Ford Focus RS

The Ford Focus RS is a 350 horsepower hot hatch with a drift mode button (you have to love that). The all-wheel drive machine is just begging to do some rally type type driving. This means that buyers of the quick Focus will want to enjoy it every chance they get no matter the weather or terrain.

This time of year usually means snow for much of the country (although it is hit and miss this year with the El Niño weather pattern). To help the RS tackle slick conditions Ford has announced the addition of their factory winter tire package. The package is a $1,995 option in the United States, but is standard equipment in Canada.

“We started this project knowing what our RS customers really want out of their cars,” says Adam Wirth, chassis supervisor, Ford Performance. “This tire package allows RS owners to continue spirited driving even in the snow.”

To get just the right setup Ford sent the Focus RS to Sweden as well as their own back yard, Northern Michigan. After plenty of extreme cold weather testing the winning tire and wheel combination was a set of 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tires on 18×7.5-inch wheels. The entire winter tire setup looks very similar to the base RS wheels, but the finish is sparkle silver to help hide salt spray. The tire choice is a more narrow one which allows for the fitting of chains if more traction is needed.

“We fully expect our more extreme-weather customers to take advantage of the ability to use snow chains,” said a smirking Wirth.

But what about the four driving modes that the RS offers? Can you use them even when driving in slick conditions?

“Settings are completely driver-preference,” notes Wirth. “Customers are able to utilize all four drive modes to suit their driving style in winter conditions.”

The Ford Focus RS will be drifting its way to North American dealerships starting this spring.