2018 Ford Focus RS Review: America's Hot Hatch vs. Civics and Golfs

CHECK OUT THIS FOCUS RS ON CARS & BIDS!
crsnbds.com/focus-rs
Watch Zack Klapman of @TheSmokingTire compare America's attempt at the hot hatch market vs the rest of the world. Does the Ford Focus RS have what it takes to be the best?
The Focus RS is a thrilling hot hatchback thanks to the combination of a potent turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a clever all-wheel-drive system, and a mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. This particular Focus RS is finished in striking Race Red and features some great factory equipment - including Brembo front brakes, front Recaro seats, and a Sony sound system. It also touts some light modifications, like Eibach anti-roll bars, stainless steel brake lines, and an updated infotainment system.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to the Focus RS
00:17 CARS & BIDS!!!
00:42 The History of the Ford Focus RS
01:49 The Engine (NOT the Same as the Mustang!)
03:09 The Tasteful Upgrades
03:52 Wheels & Brakes
05:43 The Interior
06:43 Driving Impressions of the Focus RS
11:15 The Drive Modes
12:46 Final Thoughts (Outro)
#ford #focusrs #hothatch #subaru #mitsubishi #golf

[@slicksauce]

Like a lot of cars, this came with wheels!

[@carsandbids]

Wheels! Shocking!

[@anthonyw5261]

​@@carsandbids😆😂🤣

[@ArcadianGenesis]

Why does it feel plausible that car dealerships would actually start charging extra for wheels?

[@slicksauce]

@@ArcadianGenesis they’ve already breached that bs when bmw charged a subscription service for heated seats.

[@vbwine2003]

@carsandbids Great review. Please make Zack your new guy. I cannot speak for the community but this guy digs the insights Zack delivers.

[@ericschwartz100]

Zack Klapman is hilarious to watch!

[@carsandbids]

Did you watch him on the live show?

[@ericschwartz100]

@@carsandbids yes, he’s always hilarious! His sarcasm is even funnier.

[@Promit]

A couple notes from a former owner: CarPlay/AA not a hack, it was added in early 2017 along with an upgraded USB hub The car has a different head from the Mustang, reportedly tuned by Cosworth but I've had trouble verifying that The Twinster AWD system doesn't wait for slip to move power around, and you can get an OBD based display that will show you where power is currently being sent

[@afterburn2600]

Thank you for the clarification! I was wondering about that AA bit...

[@RangerJ441]

Also the overboost function is for 20 seconds but every time you lift to shift it restarts the time. So it's technically always in overboost if you are full throttle.

[@nickallen13]

Yeah I think throttle position, boost, and probably some other things used to calculate a future need of all wheels. Same with the Golf R, they have little things they can use predictably to "get the ball rolling" before its actually needed

[@csboi]

Agreed. AA was built in, I used it every day. Occasionally AA would glitch out, not connect. I'd have to unplug and replug. I think the problem may have been the cable between the head unit and the USB female jack that I plug into.

[@imwrong4891]

Android auto was included in all years. I have a 16 and it's a part of the infotainment already. Apple car play is not though

[@joeyashton7115]

Always had a soft spot for these, almost picked one up earlier this year. Another highly entertaining review from Zack!

[@carsandbids]

Glad you like them!

[@MarkFritscher]

You should still get one!

[@jonmadden59]

Kenan for Tech Specs. Zack for driving ipressions. Doug for detailed quirks. Lanis for general history abd trunk space

[@carsandbids]

What are we missing? Track times?

[@jonmadden59]

@carsandbids I'd wager its a well rounded channel as is. Maybe multiple personalities per video, each reviewing based off their strengths. (Understanding itd be seemingly logistically more difficult). This would be a treat for us gearheads that can only dream of being inside rare vehicles through your videos. I'd personally only be interested in something track/drag as long as it had a leader board, all vehicles were included not just new and sport(y) cars (Yugos, toyota century's, db9s, Plymouths etc). I think Hagerty, Carwow, and Throttle house have a pretty good hold on these types of reviews. I'd find this content a bit brash, doing this with vehicles getting ready to be listed on C&B, albeit entertaining.

[@darind4920]

​@@carsandbidsA short (

[@wilson3246]

​@@carsandbidssavagegeese for AI

[@GeeWhizbang]

Chef’s kiss to Zack’s sly writing

[@carsandbids]

He is pretty clever.

[@poker_18rs92]

I have an ‘18 RR & this is the best & most detailed review I’ve seen on the ‘18 RS. I encourage everyone to take this video into account before buying one. Great job, guys.

[@mxtv1258]

I still have mine too.

[@Pokefan000000]

I’m thinking on upgraded to this from my SE hatch lol

[@cabal3747]

I've had my 2017 for six years now, have weighed 210-225lbs that whole time, and the Recaros have always been perfectly comfortable to me. I don't think that it's so much your weight as it is your build. I've had people lighter than me in the passenger seat who were uncomfortable. Also, old news, but put it in track mode and then turn off the track dampers. The best responsiveness without the worst suspension.

[@nickg3235]

Great job adding Zack to the C&B talent! Keep up the great work all!

[@wjrneo2]

Finally someone who talks about Head Gasket Gate doesn't just say the engine is unreliable and spread mis-information. When you put the wrong head gasket on a car, you are gonna have a bad day!

[@carsandbids]

Facts!

[@lincolnwhitlow9835]

1:49 I've owned my '17 Focus RS from the start and had head gasket work done. All these years later and I've never heard such a detailed understanding of the head gasket issue. Thanks for teaching!

[@lincolnwhitlow9835]

I'm some time further into the video and still hearing fun new anecdotes about a car I've owned for 5 years. Great video!

[@carsandbids]

Thanks for sharing

[@wjrneo2]

If you lived through it in 2016 you definitely paid attention to the root cause of the failure once it was discovered.

[@DaBaltimoron]

Zack! He's fantastic.

[@carsandbids]

He is pretty good.

[@zackklapman3569]

Your username is excellent, lol.

[@AFJDM]

I like the spread of personalities on this channel, and so long as cars are reviewed according to the strengths of the reviewer this will become a great channel to give viewership to new names in the genre!

[@jesseskeletor]

I've had my 2017 Ford Focus RS for for 6 months now and love it every single day! It's such a beast to drive.

[@andresalvarado2738]

We need more Zack Klapman!

[@carsandbids]

Will do!

[@carsonfiero4209]

More Zack. Matt needs to give you a raise!

[@MarkFritscher]

I’ve put 114K on my 2016 RS, from driving across country to monthly track days and it’s been such a blast. The seat does hurt my back but that’s it. Car is insane and smokes just about everything, especially when wet. I’m ripping mine for life

[@coryz.872]

Ya man me too. This thing is so much fun.

[@bm717252]

Did you have any issues with the head gasket?

[@MarkFritscher]

@@bm717252 not since having it corrected from Ford.

[@BrandonMooves]

0:41 That's my Nitrous Blue Focus RS! Won it on Cars & Bids about a month ago lol.

[@carsandbids]

Congrats! You loving it?

[@BrandonMooves]

@@carsandbids Absolutely! The buying experience was made very easy with all the help everyone was able to provide me. The seller was awesome; you could tell he loved the car. Been driving my Focus ST for the last 7 years, and finally making the big upgrade is better than I could have imagined. It's incredibly fast, but just crazy fun more than anything else. And I get compliments everywhere lol.

[@carsandbids]

That blue is a head turner for sure. Loved the RS. Happy driving!

[@jtbland]

Great review! Impressed with your knowledge of the RS.

[@vbwine2003]

Suggestion: make Zack the primary C&B tester for vehicles Doug can’t/won’t do. Make Kennan the technical guru, and Mrs. King the race/hot rod/drift point person.

[@Naah732]

And never let Zack close to any SxS 😏

[@zackklapman3569]

@@Naah732I’m 1 for 2, baby!

[@carsandbids]

FACTS!

[@kangy3213]

Zach is a great pick up for this channel.

[@shamus12]

First time I’ve heard Zack. I like Zack. More Zack.

[@carsandbids]

Okay, more Zack!

[@TheLocalsOnlyPodcast]

60 seconds in and this is already a perfect review Zack is a genius.

[@carsandbids]

Glad you liked it!

[@kyleheffner2285]

Great to see Zac with cars n bids!

[@michaelrohr9773]

Love that Zack's on here now!

[@carsandbids]

When we can get him on!

[@TVCHLORD]

This is a good way to keep this guy out of the smoking tire videos

[@mikeLOL45424]

So excited Zack is joining Cars and bids

[@carsandbids]

When we have something good for him to drive.

[@acx2035]

i cant wait to import a MK2 Focus RS in 2035.

[@Spookypiratez]

Zack is the best

[@Oilatumify]

I’ve got one of these! Bumped up to 400bhp. So much grip it’s just mega on the back roads.

[@joshjlmgproductions3313]

I like that this video was actually able to showcase a difference between damper modes. The camera shake was much more apparent in sport mode.

[@jetta.josh4]

This guys entertaining, let’s bring him back.

[@sganzerlag]

This guy is good!!! Very good!!!

[@carsandbids]

We love Zack.

[@sterlingchafey8425]

Great job Zack

[@jordanwampler6030]

Love that you guys added Zack to the crew. I love all the new changes to be real. I love Alanis, Kennan, and Zack. If I’m missing someone I apologize!

[@carsandbids]

There is another Zach, who did an overlander for us.

[@jordanwampler6030]

@@carsandbids I love cars and bids. Doug got me super into my cars. Buddies will ask when we are in the car how much hp / torque something has and I know because of all the work Doug has done and cars and bids. Love it

[@jordanwampler6030]

@@carsandbids you guys have a wonderful thing going and I appreciate it

[@uetmk4184]

I really like this guy because he doesn't scream at the camera.

[@siestakeyrat]

So much hype and anticipation preceded and was built up over these, to bring over only 1,000 was just ridiculous. This one looks gorgeous and CLEAN. Great, quick review, and funny! 😄😄👍🏻👍🏻

[@gamby16a]

Between Zack and Alanis, you got a couple of fantastic new hosts 😀

[@carsandbids]

Yes! Thank you!

[@SevenFastCar]

Yes! More Zack!

[@yazansakran3326]

Great review

[@carsandbids]

Thanks!

[@bcrandeis]

Awesome video from Zack. Please keep him as a video contributor!

[@carsandbids]

That's the plan!

[@MegaRetr]

Great job adding Zack to the C&B talent! )

[@carsandbids]

When we have a good car for him to drive we like to have him on the channel.

[@florinmatusea]

This format is dope.

[@carsandbids]

Thanks!

[@flambo9950]

Came here for Focus RS, stayed cause his last name is Klapman

[@imirish2187]

Doug you should def keep this Zack dude- He does a really great job. He would do better than current top gear dudes (not that that is a very large compliment considering new top gear is trash) but I would watch more of this guy

[@truckford2416]

Zack rules

[@Seryous]

I love my RS. I have NO RAGRETS!. Fun, Quick, semi Fast, Great daily.

[@carsandbids]

SEND IT!

[@UGFluffyTurtle]

"The ride is a little bumpy" Maaan you would get a surprise when people stiffen the mounts and throw some lowering springs on there. As a person who has an ST and put in a ton of stiffening, bad roads feel like off-roading. I had to switch from poly upper mounts to EDPM to tone down the vibrations. Just waiting to install Steeda sway bars. The ST is known for some body roll and torque steer. I'm disappointed that Ford stopped US production for the Focus in the US. It's kind of an underappreciated gem. I tried both the RS and ST, went with the ST since I wasn't pressed for the added rear wheel drive or horsepower. Both are tons of fun.

[@bobhill3941]

Great car, great video, I loved this car new and saw it on Top Gear. This was a nice surprise during my lunch.

[@carsandbids]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@GemmyDonCars]

I loved this car. Drove one a few years ago.

[@carsandbids]

They are tons of fun.

[@muthukumaranc]

More Zack reviews too please!

[@ltkwok]

Zach! More Zach!

[@carsandbids]

There will be more!

[@tangerineboost]

The Focus for sure did come with Android Auto and Carplay. 2016 it requires a new USB hub/port, but 17 and 18 came from the factory with it

[@Whitewolf2x4]

Can confirm. I've got a 2016 and I just use the center usb port for my phone.

[@zombray1958]

Got a brand new 2016 rs and owned until 2023 and let me say it was such a fun car drive. Zero issues but i said my farewells and went into an rs3. Do i miss it...fk yes!

[@CPace1984]

I say this as someone who drives a 2018. The standard wheels on 16 and 17 models were 19" also. The only 18s were the winter wheels in silver which are the same style as the standard cast 19s but not the same size. Also the transfer case is always turning the drive shaft, then the clutches in the RDU engage so it's not exactly just FWD either. Technically, the 16 and 17 models (that didn't have a quiaffe installed as a dealer option) can transfer nearly 100 percent to the rear and it should be noted the function of the LSD limits this function too and comes closer to the 70 percent you mention. The current Golf R does use the same kind of rear end, which would have been better to reference than the older design early on. The main difference there is that the MK8 Golf R (and RS3) are not overdriven in the rear (the MK3 RS is overdriven in the rear at ~1.02x for extra rotation). It does come with carplay and Android Auto stock, just not wireless versions. The steering does not change in different modes, it is 100% fixed. Also an important mod to note that that car looks like it may have and many others have, is a gas pedal spacer. The stock pedal sits way too far in (about an inch in from the brake at full extension). Seat position is weird for sure but it would also be good to note the same trim in Europe or Australia would've had the actual Recaro shells and these seats only exist to accommodate extra airbags which is probably why the fitment is not that good. In addition another important difference between this and for example an ST is that these were all built in Germany rather than Michigan like our STs. Like I know you mention the development, but I've seen a service writer at Ford straight up yell at a porter because he brought him a number that started with a W. Needless to say I corrected him lol. Aside from the black spoiler, black mirrors, black roof, and carbon fiber interior trim that are part of the LE, they also come with RS badged center caps which are exclusive to 2018 LE models. 16 and 17 models had black center caps with a Ford logo instead. Not a huge thing, but they look way better.

[@darrylmoore5847]

Nicely done

[@carsandbids]

Thanks!

[@Crumblacrumbs]

Great scripting, cadence kept me interested and camera shots kept me engaged even without b roll clips of the car driving. Lovely 14 minute watch😊

[@carsandbids]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aaronatstate]

Like has been said 17/18 RS's came with CarPlay and Android Auto. That one has been hacked though to have Sync 3.4, instead of the Sync 3.0 that they came with stock from Ford.

[@dommarston23]

Thought I'd watch this while waiting for Jay Leno's vid to drop 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@cwschaef]

100% excellence as always. What did he say about sunroofs?

[@CorbinGoodwin]

He likes the ~darkness~

[@justaguy6100]

I heard you say "it's not real drift" YET it was one of the most popular drift cars for the circuit when it came out.

[@damilolaakanni]

2:20 even worse, some people will say it's the same engine used in the MazdaSpeed3, MazdaSpeed6 and CX-7. I'm not sure that's true either.

[@pyric]

Speed3 guys will buy the oem 2.3 ecoboost cranks from Ford as a cheap forged crank upgrade b.c its the same

[@deathcab4booty]

it's Mazda's block design, but Ford's head, turbos, fuel injection system, etc

[@Rouxenator]

Awesome presenter - pity the OPC did not make it state side.

[@Jmrose-lc2uq]

I had a 2017 sti for 47k miles till i got rear ended and it got totaled. Bought a 2017 focus rs because i missed the sunroof and I its nigh impossible to find a 18+ sti with a roof and low miles. Main gripes about the rs. Turn radius at lower speeds and braking. I haven’t taken the car to autocross or any type of track just yet but when i do ill feel it out more.

[@hugoscho]

zack is a fantastic host

[@ozarkliving7263]

Are you mental? This guy is a tool

[@carsandbids]

Thanks!

[@carsandbids]

Who else do you like in car youtube-land?

[@hugoscho]

@@carsandbids hoovies garage

[@simonmorty8344]

​​@carsandbids James and Thomas Throttle House. Richard Hammond and Chris Harris.

[@MiMicheIIe]

Seriously considering one of these cars! Would you say it's a good choice, or is there something else I should get instead?

[@carsandbids]

They are loads of fun! Depends on personal preference in the long run.

[@Briantholt]

Great throwback review! No mention or comparison to the newest rare hot hatch GRC though?.. sad

[@alecmayne2200]

I see you listening to Neal Frances there Zack, great music taste!

[@steng2495]

Two things that I’d notate… one when you turn right or left at night the headlight turns like a Lexus. And two the seatbelt has felt on the one side so that they don’t rattle when unplugged. Ford payed attention to detail.

[@brandonchauvin7508]

Got the same one in red also. But in Canada so only 500 brought here. Got 302 of 500. They banged them under the hood in Canada. Curious if they did the same in the US?

[@eugenendungu4062]

Driven a Focus ST and I was thinking how can an RS be even crazier than this because it's way more power and torque😮😮

[@carsandbids]

The RS is NOT slow.

[@wads80z]

How much Focus RS engineering was really done in the US? How "American" really is it? I get that Ford is an American company, but you wouldn't put a Hellcat in a roundup of European cars, despite Stellantis being HQ'd in Europe, as it was designed and built by Americans. Zack is awesome though.

[@carsandbids]

We did the title like this on purpose. :)

[@tomwilsonn]

Track mode then set the suspension back to normal mode is where its at

[@husky2423]

There’s one of these on turo in Denver

[@Frank_Bras]

How much does it cost? Also the st model in America how much cost?

[@Callediceman]

12:31 I heard someone giggle after that epic AMG joke? Was it Kennan?

[@afterburn2600]

I have almost this exact car and am in love. 2018 RS, red, oil catch cans. With a very mild exhaust (mostly valve delete) the car is perfection. Good sounds while still retaining the (IMO) more linear throttle response of normal mode (the throttle map in sport is just too aggressive, almost making the thing jerky in normal driving). I'm obviously very curious how it does on C&B. At 6'2" and around 200lbs I have no issue with seat comfort. Maybe I'm stretched just the right way?

[@JDsgreatz28]

The eco mustang with the High Performance Package has the RS engine and turbo... I have one and It likes more boost 😎

[@ecjaye]

Daily driver is a Fiesta ST. It comes with a pretty harsh ride. I'll need to drive a RS limited to compare. There's definitely some good deals out there for a RS.

[@coryz.872]

Depends on your climate but it rains and snows where you live. The RS is a riot to drive.

[@adamheadland5033]

I went from '14 FiST to '18 RS, the ride on the RS is much better imo, my wife agrees. Still miss my FiST but the RS is on another level.

[@el_pinguino4087]

Dead Sea scrolls reference nice

[@LukeEdward]

Doug, nice grab on this presenter. Good job, Zack!

[@carsandbids]

More to come!

[@kangy3213]

Last year for the WRX hatch was 2014 though.

[@tylerdauber1175]

I like the darkness 😂😂

[@Salacious.]

This is Todd Howards cooler brother Rodd Howard. Thanks Rodd! I'll definitely be getting an RS, this thing is sick

[@MrFoof82]

2:18 I like how the ACTUAL internet butterfly tries to come in and make assertions about the engine!

[@carsandbids]

We spent 1 million on that CGI butterfly. Glad you noticed.

[@snakeeyes9246]

​@@carsandbidsyou could buy a Carrera GT with that money

[@carsandbids]

We should have....whoops.

[@nathanielcargile7135]

I really want this car.

[@carsandbids]

Well.....it is for sale.....

[@gooddypm]

America's Hot Hatch? A car designed in Europe, introduced in Europe first how can it be America’s? It's designed to be a rival of the Golf. For the MK I RS engine, Tickford Engineering from the UK, won the engineering contract for the research, development and to oversee production of the Mk 1 Focus RS. Tickford made substantial modifications to the base unit, with up to 70% of the base components either updated, re-engineered or completely redesigned. The MK II RS engine was a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged engine originating from Volvo. In 2015 the MK III engine was a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, built in Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany.

[@carsandbids]

We needed a catchy title!

[@rubenberganza3836]

Has anyone driven this and the GR Corolla? I’m actually looking at either one or possibly back to a 5.0 Mustang but I’d REALLY want insight on the GR vs the RS.

[@carsandbids]

We keep trying to get our hands on one.

[@FoolOfAToke]

@@carsandbids I’m not looking to sell mine but I have a GR Core with the Performance Pack up in NorCal, and come down to SoCal sometimes. Hit me up, definitely can have it for a video.

[@joeblacc8573]

Zack?????? Good fkn job Doug!!!!!!

[@keenanfitzpatrick9104]

Zack is a better addition to C&B than Kennan or the minivan lady

[@robertcook7144]

So nice to see Tanner Foust's doppelganger getting screen time.

[@carsandbids]

He is like when you photocopy a photocopy.

[@jasonthomas1628]

My '17 RS Came with carplay and Android Auto it was the '16 that didn't.

[@anthonyw5261]

Wondering if the owner was nervous seeing treetops outside the driver window 😆😂🤣

[@KCMotamedy]

Great car, Highly collectible and will be for a 2018 RR or NB but a DSC controller fixes the ride perfectly in a 2018

[@lukeskywalker1840]

My bucket list car. I like it because I’m stealth. And this is very low-key. Most people have no idea what it is.

[@Darylrb1983]

Did you ceramic coat the wheels?!

[@swpdisciple]

This may’ve swayed me to look at a FF RS 🤔 …they’re still sneaky expensive though.

[@carsandbids]

Lots of fun though.

[@florinmatusea]

You should try to review the MK1 Focus RS or SVT 😍😍😍

[@carsandbids]

We would love to!

[@gloriaingle608]

Awesome🎉🎉🎉

[@Emadavid]

That's my daily 😍