"This is a serious machine, with the performance, traction and precision to match far more exotic sports cars. The RS badge is not something we treat lightly and I believe this car proves it," reckons Jost Capito of Ford's performance cars division.

In the 40-year story of Ford RS, the name has been applied sparingly, merited by only the most high-performance Ford machines of the time. Six years have passed since the last Ford RS finished its strictly limited production run. Now the famous badge returns on the Ford Focus RS.

The Focus RS engine shares its fundamental structure with that of Focus ST, but there the similarities end. The most obvious changes are the new intake system, exhaust manifold and turbocharger, with the subsequent Duratec RS 2.5-litre engine delivering its peak power of 223kW at 6500rpm and peak torque of 440Nm between 2300 and 4500rpm.

That's good for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 263km/h.

The specially-developed, six-speed Ford RS transmission shares its gear ratios with the Focus ST gearbox on which it is based, with minor modifications to bearings and clutch housing and a revised, stronger differential.

The sports exhaust system is unique to Focus RS. Focus RS uses a one-brick catalyst to enhance flow and reduce exhaust back-pressure, whilst meeting current exhaust emissions requirements. And for poser credibility, Focus RS employs a ?sound symposer? system, to amplify selected engine frequencies and convey pleasing engine sounds into the cabin.

But the greatest engineering challenge was in managing the impact of the car?s 440Nm torque. Yet, through the combination of wider track and "RevoKnuckle" front suspension, the powerful front-wheel drive car is driveable every day and supposedly faster in many situations than all-wheel-drive performance cars.

Performance is little without looks though. In design as in concept, Focus RS is inspired by Ford?s World Rally Championship entries and this is most obvious in its large, gloss-black front trapezoidal air intake. Heightened aerodynamic and cooling needs meant Focus RS required a specific design approach. So rather than settle for grafting performance detailing onto a standard body shape, designers have revised almost every body panel: new front and rear bumpers, a revised bodyside with wider wheel arches, rocker mouldings and vents, and that rear spoiler.

The cabin is dominated by bespoke Recaro high-performance sports seats, while the centre console is finished in carbon-look trim with metallised highlights including air vents, door grab handles, switchgear and gearshift surround and unique RS-branded scuff plates on the door sills. These highlights contrast with a black-trimmed roof lining.

It's clearly a performance car, inside and out.