RE: Honda Civic Type R vs. Ford Focus RS Mountune
Discussion
I have come around to this latest incarnation of the Type-R as it's finally nailed the ride quality which always put me off and the basic shape looks better than the previous two (I don't like cars which look like orange segments from the side..). The interior is better too, it's really just the styling and the interior colour that puts me off (shame there weren't more subdued options for the interior and rear spoiler) along with FWD (I'd prefer 4WD).
I'd have the Focus RS, but would test drive the Type-R and wouldn't be suprised if it was very close.
I'd have the Focus RS, but would test drive the Type-R and wouldn't be suprised if it was very close.
HumanDoing said:
It's obvious to all that the type r is the better car - possibly the greatest hot hatch of all time. Bizarre that the very same RS enthusiasts who used to use reviews as evidence of superiority are now telling us we cant judge until we've driven them all ourselves?
0-'tard nothing seems to beat you lolMore consistent than launch control even...
Limpet said:
Can't get past the looks of the Civic. It's just awful. It's like they blindfolded someone, gave them bits of a bodykit with glue on and had them chuck them at the car...
Agreed.I don't mind shouty cars; used to love the Imprezas and Evos wing giant wings etc., but this is just a disaster. Shame as I am obviously a Honda fan as you can tell by the username!
aaron_2000 said:
What a time to be alive with hot hatches and hyper cars.
We really are a spoilt bunch right now eh? Bit good innit?Like I said earlier, I'm sad I can't get past the looks on the new CTR, but I'm so glad it does exist at all, that it's an option and that it handles brilliantly. Fair play to those that like the looks, nobody has to agree after all.
TheTyreAbuser said:
We really are a spoilt bunch right now eh? Bit good innit?
Like I said earlier, I'm sad I can't get past the looks on the new CTR, but I'm so glad it does exist at all, that it's an option and that it handles brilliantly. Fair play to those that like the looks, nobody has to agree after all.
I'm a fan of the looks, not too sure why because it really is OTTLike I said earlier, I'm sad I can't get past the looks on the new CTR, but I'm so glad it does exist at all, that it's an option and that it handles brilliantly. Fair play to those that like the looks, nobody has to agree after all.
I don't care if the Type-R looks like the Dogs Dinner, i still would 100% have one and in CW too!
As a drivers tool it's about the best available now in Hot Hatch terms and that's all that matters. But for how long ? It's an exciting time for us enthusiasts. I don't think we've had it this good ever!
I can smell a mega group test on horizon once the Megane R.S, Hyundai i30 N and Cupra R are out on sale.
As a drivers tool it's about the best available now in Hot Hatch terms and that's all that matters. But for how long ? It's an exciting time for us enthusiasts. I don't think we've had it this good ever!
I can smell a mega group test on horizon once the Megane R.S, Hyundai i30 N and Cupra R are out on sale.
TheTyreAbuser said:
We really are a spoilt bunch right now eh? Bit good innit?
Very much agree.While i still feel like many of these modern hot-hatches are just a numbers game now and just about power/bragging rights, i still feel like it's these non-premium brands are the ones still giving us an authentic experience. Ford, Honda, Renault and even Hyundai (to name a few) are still managing to provide us with that fun factor that i feel has been lost with the original fast hatchbacks.
Edited by culpz on Friday 29th September 17:06
Mr2Mike said:
JMF894 said:
Civic for me all day long.
Because I have a pair of testicles, not t!ts.
Therefore how a car drives comes before how it looks.
The Saab 9-5 being the pinnacle of driving experiences in it's segment?Because I have a pair of testicles, not t!ts.
Therefore how a car drives comes before how it looks.
Secondly, as for my Saab (stalking is a form of flattery so thanks for that) given my finances, for what it cost there's little that gives me the performance and comfort it gives me, in the condition it is and with such low mileage.
Finally, shame on you for making the rather churlish assumption that 'how a car drives' has to mean sporty or dynamic etc etc. Different cars have different remits and for mine the Saab, given it's cost is better than many I could think of thank you very much.
Ron99 said:
JMF894 said:
Civic for me all day long.
Because I have a pair of testicles, not t!ts.
Therefore how a car drives comes before how it looks.
But I don't like driving round looking like a tit.Because I have a pair of testicles, not t!ts.
Therefore how a car drives comes before how it looks.
I don't want to drive around looking like someone who needs attention because they never got it from their parents. Wings, fins and big spoilers are totally unnecessary bling for a road car. Three-quarters of such cars probably never see any track time where their aerodynamics might be an advantage.
I think both are pretty horrid to be honest! The RS is just too heavy, and I'm disappointed Ford haven't sussed the ride quality - their standard cars a so perfectly set up... The Honda just looks awful - I could never ever get past that. Terrible shape, terrible styling, terrible extra tat for the fast version - it's hateful.
Not sure there's a hot hatch on the market I'd touch right now. The 2.0l (or whatever the capacity) turbo 4s are dull engines - I wish someone was making a powerful 3 cylinder instead... At least Audi are persevering with the 5, although it inevitably makes running the thing more expensive.. Grumble grumble grumble...
Not sure there's a hot hatch on the market I'd touch right now. The 2.0l (or whatever the capacity) turbo 4s are dull engines - I wish someone was making a powerful 3 cylinder instead... At least Audi are persevering with the 5, although it inevitably makes running the thing more expensive.. Grumble grumble grumble...
I hate to say this but, although I think the Civic is as ugly as Bella Emberg after being hit in the face with a brick, the Focus looks incredibly ordinary, next to it.
I also looked at an article with the CTR vs the i30N and it was the same story, the Hyundai looked like a shopping trolley.
On that basis and because the CTR is the better and cheaper car, it would have to be the CTR because, in this case, Honda have proved that sometimes an ugly car has an irresitible draw when parked next to anodyne and safe styling. So props to Honda for not wimping out.
I also looked at an article with the CTR vs the i30N and it was the same story, the Hyundai looked like a shopping trolley.
On that basis and because the CTR is the better and cheaper car, it would have to be the CTR because, in this case, Honda have proved that sometimes an ugly car has an irresitible draw when parked next to anodyne and safe styling. So props to Honda for not wimping out.
CharlesF said:
Interesting review!
As a very happy current RS owner I was wondering how the FPM 375 tune worked - good to read!
My own perspectives on the RS:
Seat position not a problem with the std seats, quite comfortable
Interior - it's bog-standard Focus, which is actually not that bad and I don't see what the fuss is about!
Ride quality - quite "jiggly" at low speed, gets better at speed. Perfectly fine for long journeys, more suppleness would be nice.
Performance - amazing grip, handling and drive out of corners, 4WD system can get upset with road camber under acceleration. Acceleration can feel "flat" because it's so linear (until you look at the speed and say **** heck!!). Launch Control is truly epic.
I think Honda has done an amazing job with the Type R and it would have been a definite contender but the styling (for me) is completely over the top and I would not consider buying under any circumstances .....pity!
I agree with the above, I own a MK3 Focus RS and I am probably going to get the Mountune 'kit' fitted when the car is due it's first service in December this year.As a very happy current RS owner I was wondering how the FPM 375 tune worked - good to read!
My own perspectives on the RS:
Seat position not a problem with the std seats, quite comfortable
Interior - it's bog-standard Focus, which is actually not that bad and I don't see what the fuss is about!
Ride quality - quite "jiggly" at low speed, gets better at speed. Perfectly fine for long journeys, more suppleness would be nice.
Performance - amazing grip, handling and drive out of corners, 4WD system can get upset with road camber under acceleration. Acceleration can feel "flat" because it's so linear (until you look at the speed and say **** heck!!). Launch Control is truly epic.
I think Honda has done an amazing job with the Type R and it would have been a definite contender but the styling (for me) is completely over the top and I would not consider buying under any circumstances .....pity!
I had a MK2 Focus RS, then 2 brand-new Focus ST's - a pre-facelift red hatchback (standard) and a mountuned facelifted stealth grey estate (both petrol) so although the RS feels faster than the 275bhp ST estate it isn't night-and-day different - that's where the Mountune 375 is supposed to really liven the car up apparently. Looking forward to having it fitted.
I considered the previous Type R when I was looking at the ST estate but it was just too mad/lairy-looking for me, I am a mid-40's guy and the Type R looked just a bit too Max Power for me, the new one is the same. I haven't driven either this new Type R or the previous one so it could drive like an absolute dream, but I'm no driving god looking to shave 0.5 secs of my daily commute. A bit of a 'blat' when road conditions allow and a decent bit of poke when an overtake is required, which the RS does admirably and will (I hope - as above) - really liven up fully once the Mountune kit is on it.
Yes there have been reports of head gasket failure on the 2.3 RS, two prominent youtube bloggers/vloggers have had to get new engines fitted and other people on RS-specific forums are having similar issues, but it is being blown out of proportion I feel on social media etc. It shouldn't be happening though, Ford should have better testing and quality control in place, and I hope it doesn't happen to my car, but if it does the Mountune modification will allow me to retain the Ford warranty - a tiny crumb of comfort if/when I am without my car for weeks awaiting a new engine being fitted.
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