Don't tell me tell Ford, its only them who are still doing the late 80's thing with powerful fwd cars. The industry is more advanced and has moved on with regards to family performance cars.
Unless you want the RS Badge from my opinion In 2008 for 27 grand the RS is far from a bargain

Take the EVO X which is the lowest price guessed for the Focus right now and offers the following:

Recaro front seats
Stereo radio/CD with MP3 compatibility and 6 speakers
Full time 4WD with Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
Bilstein shock absorbers, EIBACH springs and stabiliser bar
BREMBO braking system
18" Enkei alloy wheels

By the time the Focus comes out the specification of the Mitsi would have EVOlved and got better or the car would be cheaper imho