We know the 2016 Ford Focus RS is a monster on tarmac, but what about when the weather turns cooler? Because its factory high-performance summer tires won’t work well in cold weather (or snow or ice), Ford will offer a dealer-installed set of winter wheels and tires for the Focus RS.
This is the first time that Ford has offered a factory-option winter-tire package from the dealer in North America. The $1,995 package for the 2016 Ford Focus RS includes four 18-inch wheels finished in sparkle silver, a color that Ford says hides salt spray, wrapped in 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 winter rubber. The wheels come with center caps and tire-pressure sensors, making installation at a dealer easy.
Ford notes that it specifically tested this wheel and tire package in northern Michigan and in Sweden. The new tires are narrower and have a smaller diameter than the factory rubber, a decision made to help the tires cut through snow. Ford says owners can also fit snow chains for extreme situations.
As strong fans of winter tires, we’re pleased to see Ford making sure its all-wheel-drive hot hatch can be safely used all year long. While the package will set 2016 Ford Focus RS customers back $1,995, it will be included as standard on all RS hatches sold in Canada.
