Besides making it all-wheel drive, Ford also fitted the Focus RS with a Drift mode, which was actually discovered by accident.
The special feature was quickly appreciated by enthusiasts worldwide, who didn’t wait that long to try it out. Some of them put their mothers behind the wheel to test it, whereas others (unfortunately) drifted their way into different obstacles.
The Ford Focus RS’s Drift mode was even subjected to a negative campaign. Australian lawmakers, local authorities and media wanted it banned, saying that it’s an unnecessary and dangerous feature to have on a road car. However, they failed to see that it actually makes driving safer, and with a little help, anyone can enjoy it.
So how does it work?
With the Drift mode engaged, the Focus RS is a certified hoonigan in the right hands. Most of the power is channeled to the rear axle. At the same time, the engine, exhaust and ESC are switched to Sport mode, and the steering and dampers are in Normal mode. This allows the compact hot hatch to make some perfect all-wheel drive donuts.
However, drifting isn’t for everyone, even when you have a button that changes the settings of various systems right at your fingertip. Proof stands a driver who gave his best shots at trying to go sideways in an RS last weekend, at the Petrolhead Spring Event.
The driver didn’t exactly get the hang of it even after a few power slides, so he eventually pulled over and gave up. Needless to say that he’s not the next Ken Block – but that would be a tall order in any case.