and FIA homologated tires.

In other words, there's nothing new about the Hoonigan-fied Focus RS even with the new outfit for the Gymkhana TEN video but even though the mechanical remains the same as the previous one, there are plenty of reasons to get hooked with this machine and because of its Hoonigan credentials, you can pull so much stunts on and off the road, something to rack up the influences. While not racing, this Hoonigan Focus is all about getting hooked to driving all-day, all night, but in the middle of a race, well, let me show you.



Because this is the car that completes the Gymkhana TEN car collection in FH4, the Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Focus RS RX deserves a big challenge and with that, it's time for Attack on...The Titan. The Titan, right? The biggest cross-country event in Horizon UK and you need a tough car to survive the perilous cross-country challenge. Although, the Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Focus RS RX is a rally monster, the odds of trampling The Titan are one to 100. Now that's perilous and with so much parts of the event that involves jumping, well, I can't say some embarrassing words in the middle of the race. Anyway, with heads up high, the Hoonigan Gymkhana 10 Ford Focus RS RX prepares for the attack on The Titan.



The Titan definitely is insane from start to finish and if you're not fast enough on and off the road, your opponent behind you will slip by unexpectedly. Still, this tire-slaying Focus braved through The Titan and won. Well done.



Now that you've completed the entire Gymkhana TEN car collection on Forza Horizon 4, which one of the Gymkhana TEN machines you like the best?

Watch the Gymkhana TEN video in the finale of The Gymkhana Files on Prime Video right now and experience the ultimate tire-slaying tour at the comfort of your home. Better max up the volume to hear all five Hoonigan machines, including the new Hoonitruck, roar through five different locations from Sweden, Detroit, Mexico, Texas, and Los Angeles! I guarantee it!

FH3 Hot Wheels: To Greater Heights

The BMW M2 has been one of my favorite M cars in Forza Horizon 3. I once challenged it against a Ford Focus RS as well as a Bentley Bentayga for some all intents and purposes and it shows that even though it's not as sharp and as powerful as any of the BMW M-cars, the M2 is better in every tangible way and I can get around with this Bimmer as long as I want, as long as that design I made is with me.



Now, it's ready to take on a brand new challenge, this time at Hot Wheels Thrilltopia because we're in a middle of our Hot Wheels arc of our Horizon trip, and to get itself prepared for this new kind of challenge, I've created a masterpiece just for the M2.







Love the new design I made for this? Made to replicate Yume Nijino's new outfit on the second season of Aikatsu Stars. I know, I know, it's an S4 uniform and with Yume wearing the outfit only the most elite students should wear, it feels great that she finally got the dream of becoming one of them. But even though her dream to be an S4 was fulfilled, there's more work need to be done to defend her title and to that, she needs help from one of her friends. Someone who spins herself like she was thunderstruck, someone who loves to poke her belly, and there she is.



Well, if it isn't the turbocharged, all-wheel drive, Ford Focus RS, with the Rola Sakuraba-themed look I made for it. However, it looked different from the last time. Wonder why...











Okay, now that explains everything. Rola in the same uniform as Lily Shirogane really mean one thing. No, she's not as desperate as she is but because she was easily defeated by Yume, all she ever does is to work as hard as she can before she can join the elite ranks some other time. Now that she's on the same boat as Yume and the others, they're officially partners again. Just like old times.



Anyway, with their designs updated to keep up with the times, as well as some new tricks to their sleeves since our last encounter with these things, let's see if they are ready to go through new heights in this epic roller coaster paradise we are venturing right now. Are these gals ready for the trip of a lifetime?






After a little night out at the Thrilltopia, it's fair to say that even through they've changed a bit, their attitudes never changed a bit and looks like they're up to greater heights, literally! The one who achieved the dream and the other one trying hard to be like her, they're in sync with each other! Speaking of which...



Heh? What's that queenly majesty doing here? Something tells me this isn't over between those two. He he he. Anyway, let's leave it at then and in the meantime, we have the whole Thrilltopia to go around for more as the journey continues.

FH3 Blizzard Mountain: Sub-Zero Hour

If you managed to collect as many as 100 stars in Forza Horizon 3 Blizzard Mountain, that entitles you to the grand finale of this snowy wasteland. Called KINGMAKER, the epic Blizzard Mountain finale covers almost the entire map pretty much like the main game's Goliath Circuit, except it's three and a half miles less than the said track.

Despite being three and a half miles less than the main game's Goliath Circuit, don't let the size fool you because this is the most challenging race you'll ever take on, and with the added blizzard warning occurring, looks like you're in for a cold war against the elements. Brave this epic finale and you will secure this prize;



You are rejoined by the Gymkhana 9 Focus RX as seen at the start of the Blizzard Mountain. Yep. Like they said; where it all began, where it all must end. You've started your journey with a warm welcome with this HOONIGAN machine, now you're going to end it once and for all and keep this machine in your collection, serving as proof that you've survived Blizzard Mountain like a daring sherpa in the Himalayas.

So, care to see the daring sub-zero finale?



And there we are. The KINGMAKER has conquered and a survivor is named. Even though I survived Blizzard Mountain, the struggle is far from over because there are more challenges that need to be conquered so if I feel the urge to dare myself back to the frozen wasteland, I can come back anytime I want. In the meantime, let's go home to celebrate the moment I survived Blizzard Mountain. Time to throw a party!

Forza Horizon 3: Rivals, friends and foe alike!

Having managed to escape EA exclusivity following their appearance from last year's NFS game, as a theory that someone tested it and failed, the brand new Ford Focus RS and the newest addition to the Forza Horizon 3 family, the brand new BMW M2 Coupe (part of The Smoking Tire Car Pack) are finally getting a little day out round Australia or so I thought because, between these two machines, they can make a dignified rivalry to show which one is best.

But first, let's start with the basics.

Ever since Ford announced that they decide to sell the new Focus RS on American soil, the speedo boys rejoice because, for the first time in forever, they got a chance to try out the ultra-hot Focus they never tasted for years ever since the foundation of Ford Performance that brought America's SVT and Europe's RS together as one forging force to be reckoned with. It has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 320PS and it has the strongest braking system ever made for a Ford. Unlike the previous Euro-only Focus RS, the new model is now all-wheel drive, just like the Subaru WRX STi, and it comes with a super-secret Drift Mode feature that allows anyone (almost) to drift this car a la Ken Block Hoonigan clips. For an all-weather hot hatch with some tricks up to its sleeves, I knew that this ultra-hot Focus never fails to impress the speedo boys, especially me.

The new BMW M2 Coupe picks up where the old 1M Coupe left off. In fact, this car is discerning for those who believe that the bigger M4 Coupe is a bit grown-up and matured for no reason. Under the hood lies a brand new 3.0L six-cylinder turbo engine that produces 370HP of power and 465Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual, which is okay for us, and a 7-speed M DCT for the purpose of being quick on the line. I still remember driving the 1M Coupe a few years ago in past installments and in this M2, the spirit of the 1M comes alive in its new form and the way it moves is just one way there some cockamines began migrating from Bimmers to Audis because the more things change, the more that says the same. For a fun car that is more enjoyable than the M4, the new M2 is a clear example that even the smallest can enjoy crashing piling on anyone, and force them to say "uncle."

Well, that's it for my quick evaluation of these two and because these two crossed the borders just to get a little time out Down Under, I have a better idea that will make these two border-crossing sportscars a lot more interesting for anyone who wished they were migrated from NFS to here.

Rivals! Today and tomorrow! Oh, sorry about that but anyway, speaking of rivals, see the new designs I made for these cars? They're all themed right after the stars of Aikatsu Stars; Yume Nijino and Rola Sakuraba.

While I'm busy preparing what to do with these two, both these specially-prepped machines are showing what they can do by partaking in several events.

So, now that these cars showcased what they're made of, I made a little something for these two cars. It's a challenge involving getting from Coober Pedy Town, which is one of the Bucket List Blueprint Points I set, to the Surfers Paradise Festival Site within 3 minutes and 30 seconds. The fastest time wins and because this is Horizon, it's by any means necessary. Time to hit the concert at the metropolis as these two rivals will show how are they capable.

Lights! Motor! And Action!!!



Is anyone wondering why a piece of background music from Halo 5 Guardians was played? Because it's empowering every time I use it on my own Bucket List challenges. And why is the horn sounded like the Halo theme? I unlocked it at the recent Forzathon event. Anyway, now that these two rivals showed what they're truly capable of, I think the Focus RS beats the M2 despite its power and weight advantage because while the M2 is rear-wheel drive, the Focus RS is all-wheel drive, meaning it has no problem getting through the dirtiest of conditions, although it could use a little drift mode to slip through the corners before arriving through the concert in style.

Still, I love driving the BMW M2 more because although the Focus RS has beaten it by a long shot, it is an enjoyable character that the 1M Coupe retains in this new car and the more I'm getting swooned by its character, the more I'm going to drive this car over and over again, all in the name of breaking its limits.

Like a heated rivalry between those two, this will go on because the more they always change, the more they'll stay the same until one of them comes out on top.

Rivals! Friends and foe alike, today and tomorrow! I'm gonna take a vacation for a while before the top brass yells at me for a bit...

Forza Motorsport 6: Heart Pounding. By Design

With the arrival of the all-new Ford Focus RS in Forza Motorsport 6 via the Hot Wheels Car Pack, Forza fans can finally gain access to the long-awaited hot hatch that Ford Performance ever launched to a global scale, including the US. It's been worth the wait to see the new Focus RS coming to Forza 6 and truth be told, this car should have been placed in the game since day one.

Ford unveiled their most powerful Focus yet, the all-new third-generation Ford Focus RS, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and this is one of the many performance cars launched by the newly merged Ford Performance division.

The all-new Ford Focus RS features a upgraded version of the 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine sourced from the sixth-generation Ford Mustang, which produces 350HP of power and same amount for torque.

The drivetrain is now upgraded from the former's front-wheel drive to Ford's brand new Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel-Drive system with Drive Modes, including the new Drift Mode for better oversteer drifts, and Launch Control. Mated exclusively with a 6-speed gearbox, it's capable of reaching 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds.

The Ford Focus RS is now offered exclusively, for the first time, as a 5-door hatchback and also, it's available to the USA starting at $35,900.

It's a good job Ford finally selling the all-new Focus RS to the American market. In fact, this is definitely the hot Focus the Americans have been demanding for since forever when the Americans realized that the previous generation Focus offered in the US doesn't look as good as the previous generation Focus sold outside the US. With the third-generation Focus sold globally under the One Ford approach, the dream of seeing a third-generation Focus RS as a globally-competitive hot hatch that can be sold not just the US but the rest of the world, has became a self-fulfilled prophecy from Ford's right.

About how the Focus RS featured in-game. You see, prior to its launch, there was a specially-designed Ford Focus RS with the Forza 6 front cover painted all over on display at the gamescom 2015, drawing much speculation that the new Ford Focus RS might make it to the car roster of FM6 at launch. However, that car never made it on launch day, not even last November when Forza fans complained that the new Focus RS became an EA exclusivity when it got featured in the 2015 Need For Speed game. Talk about unfair competition, eh?

Well, you get the picture, but the wait is truly over because we finally got our hands on the all-new Focus RS. So, thoughts on the new RS? Well, even though it's now a 4WD hoonigan, this is still a hot hatch made to be an accessible, all-weather, track weapon. You can still feel its mild but tangy behavior beneath its new drivetrain but what matters most is, almost everyone can have fun in this ultra-powerful hot hatchback that requires a few effort to slip through corners with ease. It can be somewhat slouchy at first but don't worry, you'll get used to it as long as you drive this car harder and longer.

Since this is an entirely new car, I think it might be best to find out if this new Focus RS is worth the improvement compared to the past Focus RS models in its lifespan and to find out, I went to the Top Gear Test Track and gather every single Focus RS in history to see if the all-new Focus RS is an overall improvement through its lifetime.

Meeting its ancestors can be so much fun but comparing against its ancestors to see how much it's been grown can also be so much fun. So, without further ado, time to get these machines rolling...

And now, the results...

1:31.678 - 1st Focus RS

1:29.327 - 2nd Focus RS

1:25.685 - 3rd Focus RS

It's a clear statement that the Ford Focus RS evolved through the years and with this latest model, Ford made the new Focus RS the best Focus ever made and between you and I, this long-awaited hot hatch deserves a quick pat at the rear door because of how cool this hatchback performs. You can thank Ford for making the Focus RS available in the USA and you can thank the producers for featuring this car on FM6 via a car pack.

The Focus RS; Heart Pounding. By Design

BMW M2 vs. Ford Focus Mk.3 RS

For some enthusiasts who might think that exotics are for the weak or who don't really like exotics at all, there are some sportscars that deliver exciting thrills at reasonable prices. One such example is BMW's brand new M2 Coupe, the latest addition to the BMW M Power.

2016 BMW M2 Coupe

Does anyone remember the legendary BMW 1M Coupe? Five years ago, BMW made one of the most agile sports coupes ever made and although dead, its sheer reputation isn't beaten. Now, BMW revived the tail-happy reputation of a compact rear-wheel drive coupe in the form of the 2-Series coupe and what can I say? It behaves just like the original 1M but in a different sort of manner.

So, what are the key ingredients to make the M2 an ideal compact sports coupe that you can mess around with your mates? Judging by its specs, I gotta say that I might have a love-hate reaction to it. Starting with the engine; it's a 3.0L Twin Turbo 6-cylinder engine that was used on the top-of-the-line version of the normal 2-Series Coupe but with a little bit of zest added to mutate it into something spunky. As a result, it produces 370HP of power and up to 465Nm of torque if you engage its over-boost feature.

The M2 can be a lot more enjoyable to drive when it sticks to its normal 6-speed manual gearbox but a 7-speed DCT? Why not? Although the 6-speed manual is made for serious drivers only, the 7-speed DCT is made for those who are driving for fun no matter the odds. With this gearbox, it will do 0-100kph in 4.3 seconds and onwards to an electronically limited 250kph. Also, it has a combined fuel consumption of about 79.l/100km and 185g/km of CO2 emission, which isn't so bad for a turbocharged car.

Anyway, by the way, it handles through corners, the M2 really feels at home through the bends like a tropical monsoon and while this is essentially a fun car to drive on a track day, it can be somewhat bothersome to use it as a daily driver and one and three minutes later, you're going to make a video about things you hate this car like what you did with the other sportscars. One thing you can bother about the M2 is the Electric Power Steering and when you engage its steering to the highest setting, you'll find it hard to steer at all. Don't worry though, when it hit the suspension and gearbox in the highest setting while setting the steering to the lowest setting, it will be easy to drive like what you did to the M4. Logic, I should say.

Okay, if the new M2 works well as a track-day car if you set things right? Care to guess the other problem of its car? Well, in case you got buddies, getting through the back seat is a...ahem...hustle in the muscle. So, in case of a backseat access problem like this, may I suggest an even better alternative.

2016 Ford Focus RS

This is the all-new Ford Focus RS. Look, it's got five doors, meaning that your buddies can get inside without all that hustle with their muscles, and because it's a hatchback, this is the jack-of-all-trades.

Unlike the M2, the new Focus RS comes with a smaller 2.3L turbocharged engine producing 20HP less than the M2. And unlike the M2, which comes with two gearbox choices, the RS is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual, so it's fun.

Speaking of fun, you should know that the new RS is made to be an all-weather hot hatch because it comes with a four-wheel drive just like a Subaru WRX STi, which means it can go anywhere that the BMW M2 can't, be it tarmac, gravel, or snow. In conclusion, the Focus RS is a rally car made to be accessible to the motoring public and I can hardly blame that new Need For Speed game for ownership rights to these two cars. Perhaps those guys who made racing games should have to pay more attention to motoring news if they need the inspiration to feature cars like this but that's life.

It's a shame that EA mistreated this new Ford Focus RS for illegal street racing purposes portrayed in the new Need For Speed game as well as the BMW M2, well save it on the M2 for now, because up until now, no one's brave enough to get their hands on Ford's latest hot hatch masterpiece that succeeds where the previous Euro-only RS left off.

Now for the pricing, the BMW M2 starts at 56,700 Euros or 51,700 US Dollars while the new Focus RS starts at 35,900 US Dollars, meaning that this four-wheel drive hot hatch is 20 grand cheaper than the rear-wheel drive Bimmer. Sadly, I wouldn't bother having one of these unless anyone other than Need For Speed would feature these just for our driving pleasure. Despite all that ruckus, both the BMW M2 and the new Ford Focus RS are compact sports cars fit for different purposes on both road and track. I really wish I want to be either one of these right now unless someone dared to do it.