With the release of the new Ford Focus 2011 getting ever closer, rumours concerning the Focus RS have begun to find their way into the automotive newsroom. According to Ford of Britain sales director, John Wellsman, a diesel engine option would be a popular choice among UK buyers.

'A diesel version would work very well,' Wellsman said. 'The prospect of the RS gives us a lot to look forward to.'

Although there has been no official announcement on the forthcoming RS, the news of a diesel engine will excite dealers across the UK, especially after the huge success of the last one. The special edition received five times the number of orders that Ford of Britain had cars for, meaning many potential owners walked away disappointed.

With so much recent focus on ecologically improved cars, a diesel option would not only cut drivers’ running costs but also make a reduced impact on the environment. Diesels have received criticism in the past for being less driveable in performance cars than petrol units, but the success of cars like Skoda’s vRS models means that this stigma is rapidly disappearing.

Would you like to see a diesel engine in a performance Ford? We’d like to hear your opinions on the new Ford Focus 2011 and the Ford Focus RS, so feel free to give us feedback through our Facebook page.