Ford's RevoKnuckle was the big revelation for the
Focus RS Mk2
. Rather than a one-piece configuration, the RevoKnuckle is a two-piece design that allows the MacPherson strut's lower suspension arm to dictate the basic wheel control and geometry but keeps the centre of the suspension in line. In this way, the wheels are less prone to tramping or torque steer.
RevoKnuckle works wonders on front axle
Working with an epicyclical design of Quaife limited-slip differential, Ford avoided the need to use four-wheel drive to deal with the power of the RS. The company also shunned electronic stability systems to reign in the power it said it didn't want to mask the forces working through the steering system. As for the steering itself, this is an electrohydraulic system with 2.32 turns between the locks.
At the back, the suspension was more traditional with an independent control blade, cast iron knuckle and anti-roll bar. However, the RS had a 40mm wider track than the standardFocus ST. Brakes at the back use 302x11mm discs, while at the front there are 336x30mm ventilated discs. They are linked to Ford's ESP stability programme and electronic brake force distribution. The brakes in the RS last reasonably well and you can expect to change a full set of discs at 25,000 miles. Reckon on around £425 for a full set of front discs and pads, with the rears around £200 for a set.
Decent 235/35 R19s don't come cheap!
Tyres are a big RS consumable, with some owners reporting only 6,000 miles from a set. The front-wheel drive set-up certainly means the fronts get a hard time, but this was exacerbated when the car was new as many
RS Mk2
s left the factory with poorly set-up front suspension. A proper alignment will help enormously here and more careful owners report an easy 15,000 miles from their tyres. Continental SportContacts are the choice of many and cost around £185 per tyre for the original 235/35 R19 size.
As with the RS's engine, there are plenty of kits to upgrade the car's suspension. One of the most popular is the Mountune Clubsport package that costs £939. It includes new springs and dampers and lowers the car by 27mm at the front and 22mm at the rear. You can also add Mountune's £2,099 brake upgrade to this that reduces weight by 4kg per axle and adds 365x32mm semi-floating front discs and six-pot calipers.
PHer's view:
"Used about four sets of tyres, but also had two punctures which both left me stranded for half days as had to wait for tyre fitters to get the tyre. Only ever used Continentals. I think it's a fabulous car, definitely recommend it. Only modification I made was a set of Team Dynamics matt black wheels, same size as originals."
Gary Wilton
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior