First drive in my Mk2 Focus RS. First impressions.

In today’s video I head out for a drive in my Mk2 Focus RS and give my initial impressions on the car.

[@pelly894]

I can see the car getting garaged for 6 months over the winter 😂

[@fourpipes]

Loving that sound Gary. Can’t wait for all the mods to come in the future. You’ve seriously tweaked my interest in a mk2 RS now. As you say, I think they will be future legends. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻👍🏻🚗💨💨💨

[@manjbains1977]

Thanks mate for a great video and the car looks and sounds superb. Can't wait for more content on it. Your right it is a keeper as getting very rare, value will only go up. 👍

[@kevinsainty9580]

Just bought my mk two today pick it up next week can't wait to drive it

[@PaulGibbons13]

Hi another great video very informative super car I can’t wait for more videos 😀😀👍👍

[@black.diablo.m2]

Thanks for sharing the drive mate!

[@martynpeters5087]

I’ve had mine 2 years and it’s a fantastic car and looks awesome.

[@RosskoPeeko]

Love the mk2 and the five pot is just an amazing sound :)

[@jonyb4]

Bloody lovely, and it's only making me feel great about my mk2 St. Such special cars

[@leedavis1101]

Love my mk2 St the sound is 😍😍

[@simontaylor3211]

Glad to see you’re enjoying it Gary. Have fun mate 👍

[@RoadandRacetv]

Nice to see you out and about in the Mk2.

[@petergalbraith3422]

Fully agree with everything you've said, there's something about these cars, they get under your skin! Had my Mk2 for 7.5 years now, it's not going anywhere any time soon, it's a keeper! It's an analogue car in a digital world, it's quite refreshing.

[@ashleybunn1867]

Awesome video mate, there is just something special about the mk2 rs. I think i prefer them over the mk3 👍 look forward to more updates .

[@zissyexexpress]

the sound alone even on the standard exhaust is better then mk3

[@McDONALDLANDSCAPESTROON]

Nice car, I've got rid of my Mark 3.5 focus st, now got a 12 plate audi s3 recently tuned to 391bhp from ecotune, happy days, enjoy the mrk 2 mate

[@robertyates6913]

Everything you've said in this video is spot on about the car, including the comparison with the Mk3. I've owned mine since new and I don't think I could ever part with it. I've got a few mods but still the stock exhaust ..... I'm so tempted.

[@davidbrownjohn327]

An old piece of art indeed Gary. The mk2 focus RS is a thing of beauty, as are a good few of it's Fast Ford predecessors.

[@Wilkkid1]

Great video the mk2 is such a fun car to drive with some modifications they get better and better

[@darrengriggs8281]

Get that beauty out on a track. I went to a place, I think in Leicester or Bedford. Can remember. Full day including a skid pan, fast circuit, inside rally circuit (my favourite) and other things. Driver goes round with you to make sure to get the most out the day. Was brilliant and will never forget. I’ll look it up and let you know if I find it. Was an RS owners day. Gonna have to get myself one again as miss it. But I do still like my MK3 in the wet. It’s astonishing on a wet track 👍. Great vid.

[@Joe-qs9fw]

Cool video as usual mate,love the car too

[@mrheisenberg72]

Get the Wheels standard colour 👍🏻

[@Aaron458f]

Love the mk2 went to buy a mk3 but decided to keep my mk2!! Running a nice 400bhp :)

[@Ste_mozza]

Great vid 👍🏻 got to agree totally with the regard to it being one off hot hatch. This is my second mk2 RS. I had a Brain fart and got a new civic type r had it a year and went back to the RS 😂 just something about them that gets you. I’d get wheel spacers just fills the arches a bit more and gives it a better stance. I’ve gone 20mm all round.

[@CarObsession]

I look forward to seeing more!

[@nkaragou]

A dream car as I own a mk2 1.6 Tivct... Get special bracket for the seats to get lower drive position. Check and replace all bushings. Install braces top and bottom. Keep all other factory. Will keep more value this way.

[@focusedman5759]

Very nice. Nothing beats that 5 pot sound. An RS is next car for me.

[@valterRS]

Great Video mate 👌🏼👌🏼 love this car lol 👍🏼

[@doctorrobert60]

I think the Mk2 was built by Ford as a proper hot hatch while the Mk3 while being a great hot hatch was also engineered by Ford to try too hard to check all the boxes. Wow, that was one long sentence! Nice that the sounds from the Mk2 are so naturally produced instead of having extra fuel injected to produce the pops and bangs of the Mk3. Obviously you are truly enjoying your new ride and happy for you! Thanks for sharing the ride with us.👍

[@markh9611]

Looks great!

[@srholds]

Love your reactions to pushing the loud pedal!! (I'm exactly the same) There is just something about these cars that make you forgive the dated interior & choice of plastics, That noise is just the best!! Totally agree that the MK3 RS would be a much better daily, but as a weekend/show car the MK 2 wins hands down, Enjoy your car mate, looks a good one and will be even better after all your upgrades.

[@DaveBibby.Aviation]

I run 15mm spacers all round with KW V1 coilovers on my RS and it made a huge difference to handling. I’d also check out the KMS Thunderstorm exhaust, fantastic build quality and a sound like no other.

[@michaelhesford5191]

It’s a great car ! Wish I had one to go with the mk3.. personally I prefer the mk3 but the mk2 definitely looks the part there amazing to look at and sound amazing !!

[@michaelhesford5191]

Car Focused 👍🔥

[@ianberry1713]

Looks and sounds great Gary. 5 pots are awesome. I used to have a Fist Coupé 20VT, loved the sound. I'm tempted to say keep it as standard as possible, but that's boring 😂

[@tech88596]

Proper RS! 😎👍

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Hi Gary,got a great classic to be their.Sounds sweet! With you all the way in your thinking.Not many a round at all only one in my area a green one.Maybe a mount tune map would compliment the the new exhaust when you get it 😊🍻👍

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

It does look phat cheers Steve 👍😀

[@Matt7R]

Love it man, beautiful car. That 5 pot engine simply can't be beaten on sound. Don't like Ford's 4 cylinder engines, though I do like the 3pot in the new Fiesta ST (I'm biased, I have one...). MK2 RS though, one of the coolest and nicest sounding hatchbacks ever made.

[@martech3596]

I think it’s gorgeous mate. Definitely made the right choice. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea over a mk3, but then, it’s your preference and what you want, so good luck to you. Can’t tell you how much I want one myself but it’s funds are the end of the day. I simply just cannot do it, so will have to keep my 60 plate Astra SRI CDTI estate for the time being lol

[@HyphenElite]

Also If you’re going to get a different exhaust I’d recommend a symposer delete, helps a lot with the inside drone and ‘boom’ in the cabin

[@waynester71]

You love looking at it and you love driving it..this is all that matters. Mine is also a garage queen, to much so I must admit.. Just make sure you keep any OE parts for the future. The only mod I wouldn’t really consider is the coil overs, unless you’re going to track it regularly.. Enjoy! 😎

[@lastexile1187]

Owner of a mk2 ST here. Id recommend a thicker rear ARB, along with the Whiteline anti lift kit and hardrace front wishbone bushes. Similarly the hardrace rear camber and toe arms. For engine mods theres no benefit to mountune parts so id throw on an airtec plenum and intercooler. For mapping id highly recommend a custom remap from the likes of hypertune or sabre. Flash maps are just pants. I have all of these fitted to mine so id be happy to share my thoughts on each part if you want to message me :)

[@vinland98trance]

The car sound so great. I wish I could have that 5 cylinder in my MK3 :P Anyways, I undestand what you mean, that the MK2 feels more "real" and not too refined as th MK3, and that is a good thing. Looking forward to following you and the planned mods you mentioned

[@tracktimevideos5164]

🤔 That 5cylinder engine in the mk3 would be my favourite combination.

[@monty6545]

I like your vision to keep her long term, if you can afford to Gary. I found the ride improved with Eibach springs and even better with spacers, i keep the tyres soft with maguires gel every 2 weeks slap some on, and if you can afford it keep to Mountune.

[@HyphenElite]

I remember being 10 years old and sitting in the passenger seat of my Dad’s brand new white MK2, ever since then I’ve wanted one and now we both own one 10 years later 💪🏻 for the plenum I’d to go for an Anembo as in my opinion it looks the best but they all do the same thing really

[@HyphenElite]

And it’s one of those cars that you just can’t drive it sensibly, the noise is too addictive!

[@OlittoTV]

you're insured on one at 20? I can't even get a quote for one :(

[@HyphenElite]

Comes down to a lot of factors mate, I have that and an old Audi A3. I’m with admiral getting a multi car discount I pay £1600 a year

[@OlittoTV]

-EIite that’s good mate, I have been looking for when I get my 2 years ncb in Feb, got 2 cars currently so may look at chucking one on a multi car and see. Thanks mate 👊🏼

[@richardoxlade5723]

Nice introduction, hope your much happier with it than you were with your MK3. I believe there was a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty on the MK2's, would be worth looking into.

[@icsunonove72]

It's possible to retrofit a cruise control through the ODB2 connector. I have one in my Mk2 RS. Wonderful on the autobahn driving down to the alpine pass roads in France, Switzerland and Italy. And that's where you should drive a car like this, with the cruise control turned off...

[@johnjackson12]

Bigger injectors! With mapping easy to get 420bhp which is the sweet spot on the stock turbo. Truly an animal and will haunt every single one of those mk3 RS you was against on the runway :) special car and your smiling like a Cheshire cat says it all

[@Rs-pp3he]

I can recommend H&R Springs. Gives a nice look and slightly stiffer ride. KWs are pretty pricy. I use mine for trackdays and fast road and i think the standard shocks works very well. Unless you go for faster lap times, you wont really miss the coilovers.

[@charlotteanddavestorey6553]

Great video , I can understand what you are saying right at the end of the video , I have a 2006 focus st 3 in electric orange , with the same 5 cylinder engine as your rs . Mine is still totally standard and still a damn good hot hatch ,Ford just don’t make them like that now and probably never will again , well worth hanging on to .

[@ianmackenzie3804]

Great video, when you've had fun and worn those tyres out treat the car to a set of Michelin 4s , that's what I've got on mine and wouldn't look back. Like a few other people have commented the mr375 package, that's what I've got on my mk2 and think it's one of the best but also expensive, but worth looking into as you sound interested in a few mountune parts. Looking forward to the next video.

[@ianmackenzie3804]

4s Michelin will last longer than the Goodyear F1 but still good tyres

[@GokuPlaysUK]

10 year old and it's still the best looking and performing hot hatch on the road today , the only thing that you can honestly complain about is the interior but everything else brushes that to one side .

[@richcrawshaw5668]

I would recommend revo stage 4 (400bhp) the car is absolutely perfect at that power Exhaust wise I would go milltek ultimate it is the best exhaust for the mk2 Suspension wise I had H&R springs and now moved to bilstien b16 pss10 coilovers and they are phenomenal. Another good handling mod is to drop down to 18’s it makes them much nicer to drive. compomotive mo6 are one of the best wheel for the mk2 rs, it allows you to run a 265/35 tyre and fills the arches nicely so no need for spacers Brakes wise you do not really need a big brake kit. I track my car a lot and still haven’t found the limit of the stock callipers, I run pagid rs19 front pads with j hook discs and mountune race pads in the rear (currently on sale) with braided lines and motul rbf 600 fluid and had zero brake fade at oulton park, best lap was a 2.01 which is pretty good going in a road car. If you do want a bbk ebc have not long released one which looks a good buy and the have the option of having the new pad they have brought out (rp1) which is meant to be very good. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @rich_frs and if I can be of any help don’t hesitate to message me 👍🏻

[@KAZUYADOG]

Love the 5 pot Volvo engine.

[@runitbmx990]

about the thing u said about the mk3 being not as special i agree with you. i live in the united stated where we dont have the mk2 rs and i really wish we did..

[@simonlowe4013]

Great car fella

[@micklawrence2630]

Looking forward to visiting your Garage..... is this something you have been planning for a while ..... first time I’ve heard you mention it ... Glad your pleased with your car .... awesome 👏

[@micklawrence2630]

Car Focused 🙂

[@harrylloyd6955]

It's one of these or the FK8 for me ATM, those leather seats look nice 😀

[@Viperrm64]

Couldn’t agree with you more Gary, my Mk3 was awesome but had very little character and to be honest never looked like a “Rally Car For The Road “,the Mk 2 looks better in three door has more aggressive looks hands down. Love it in Frozen White, hope you enjoy it much more than your Mk3 and look forward to more vids on it👍

[@dungareesareforfools]

I love these cars. If the mk2 had the 4 wheel drive system of the mk3 it would be perfect, to me. I've had a mk2 ST for a long time, I remember when I bought it and I first heard that 5-cylinder engine start up, it exuded quality in a way that a 4-cylinder could never hope to. You're right about cars getting too sensible now. Who would have thought 20 years ago that everyone would be buying "hot hatches" with 5 doors and automatic gearboxes now? Where has everyone's sense of style and fun gone?

[@fastonthedraw]

Enjoyed that,and what you said,was all true,..the last l heard I was the oldest owner of a MK 2, I am 70..and yip my old friend ( bought her new..) will see me out..

[@CarFocused]

That’s cool! Age is just a number, fair play to you!!😊

[@Digitox20]

You cant beat the sound of the five pot ive got mk2 st few mods sounds nice aswell

[@ianhammond1722]

Hi mate... just discovered you and binged watched all your vids. Had 7 RSs myself so loving your content! Can I just say.... your garage would look better with a coat of white on the walls! The RS would look like it's in a showroom lol. Chequered floor mats too👍

[@ianhammond1722]

@@CarFocused I think I'm local to you... I'm Rushden👍

[@ianhammond1722]

@@CarFocused I'm on Wymington Rd. You said in a previous vid you were on the B660, that's why I said local. You in or near Rushden then?

[@johnamydaniel]

I'd love to see your car one day as I've always had a soft spot for the RS , I think we live very locally.... I've got something pretty amusing as a daily if you fancy having a gander

[@forddriven8962]

yep, im not far away...would be up for a meet.......meet in the golden arches ........

[@philfg1]

Great vid. Look at the milltek ultimate non res de cat turbo back.

[@JPWarrior02]

Nice review, it looks like a blast to drive. Looking forward to the updates and videos. Although you're probably spot on, I can argue that for those who only ever got one RS option, the MK3 is special. Having owned some really powerful V8 performance vehicles it didn't take much to realize the opportunity we were given with the RS stateside. Regretfully I will never have the chance to experience what you can drive on a whim. However, how often have you felt the raw power of an SRT Hellcat? Count your blessings, I guess... 👍

[@richboy900]

I heard that with the mk3, they said they put the budget more towards the drivetrain rather than the mad styling like the body kit and the wheel arches. My personal favourite rs would be the mk1, but I'd say the mk2 is one of the most charismatic hot hatches there ever has been

[@funkateer831]

Lovely car mate,if it's a keeper,I wouldnt drop it in coilovers maybe some uprated shocks,but trust me..keep it as ford intended or you'll ruin the ride.

[@Wirefox1]

Lowering has also been linked to early drive shaft failure too. Along with 1st gear aggressive launches.

[@Willieaway1977]

Owned a 2011 green Mk2 here in NZ. Sold it as I moved to a gravel road in 2017. Still miss it now in 2023😢

[@CarFocused]

😢😢

[@powellj27]

Great to see you are enjoying the mk2. I would not replace my mk3 with the mk2. I find the mk3 perfect for modern day driving, not to mention a 3 door would be no good for the family. For the age of the car, it did sound very quiet inside the cabin, but then maybe I’m too used to my mk3.

[@richardgoodman6071]

Ok I really miss mine now, thanks

[@Sierra747]

The only thing I’d want from the mk3 is the four wheel drive. The mk2 looks so much better especially being a 3 door. Plus that 5 pot engine 😍. Modern hot hatches are all looking so dull now which is a real shame. I really don’t know what to buy next?

[@stephenthomas5737]

I agree with all your comments mine felt so much quicker than my Mk3, that said there's some sound quality issues on your video not picking up the engine sound. Its like some interference.

[@blueovalneal]

Only a few mods to mine. I can recommend Eibachs (so much nicer than standard ride), new re-circ valve (to get rid of that mouse noise) , and a new torque mount. 👍 Enjoy!

[@keithstapleton7805]

You have to drive a mk2 RS Focus to understand how it makes you feel and that's what's so special about it.

[@TekkenBones]

I know what you mean about the smoothness.... I have a Volvo S40 T5 which obviously shares the 2.5-litre from MK2 Focus ST and it's just SO MUCH NICER than a four cylinder engine. Never been a fan of any MK3 focus, however the MK4 is a very nice looking car.

[@robin_rs8072]

Lovely car Mate! Congrats again, and nice vid

[@leightoncrosby6190]

Definitely agree with on 5 cylinder I love my st for that reason I've got ram air and airtec intake plus downpipe n decat exhaust lots pops and bangs 💥💥 and yea I'm looking forward the modification that you've got planned 👌👍

[@Wirefox1]

I think the RS wheels look better in black on the white RS. I have a Sea Grey ST-3 FL and it's got all the extras trying to find a set of 19" RS alloys for it now. Love your white one. Why not get up to a Yorkshire meet in the new year ;)

[@Wirefox1]

@@CarFocused A684 from Leyburn to Hawes is the best road ever ;)

[@TekkenBones]

Cool thing about the MK2 RS is the Volvo engine under the hood will easily do 500,000 miles with correct maintenance. If you want a cheap MK2 RS, don't be scared of buying one with 150,000 miles on the clock....The core engine design of the Volvo Modular engine is over 20 years old...it's tried and tested and very well engineered. That Volvo engine will outlast the rusty Ford Focus chassis that it's bolted to, and it will certainly outlive the MK3 ecoboost engine.

[@kealcol]

I’ve a got Mountune rs500 cast inlet plenum but never got round to fitting it and my st got written off two weeks ago if you’re interested in buying it let me know. It’s brand new still in the box Mountune delivered it in.

[@johnbevan7157]

MR375 is a good performance package, Mountune will be releasing a new big brake upgrade later this year which is from EBC for the MK2

[@parmisiful17]

Yes it is true. But the older brake upgrade with alcon remains the one and only "mountune clubsport" brake 😍

[@johnbevan7157]

Angelo Salerno yep glad I was able to get it before they stopped 🙂

[@IshmaelSimpson]

I'd go Mountune MR375. It's an incredible package.

[@nig87101]

I'd love that for mine, but from what I understand, they don't sell that package anymore.

[@IshmaelSimpson]

@@nig87101 They don't, but I'm sure their HQ would accommodate.

[@parmisiful17]

The mountune mr375 is still available, but they have actually problems to get new fuel pumps...🤔 Hope they are able again as soon as possible... 😭

[@gerrard8djc]

Nice motor. Will hold her money.

[@forddriven8962]

gary mt8.....the sound of that engine , sounds great .....mk3 sounds dont sound beefy enough......if i remember back to my mk2 ...on the computer display on dash ....if you hold the button in , you can adjust the ride comfort.......whats the seats like over the standard mk3 seats....simon

[@andyt5028]

Awesome 😁 Far more character than the mk3. Since your last video, I too, have ditched my mk3. But for a Volvo 🙈. No regrets though!

[@andyt5028]

Nowt wrong with a Volvo! I acquired a V60 Polestar (3.0 T6 of course) and it might just be me, but it feels far more muscular and quicker than the Mk3. The RS always left me feeling a bit short changed. Remapping helped but it never really lived up to the hype in my humble opinion. When I get bored of the V60, I've been telling myself mk2 RS next!

[@df9834]

Mk 2 is a beast, Awesome car mate. Has it had some paint, just drivers door looks a different colour, Still looks great 👍

[@df9834]

It really sticks out pal,😬 Maybe a good buffing would help hide it! Or maybe you don’t give a shit! Lol, just my friend has one, it done 30 thousand miles from new and hasn’t had any paint. Which when you look round his car you can see! But he did pay top whack for it! So I guess you get what ya pay for! Still a beautiful car pal 👌👌👌👌

[@df9834]

At the end of the day, it’s a ten year old car, so there’s a good chance it’s had paint. I worked at a ford dealership and there was lots of brand new cars got damaged during delivery and had paint. Sorry for being a Saddo pal! Car is still awesome 👌

[@davids8859]

Love the car but apart from the seats the interior lets it down, good video 👍

[@minotaur463]

😍😍 Best FORD RS 😍😍

[@Stealth_A45]

Nice car you can tell I'm also biast have one in the same colour 👍

[@Stealth_A45]

White rs crew👍

[@neilyz1414]

If you dont know these have a sport setting for the steering through the menu on the dash. Just makes it heavier and pump goes noisy

[@neilyz1414]

@@CarFocused yeah mate

[@gorbiebarrow4080]

New springs but leave the height alone. Maybe new coilovers. My mate lowered his st225 and it ruined the setup. He didn't trust himself pushing into bends etc after the lowering springs. Defo, decent brakes.

[@PocketRockets]

Get some Goodyear Eagle F1's on the bad boy! Glad you went for a Mk2, the Mk3 should have learnt from this machine ... Need to get you back on the channel, congrats once again mate

[@peter8084]

MK2 everyday, as you say the last of the RS marque with head turning street presence !

[@ICEJosh1987]

last of the RS ? but is FWD hmmmmmm

[@MrNurdiboy]

You really need to get decent tyres on it, then the handling is mega, run mine with Michelins,rest of spec is: PumaSpeed Plenum, Superchips Stage1, TurboSmart recirc, quick shift, Silicone hoses, K+N air filter and she runs like a dream, and yep like yours she is abit of a garage queen but hey :-)

[@cianwoolley9073]

Are u going to do a full mountune package and tune🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️👍👍

[@johndriver181]

Upgrade to Mountune mr375, purchase the yet to be released clubsport big brake kit

[@paddymcgirr5139]

If you watch your own video of the mk3 when you first mapped it and this video, I think you looked alot happier driving the mk3!

[@MrTezz08]

I agree when you say the mk3 isn’t as special the mk2 is just so much nicer to look at the mk3 really doesn’t do it for me I’d never double take at a mk3 but a mark 2 I can’t take my eyes of em

[@scottnairn8488]

Hi mate how many miles did you buy the car on and what kind of money for it

[@tomosjohn230]

Mint car! Do you miss your fiesta st at all?

[@25252ben]

Love the mk2 just hate they that they rust underneath so badly