2017 Ford Focus RS: Bringing the Heat

It's not often that you can truly pair the terms "high-performance" and "hatchback." But there are some examples, and one recent entrant that can carry the moniker is the 2017 Ford Focus RS.
Aerodynamically engineered to be a speed merchant, Ford says this version of the car has 9 percent less drag than the prior version.  
The power plant is a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that makes 350 horsepower and 350 pounds-feet of torque. It is linked to a four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system has been designed so that it can throw the torque back to either of the rear wheels. 
Drivers can choose their mode with the Focus RS, from normal, sport, track and drift. Drift is fun, but make sure you have a large, empty parking lot. 
Design-wise, the front has a hexagonal grille that gives it an aggressive look, enhanced with the sporty headlights. It is rather low-slung up front, so watch out for scraping that bottom on curbs or elevated parts of pavement. The rear features a large wing spoiler and dual exhaust pipes. Fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels are also standard features. 
The interior is highlighted by Recaro leather-trim seats that really give it a sports car look. The flat bottom steering wheel and boost gauges complement that look. There is an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 multimedia system and a Sony premium audio system. Dual-zone climate control is standard.
While we had heard a bit about this car and its performance aspects prior to our tester's arrival, we can honestly say that it outperformed our expectations. This is truly a fun sports car that brings it -- real desire to chew up roads and serve up some thrills. 
Its pricing - starting at around $37,000 and ranging to around $40,000 - is in line with competitors in this segment, which is to say a little higher than can truly be justified. 
But if you're in the market for something small but sporty, and that you won't see in every other driveway or parking lot, the Focus RS is worth a look.