RE: Ford Focus RS - full details
Discussion
As a car enthusiast who isn't blinkered by his own ownership history or bias towards any particular brand, I'd like to think I'm pretty informed when it comes to cars.
The Golf R is classier. It costs more because the materials used cost more. VAG's might and brilliantly efficient manufacturing process and engineering resources means it doesn't cost £5k more than it does. It's a great package that isn't boring to drive.
I'd get one if I was a little older, married with children.
The Focus RS will be cheaper. That is a fact. Ford have channeled the development costs towards making it a fun car to drive with the new AWD system taking a bulk of the expense. As a consequence they've not given it an expensive to build wide body and they've left the interior pretty basic. For sure it's a cost saving measure and there's nothing wrong with admitting that. I'm happy knowing it will be significantly cheaper than the Golf R and be more fun to drive. The whole Ken Block/DC Shoes Rally car/Hooning it around schtick appeals to me right now in my life. Well done Ford.
The Golf R is classier. It costs more because the materials used cost more. VAG's might and brilliantly efficient manufacturing process and engineering resources means it doesn't cost £5k more than it does. It's a great package that isn't boring to drive.
I'd get one if I was a little older, married with children.
The Focus RS will be cheaper. That is a fact. Ford have channeled the development costs towards making it a fun car to drive with the new AWD system taking a bulk of the expense. As a consequence they've not given it an expensive to build wide body and they've left the interior pretty basic. For sure it's a cost saving measure and there's nothing wrong with admitting that. I'm happy knowing it will be significantly cheaper than the Golf R and be more fun to drive. The whole Ken Block/DC Shoes Rally car/Hooning it around schtick appeals to me right now in my life. Well done Ford.
Can we be done with all the "Golf R this b
ks, Golf R that Bullst" in here now, it got boring after the first comment!
People have been begging for a 4wd focus since the mk1 came out as fwd, then we get what we want and suddenly its not good enough as VW gave us it first
Personally I don't like Golf's, never have and maybe never will. But have always been a Ford and a Focus fan so this car being launched is like a scratchcard win for me!
If ever I got in the position to buy a £30k performance hatch I'd not even throw a look at anything else. 'Different strokes for different folks' and all that. And if I ever got into a pub bore argument over the RS vs R then I'd simply finish my pint (of coke) walk out and go and attack some great B roads and forget all about the bore insisting his car is better than mine due to its lined pockets, dampened hinges and soft touch dash! I cant say I've ever once sat in any car I've owned and sat there stroking the dashboard, perhaps that's some fetish Golf owners harbor?
My only issue with the new RS is the large plastic bumper/grill section, but once a plate is put on it it doesn't look as bad, this could have perhaps been utilised as a vent/induction feed for the turbos/engine cooling. But as its likely covering up the crash bar in the bumper then there's not much that can be done, aside from putting a Peugeot style grill on and having the paint flake off and make your £30k hatch look crap!
I now sit in anticipation of a Focus RS Cosworth announcement, with improved/ASBO styling changes
could they get a whaletail spoiler on there
ks, Golf R that Bullst" in here now, it got boring after the first comment!People have been begging for a 4wd focus since the mk1 came out as fwd, then we get what we want and suddenly its not good enough as VW gave us it first
Personally I don't like Golf's, never have and maybe never will. But have always been a Ford and a Focus fan so this car being launched is like a scratchcard win for me!
If ever I got in the position to buy a £30k performance hatch I'd not even throw a look at anything else. 'Different strokes for different folks' and all that. And if I ever got into a pub bore argument over the RS vs R then I'd simply finish my pint (of coke) walk out and go and attack some great B roads and forget all about the bore insisting his car is better than mine due to its lined pockets, dampened hinges and soft touch dash! I cant say I've ever once sat in any car I've owned and sat there stroking the dashboard, perhaps that's some fetish Golf owners harbor?
My only issue with the new RS is the large plastic bumper/grill section, but once a plate is put on it it doesn't look as bad, this could have perhaps been utilised as a vent/induction feed for the turbos/engine cooling. But as its likely covering up the crash bar in the bumper then there's not much that can be done, aside from putting a Peugeot style grill on and having the paint flake off and make your £30k hatch look crap!
I now sit in anticipation of a Focus RS Cosworth announcement, with improved/ASBO styling changes
could they get a whaletail spoiler on there
Well, I'd like to think i'd buy one, but my mates think i'm a chav 'cos of the Golf R, so god knows what they'd think if I rocked up in this!
On the obviously touchy subject of build quality, the Golf R isn't great. It's a good couple of rungs down the ladder from my previous A4 Avant and TT Coupe, but it's a damn sight better than the 2011 Focus Titanium X my wife had for two years. That thing was awful. Cheap plastic body panels (they felt plastic when they flexed in and out like a wobble board when washing it anyway!) and horrible, cheap plastic interior. This was a £22k car that felt like a £10k budget special!
I do think the Focus RS will be far more fun than the Golf R though, just isn't my cup of tea as I approach 40
On the obviously touchy subject of build quality, the Golf R isn't great. It's a good couple of rungs down the ladder from my previous A4 Avant and TT Coupe, but it's a damn sight better than the 2011 Focus Titanium X my wife had for two years. That thing was awful. Cheap plastic body panels (they felt plastic when they flexed in and out like a wobble board when washing it anyway!) and horrible, cheap plastic interior. This was a £22k car that felt like a £10k budget special!
I do think the Focus RS will be far more fun than the Golf R though, just isn't my cup of tea as I approach 40
redroadster said:
Would have liked it more if they had flared wheel arches out more or some wheel spats to get more of a stance it looks like all effort has gone on front and not much thought about really making it look mean,maybe they are going after the golf buyer ?
Stance?Without being rude, the sort of buyer who wants stance over substance is the sort of buyer Ford won't br aiming at, aside from the boys who will modify the car from the outset and feature it in the appropriate mags.
The Ford RS heritage was originally built on its Motorsport excursions, but gradually got further away from that, before stopping altogether, until it's resurrection with the Foxus RS mk1.
The sad fact is that we will never see the likes of the Cosworth Sierras, Escort RS's (in any guise from mk1 to the Turbo) etc due to legislation that precludes manufacturers from making light, fast cars (that have poor crash protection compared to modern cars)
The Focus we are talking about is probably the best of its breed, although judgement should be reserved until it's launch, althought whether I would choose one over a Golf would be down to a test drive rather than journalists opinions, lease deals etc.
By the way, just a thought; my Impreza WR1 had 320bhp as standard and a DCCD to go with its 4 wheel drive - would anyone enlighten me on the advances that have been made by the Focus?
I can see that a system that automatically sorts out the torque to the wheel with the most grip is fine, but I really did like the fact I, not a computer, could choose how much torque went where in the WR1
Crafty_ said:
I still can't get my head around a Golf/Focus etc costing north of £30k. I suppose I'm getting old but its a hell of a lot of money for a tarted up hatch.
The whole point of hot hatches was they were tarted up hatches with good performance/stand out looks for (relatively) little money compared to performance/sports cars. I think the manufacturers have lost the plot somewhere along the way.
What are you comparing it to?The whole point of hot hatches was they were tarted up hatches with good performance/stand out looks for (relatively) little money compared to performance/sports cars. I think the manufacturers have lost the plot somewhere along the way.
RyanTank said:
I now sit in anticipation of a Focus RS Cosworth announcement, with improved/ASBO styling changes
could they get a whaletail spoiler on there
You'll be waiting a while. Cosworth haven't touched a Ford for over a decade. More likely to be a remap/induction kit and a set of Eibach springs from Mountune. could they get a whaletail spoiler on there
I don't understand why Ford are getting so much praise for repackaging the Mazda 6 MPS. The styling of this one is even worse than the last one (which at least was lairy, even if you didn't like the style). The current version looks like a cheap eBay bodykit for the ST, the side profile looks horrendous.
If this is pitching itself against the Golf R/M135/m235/a45 its in for a bloody nose I reckon.
Out of interest have they/are they going to release a 'ring time?
KarlMac said:
You'll be waiting a while. Cosworth haven't touched a Ford for over a decade. More likely to be a remap/induction kit and a set of Eibach springs from Mountune.
I can wait We've waited 14 years for a 4wd Focus!Cosworth fettled with the MK2 RS in the guise of the RS500, granted not as heavily as they did back on 90's Fords, but it wore a Cosworth badge.
Hellbound said:
Ford have channeled the development costs towards making it a fun car to drive with the new AWD system taking a bulk of the expense. As a consequence they've not given it an expensive to build wide body and they've left the interior pretty basic. For sure it's a cost saving measure and there's nothing wrong with admitting that. I'm happy knowing it will be significantly cheaper than the Golf R and be more fun to drive. The whole Ken Block/DC Shoes Rally car/Hooning it around schtick appeals to me right now in my life. Well done Ford.
Great points! Completely agree I just forgot to add them to my post!As good as the current RS looks with its flared arches in 3 door guise, had they made the decision on that one to have been available in a 5 door config then I don't think it would have had the arched it has.
Why spend a fortune on making a bespoke body and drive train when a perfectly usable body is available 'off the shelf'
Edited by RyanTank on Wednesday 4th February 09:59
Well done Ford!!!
I`m currently looking to purchase something small, compact,5dr, over 300BHP, able to fit 2 child seats and a bit bonkers.
VW Golf R is sooo boring and clinical (even according to my wife), S3 a bit better iside but people selling them (Audi) are usually snobs (that`s my experience with local big dealer, nobody even bothered to say Hi or acknowledge me when i went there 3 times, yes 3 times trying to get some info about S3) and will not buy anything from them. BMW M135i has a great engine, gearbox, good service from my local dealer and decent value for money when applying v.good discounts you can get but it`s missing something special, AMG A45 that was on top of my list is bonkers but way to expensive and no decent deals around.
No matter how hard I try with my man maths I still struggle to justify spending over £44-45k for decently specced A Class !!!
Ford Focus RS is ticking all the boxes for me, will be reasonable priced, 5dr (wife 7 kids happy), should hold value good and is different to all other alternatives.
It could do with some more big spoilers and wider arches but its much much better than comparable Golf R.
Shame we have to wait so long to buy.
One for me please!!!
I`m currently looking to purchase something small, compact,5dr, over 300BHP, able to fit 2 child seats and a bit bonkers.
VW Golf R is sooo boring and clinical (even according to my wife), S3 a bit better iside but people selling them (Audi) are usually snobs (that`s my experience with local big dealer, nobody even bothered to say Hi or acknowledge me when i went there 3 times, yes 3 times trying to get some info about S3) and will not buy anything from them. BMW M135i has a great engine, gearbox, good service from my local dealer and decent value for money when applying v.good discounts you can get but it`s missing something special, AMG A45 that was on top of my list is bonkers but way to expensive and no decent deals around.
No matter how hard I try with my man maths I still struggle to justify spending over £44-45k for decently specced A Class !!!
Ford Focus RS is ticking all the boxes for me, will be reasonable priced, 5dr (wife 7 kids happy), should hold value good and is different to all other alternatives.
It could do with some more big spoilers and wider arches but its much much better than comparable Golf R.
Shame we have to wait so long to buy.
One for me please!!!
One new car with a turbo, 300bhpish and with a new change of direction....(Also the previous gens to tend to be aimed at a certain type of clientèle) is the Civic Type R.
The Focus is most likely going to be cheaper looking at Honda's current prices, offering more power and 4wd.
Think its another nail for the Honda.
The Focus is most likely going to be cheaper looking at Honda's current prices, offering more power and 4wd.
Think its another nail for the Honda.
EricE said:
J4CKO said:
in the rest of the video there is a quite a lot of oversteer and it doesnt always seem to be instigated with the handbrake.
Uh, ok, keep telling yourself that.Really wanted to like this, potentially was thinking about one of these after the Golf R, is it just me that thinks it looks absolutely dreadful though!? Looks very tacky and uncohesive to me.
Never been a fan of the new shape Focus anyway but had hopes the RS division would manage to do something special with it, previous RS's have always had a rather naughty appeal to them but this does nothing for me.
The 4WD system with torque-vectoring sounds good and I'll be trying to get a test drive in one asap to see if the drive makes up for the packaging. Pricing will be interesting, need to undercut the more "premium" offerings from VW / Audi I think and also fit it in with the V8 Mustang
At the moment I still think after I've scratched the 4wd itch for long enough in the Golf then it's back to BMW for me...
Never been a fan of the new shape Focus anyway but had hopes the RS division would manage to do something special with it, previous RS's have always had a rather naughty appeal to them but this does nothing for me.
The 4WD system with torque-vectoring sounds good and I'll be trying to get a test drive in one asap to see if the drive makes up for the packaging. Pricing will be interesting, need to undercut the more "premium" offerings from VW / Audi I think and also fit it in with the V8 Mustang
At the moment I still think after I've scratched the 4wd itch for long enough in the Golf then it's back to BMW for me...
Reardy Mister said:
I amazed they haven't dropped a sequential box into it, like the optional Abarth jobbie. If Fiat have one ready for mass production, surely Ford can. Its about the only thing that is missing and will be a missed opportunity if they don't.
It's a French Sadev competition unit, it's a £9k option on the Fiat, it would be bks in traffic. Apart from that, a highly realistic suggestion.
SS7
Hellbound said:
As a car enthusiast who isn't blinkered by his own ownership history or bias towards any particular brand, I'd like to think I'm pretty informed when it comes to cars.
The Golf R is classier. It costs more because the materials used cost more. VAG's might and brilliantly efficient manufacturing process and engineering resources means it doesn't cost £5k more than it does. It's a great package that isn't boring to drive.
I'd get one if I was a little older, married with children.
Whilst I sort of agree in part, have you access to VW's material purchasing costs, I suspect that you may be right but I cant imagine there is that much in it cost wise but I think VW probably make more profit per car.The Golf R is classier. It costs more because the materials used cost more. VAG's might and brilliantly efficient manufacturing process and engineering resources means it doesn't cost £5k more than it does. It's a great package that isn't boring to drive.
I'd get one if I was a little older, married with children.
J4CKO said:
Hellbound said:
As a car enthusiast who isn't blinkered by his own ownership history or bias towards any particular brand, I'd like to think I'm pretty informed when it comes to cars.
The Golf R is classier. It costs more because the materials used cost more. VAG's might and brilliantly efficient manufacturing process and engineering resources means it doesn't cost £5k more than it does. It's a great package that isn't boring to drive.
I'd get one if I was a little older, married with children.
Whilst I sort of agree in part, have you access to VW's material purchasing costs, I suspect that you may be right but I cant imagine there is that much in it cost wise but I think VW probably make more profit per car.The Golf R is classier. It costs more because the materials used cost more. VAG's might and brilliantly efficient manufacturing process and engineering resources means it doesn't cost £5k more than it does. It's a great package that isn't boring to drive.
I'd get one if I was a little older, married with children.
RyanTank said:
I can wait :wink: We've waited 14 years for a 4wd Focus!
Cosworth fettled with the MK2 RS in the guise of the RS500, granted not as heavily as they did back on 90's Fords, but it wore a Cosworth badge.
No they didn't. Cosworth fettled with the MK2 RS in the guise of the RS500, granted not as heavily as they did back on 90's Fords, but it wore a Cosworth badge.
Edited by RyanTank on Wednesday 4th February 09:59
"Engineered by Performance Car Enthusiasts The Focus RS500 engine has been modified by a team from Ford TeamRS in partnership with Revolve Technologies, the automotive engineering firm which develops Ford approved performance upgrades through its Mountune Performance brand. "
You are aware that Cosworth is owned by Kahn? They're more likely to provide a nasty bodykit and 20" alloys.
KarlMac said:
You are aware that Cosworth is owned by Kahn? They're more likely to provide a nasty bodykit and 20" alloys.
Cosworth is not owned by Kahn, they're still a motorsport engineering Company at heart and is owned by the same blokes that own the Champ car series. They do unfortunately have a deal with Kahn to ruin Range Rovers and use Cosworth branding but that's it as far as I'm aware...Compared to the last RS this is just not doing a thing for me and I really like ballistic hot hatches. Visually it has diluted styling and while this is no doubt to help with new brand concept but it misses the mark for me.
It'll probably further stamp the MK2 as the one to have and that's no bad thing.
It'll probably further stamp the MK2 as the one to have and that's no bad thing.
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