Ford says goodbye to the Focus RS with limited-run, 370bhp Heritage Edition

It’s time to say goodbye to the Ford Focus RS, but not without a bang. Introducing the Heritage Edition – the final version of the high-performance hatchback.

Production of the hot-hatch will end on April 6 this year, having started in 2015. The Heritage Edition is a not only a celebration of the outgoing fast Focus, but of the RS nameplate’s 50th anniversary, too.

It boasts a unique paint finish, high levels of equipment and a 25bhp boost in power to wave the Focus RS off. It’s exclusive to the UK, with the last 50 right-hand-drive models set to be produced in the limited-run guise.

The eye-catching ‘Tief Orange’ paint harks back to one of Ford’s most iconic performance models – the Mk1 Escort Mexico – and is currently only available on Heritage Edition examples of the Focus RS.

Complementing the striking finish is a host of exterior upgrades, including grey brake callipers behind black alloy wheels, with black-painted door mirrors and a rear spoiler topping off the look.

Inside the car, there’s Recaro seats, privacy glass, a sunroof, rear-parking sensors, cruise control and a heated steering wheel all as standard.

The standard Focus RS’ 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine can still be found under the bonnet, but here it receives a bump in power thanks to Ford-approved tuner Mountune’s FPM375 upgrade.

This results in a jump from 345bhp and 470Nm to 370bhp and 510Nm of torque. Ford hasn’t revealed exact performance figures but expect an improvement on the regular car’s 4.5 second 0-60mph time and 165mph top speed. Power is still sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

To help put the power to the ground more effectively, the Heritage Edition features a Quaife front differential – as previously introduced on RS Edition models – which Ford says provides a “heightened dynamic sensation for performance driving enthusiasts”.

Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director of Ford of Britain, said: “The RS brand is hugely important to Ford and is recognised across the globe, however it has a special place in the hearts of UK Ford fans. This latest model is the best RS we’ve ever produced, so it seems a fitting tribute as we approach its 50th anniversary.”

The Ford Focus RS Heritage Edition is now on sale, with prices starting at £39,895 – but act fast, as demand is going to be high for the next piece in RS history.