Ford Focus RS Named AutoGuide.com Car of the Year; 2.3-Liter EcoBoost Makes Wards 10 Best Engines List
Ford this week is celebrating a pair of top honors for its 350-horsepower hot hatch, a vehicle whose very description makes it abundantly clear why it won two major awards.
The 2016 Ford Focus RS took home the title of AutoGuide.com’s 2017 Car of the Year, and the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that helps to make it one of the most ridiculously fun vehicles to drive was named one of WardsAuto’s 10 Best Engines of 2017.
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With regards to the former, the Focus RS was pitted against AutoGuide.com’s other finalists for the top prize over a five-day testing session in SoCal. Ultimately, yet perhaps unsurprisingly, the Focus RS reigned supreme.
“Ford Focus RS is one of those rare cars that gets massive hype, then still delivered beyond our wildest expectations,” said Jonathan Yarkony, group editorial director for AutoGuide. “Not only is it a great deal on paper as a practical, all-wheel-drive hatchback, but it leaps right to the top of the hot-hatch segment with 350 horsepower, an enthusiast’s-choice manual transmission, and, best of all, its engaging character.”
WardsAuto had four powertrains to consider from Ford for this year’s list: joining the Focus RS’ 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-four was the 2017 Lincoln Continental’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, the 2017 Ford F-150’s new 3.5-liter V6, and the Fusion Energi’s PHEV powertrain. Even still, it was clear that there could be no other choice than that of the Focus RS:
“Of the 40 powertrains tested this year, including many geared for high performance and sporting high-end badging, none was more exhilarating to drive than the Focus RS. And let’s not forget about bang for the buck: All this can be had for less than $37,000.”
That’s what you call a steal, ladies and gents.
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Richard Bazzy is the face of Shults Ford, the No. 1 Ford dealer in Pittsburgh and all of Pennsylvania. Known for his unique approach to selling cars and his penchant for cowboy hats, Richard runs Shults Ford of Harmarville, Shults Ford Lincoln of Wexford, and Shults Ford South. Visit his YouTube channel and see just how well Richard Bazzy can yee a haw.