This model represents the version of the Ford Focus WRC that was first shown to the world's press prior to the Focus's first rally season in 1999. It was finished in a unique blue colour scheme with large Ford logos, and the car was never rallied in this livery. The actual rally cars in 1999 had a colour scheme in keeping with the teams main sponsor "Martini". The car also lacks the rear spoiler that was used on the cars used in competition. AUTOart also make a white "test car" version with a similar sponsorship scheme and a rear spoiler, which again was not rallied but instead was the car used for the development program of the Focus WRC version.
Personally I think it looks great in it's metallic blue finish with the large silver Ford logos. The WRC Focus is highly modified compared to the standard Focus road car and has a highly tuned turbocharged 4 cylinder engine putting out somewhere in the region of 300bhp, with an advanced 4 wheel drive system to enable maximum traction on a variety of surfaces.
AUTOart have done a good job on their line of WRC Focus's, and have released competition versions from '99, '00, '01 and '02, and they are planning further releases of 2003 Focus WRCs at the time of writing (April 2004). The engine and interior have plenty of detail and all doors open, as does the bonnet. The tailgate also opens to reveal the spare tire, but you have to undo a small screw underneath the car to allow it to open. The underside of the car has twin rear skid plates which appear to protect the rear of the car from damage when bottoming out.
Overall a very nice model deserving of a mark of 73.75%.
- Bodywork/Scale =7/10
- Paint =8/10
- Decals/Tampos/Badges =8/10
- Interior =8/10
- Engine =6/10
- Wheels =7/10
- Brakes =8/10
- Lights =7/10
73.75%
