Ford Focus RS driven - by Autocar.co.uk

[@IanRossDavies]

WOW! this looks amazing! and for so little money! all u wud have to do is decide between a vxr astra and this now. what would you have?

[@Wirefox1]

Filmed with a Dyson?

[@mlingmling]

I've got the RS in Green and I absolutely love it. Like what the bloke in the video says, you plant the throttle and the car just sticks to the road like glue. I love the torque throughout the gears. I had an ST before this and it suffered a lot of understeer and you felt the grip go on chicane corners. The RS doesn't suffer this problem. It is so much smoother to drive. Definitely worth the 14 month wait!

[@Richardgm99]

0-60 times are irrelevant. The RS has amazing in gear times. It's limited in 1st to protect the drive train. So point to point this is very, very fast with immense grip and a great soundtrack. Plus the visual clout of a Lamborghini and re sale values are amazingly high. What's not to like?

[@Hinloopen]

Well, sometimes us europeans deserve something nice as well :) All I can tell you is, you're definately missing the best hot hatch ever made. I don't understand why the '98 FoFo is still sold in the USA btw? We've had the '04 Focus here in EU and it frickin lovely. We've got a 2.0 16v 145hp one and it's wonderful.

[@syxxsyxxsyxx]

@TheDieselhead1 Just to add the 850 T5R was only 250bhp. Quick off the line as it had 4WD but to 100mph the 850 T5R is way behind the Focus.

[@RyanMiskimminMusic]

Actually £24995 was the base model price for the car when it was launched and at the time of this video - It was put up once a few months after launch, then again about a year after launch

[@lffit]

stunning looking car; the Focus has always handled and steered well no matter which model. And they are reliable !!! I want another one this one!

[@costadel]

Taking one of these for a test drive in a few days (in green) should be a experience

[@bellkxboy]

Ford have always been the best for value, quality and fun, the rs models have allways been amazing, i would give anything for that car. GO FORD!

[@akent46]

Wouldnt mind a HD version of this review!

[@peavyt15]

it helps with the airflow under the car and helps reduce drag

[@p30rom]

Dont they come as SST's or something? Seen a few older ones in Florida. (im in UK)

[@paulosqueak]

That new RS is pretty amazing alrite

[@NismoZtuneR34]

that would be a good comparison! especially considering the SS 'ring times. still can't believe we'll never see it in the states. amazing car.

[@gaston150]

My order should be through in 4 weeks can't wait looks awesome

[@NismoZtuneR34]

Aberdeen, and it's October now not July. Where are you?

[@barrythemoth]

@bellkxboy i'm assuming you have driven one then?

[@KillianoC]

Just look at it- an animal With that spoiler, diffuser, vents on the bonnet, big sideskirts: Just like the old homolgation specials :)

[@haloaum]

how much is the sti and evo x in UK?

[@raymondrayban]

yes this was T5 volvo engine, was the one fitted in the volvo touring cars of the 1980,s giving the rs500, sierras a hard time, if im right, it sounds AWESOME, ps when i say fitted i mean a varition or of similar design,

[@bluehiu]

does it reduce drag or increase grip?

[@NeilMagill]

It will be an interesting comparison. I guess it depends on how focused they make the R20, it could end up being a little too grown up for some drivers.

[@djskore2k9]

rofl. I like the way it doesn't understeer at all he says, but at the very end, what do we see? Yes, you guessed it! UNDERSTEER!!! Outstandingly awesome car in every way, even though it IS basically a road-going rally car. It's just bonkers! Good job, Ford. You've done it again.

[@marshknute]

When will someone compare the Focus RS and V6 Mustang? It would be an interesting battle: on one hand you have a turbocharged I5 in a lightweight hatchback with wrong-wheel-drive. On the other hand, you have a NA V6 in a heavy coupe sending its power to the correct set of wheels. If you import a Stang from KC-imports, the V6 Mustang is £3,000 cheaper than the Focus, even after import, road tax, reg and UK plates.

[@redstriker09]

it's suppose to come to the us either at the end of this year or next year, but the rs trim of the focus wilol not come to the US sadly, i want the rs to come to the US

[@TeaPea111]

I have a green one and it does torque steer... but not so much that it's terrible or anything. My previous rear wheel drive car was more of a handful (similar performance)

[@e17evo]

Got one now, it's stunning.

[@scoot2000]

Is the Bugatti Veyron powerful enough for you? ;) (Ricardo transmission, Borg Warner twin-clutch) The following also all have twin-clutch transmission (Getrag with Borg-Warner clutch): -Ferrari California -Nissan GTR R35 -Mitsubish Evo X -BMW M-DCT is twin-clutch (can get in M3). -Ford Focus (not sure if it's available on RS, definitely is on diesel Focus) VW has their own transmission with Borg-Warner clutch. Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) is a ZF twin-clutch transmission.

[@pranaykhaitan]

what does a diffuser do?

[@d123420]

so this cars coming to north america nest year (2011)???? someone tell me

[@woooster17]

I have a Mk2 UG RS....but it's slightly less blurry than this one

[@Lexyboogie]

the evo is around 28,000 pounds and the sti is about 25,000. they are a little more expensive by a couple thousand than this car but they are still in the same price range.

[@Lexyboogie]

how can you not think of anything that beats it in that price range considering performance, usability and desirability? have you totally forgotten about the mitsubishi evolution and subaru sti?

[@dowling1981]

More than the TPZ Mastodon?

[@Flabernat]

Yeah man, the Cobalts 'Ring time is wicked. And you mean the Focus won't been seen in the US right?

[@SuperE1976]

Build in Saarlouis / Germany !!! I`m working there.

[@meady200]

Try driving a Renaultsport with cup suspension like I used to for the last three years before I got an FRS, then you will be in full agreement about how comfortable the suspension feels, trust me!

[@DionysisX]

Yes it understeers, but only because there was water right on the apex, plus he was coming too fast. Overall, it's a bad ass car, fantastic looks, fantastic sound that reminds me, dare I say, of the legendary Audi S1. I kind of regret for having bought my car last year cuz if I didn't, this would have been the one I'd having for sure.

[@245thegreat]

It really is a stunning car and another reason of many i am proud to be British! :D Total bargain for what it is Ford have done themselves justice. Let's just hope it's reliable.

[@Strelkach]

Sounds nice... well, like lambo on low revs?

[@JordieMotive]

ford FTW. my dream car. it actually does tourqesteer but only a little. and the rest of what he said about the handling is true :)

[@bloodpig101]

What kind of problems?

[@sirrloin]

All the US hype right now is up in the air. There's been rumors of them getting here around 2011/12. Who knows, but if Ford doesn't bring this to the US I will be EXTREMELY disappointed in them.

[@bellkxboy]

This guy doesn't know what he is on about at all. 1) they STILL torque steer, (not near as bad tho). 2) the ride is hard and not 'amazingly comfortable' 3) they are £27000 base model price 3) I STILL want one, brilliant car!

[@StellaSteve80]

Of course it would HAVE to be the green one, that's the one I'm going for.

[@jn45672]

very nice car and good review on it, well done

[@hayksamvelyan]

please please please bring it to the states!

[@volvoali]

watched all of them, clearly you haven't cause most of them say you get torque steer, also awd does understeer your right however not as much as awd, ive had 2 cars the same and 1 was fwd the other awd and the awd was by far better, and by the way my friend has one so i know

[@jrodzy]

I had an ST for 2 years and got bored with it. The RS though looks the shizzle! 5cyl turbo really does sound great.

[@marindaniel75]

@Leonidae things have changed,i guess...

[@volvoali]

Lots of reansons, it may weigh a bit more but you wouldn't get any torque steer, its 0-60 time would be faster, you could corner faster and it could put all the power down. Ford was going to put awd on it but decided it would cost to much, however it would of been worth it

[@ApachyDaro]

I am an European and I moved to Texas (what a bad idea... oh well nice schools here) only thing i find interesting is a Mini cooper or Golf GTI here in town...

[@Flabernat]

I'd love to see this against the new Cobalt SS Turbo, 0-60 5.5 1/4th 13.9! -Motor Trend

[@kenville44]

hmmm.. reminds me of the suburu impresia last years model

[@methaman1]

Mo Fo it sounds like nothin else.... I really want it.

[@peavyt15]

it depends on how they are set up.

[@TENNSUMITSUMA]

well if less people 'know the art of driving a manual' i dont see whats stopping them from putting in the 'science of an automatic'

[@narutofan9285]

Get the focus..... in white. The focus starting price does start at about 180 pounds more expensive, but seriously. Its more practical, its more special, it's better equipped, faster, sound's a lot nicer, and probably better handling than a GTI.

[@Toledotourbillion]

Better than a Cayman (6.6)?

[@fusion01wp]

What? the one has 210 HP and the other 301HP! The one 280nm and the other 400nm plus (torque)... even heard it's 440nm!!! I've a MK5 GTi and the RS is a massive step up... I want one dammit. Would not even consider a MKVI.

[@crniyo]

i think green is cool.... also orange on ST ... thats what this cars are about.... color ... and everything else ofc, but the color too

[@joro353]

Jesus... you get so much for the money. This is an extremely hot lookin' ride. I'm getting me one of those.

[@iskman]

OKAY why is this thing not in North America!

[@gengiz]

thats hot wish it wouyld make it to australia but i know it wont

[@whitefangv]

I'm moving to Europe to buy this car.

[@gilbert243]

Love the mk RS. But, for this guy to say it doesn't torque steer is utter bullshit. It definitely has torque steer. You have to fight with the wheel on acceleration

[@gezza2k9]

that is a brilliant car to look at i would love to own one

[@ConceptVBS]

It's not an American car dude. Its a German car with a American badge on it. None of the American engineers had a hand on it. It was designed, researched and developed entirely in Germany.

[@essextunedcars]

a true rs would have 4wd? only a few ever run that kind of set up. so i assume in your opinion other fo

[@FalafelSam]

that engine is amazing; sounds like a baby V8 I really hope this comes here, and I hope people who don't appreciate it stay away so we don't end up with rich teenagers crashing it everywhere

[@C9ESH]

Thats not what i said, i didnt say that it wasnt going to be converted to 4wd, yeah it probably is. I asked you if you knew how many other ford RSs were 4wd. There are more fwd RSs than there are 4wd and basically what you're saying is that all RSs that arent 4wd dont deserve the RS badge. The RS 1600, is that not a 'real RS'. Thats 2wd

[@marshknute]

10 years ago, that corner would kill you. Nowadays, that's just not true. Just watch MotorTrend's track comparison b/ween the V8 Stang and BMW M3. The V6 outhandles the V8 b/c it has less weight over the nose. Fortunately, the new Mustang (2014) will get independent rear suspension, smaller dimensions and offer the same Ecoboost from the Focus ST (to appeal to markets with high fuel prices).

[@iFunkMasterJ]

I want one so much !

[@TheW3s]

hey the steering on that one is on the right side!!! bring it to America!!!! me want!

[@neiltunnicliffe]

Whats chavy about it? New RS is one hell of a car people moan about the price however it is a brand new car they will eventually come down in price. look smart in white.

[@justus1995]

german numberplate????

[@syxxsyxxsyxx]

There is a MASSIVE difference between American Fords and European Fords. Americans Fords are pretty much built for straight line speed (Ford GT, Mustang) Ford don't do a great amount of chassis work on them in America. European Ford is run by Germans and we all know the Germans like to make things Perfect for a car which explains why the RS cars are so good for handling. Ford Europe and Ford America are very different in how they design the cars.

[@vivs005]

144p the fuck?

[@happydappyman]

@TheDieselhead1 ford was smart with that

[@focusyellow]

very very nice car ! i wanna buy this green.

[@Leonidae]

@CSBoY007 Ford hasn't owned volvo for couple years now. Check your facts.

[@ApachyDaro]

will someone please export it to USA... please!

[@GregoryCunningham]

There's a reason why you see almost exclusively Miata's, Honda's and Focus's at Auto-X events. It isn't because they don't handle well.

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

Very nice - but - 0-60 mph in 5.9 sec is actually not fast. A bit all show and no go. I'd expect 5 sec or faster for this sort of machine, especially a machine that looks like that. Golf R with a 2.0 litre motor pushing out 300 hp as well does 0-60 mph in 4.9 sec. And has AWD. And is less flashy / more stealthy. But the Focus RS pricing is good, it sounds good, it looks good, so a 1 sec slower car than the Golf R but cheaper could sway buyers its way.

[@NismoZtuneR34]

yep - it's such a shame. makes me glad i'm moving to scotland by July :)

[@TENNSUMITSUMA]

so if this car (FROM FORD) is so good why does everyone still bad moth american cars or ford cars

[@MObar]

love this car

[@ufghost]

So funny when you see a 50-60 year old guy driving a car like this just to show they got a sportscar

[@2007TypeR]

Its a lovely car but for £27k? Bit mad innit. For less money you could have an S3 which is quicker on the straights because of the quattro. Won't be as fun to drive of course but then it's an Audi so the build quality will blow the RS out the water. (ave u seen the interior? it's still a focus)

[@fordsierraturbo1984]

it´s got a volvo´s 5 sylinder turbo engine

[@e1337prodigy]

Steering wheel is on the wrong side. I thought the RS is English.

[@Truthteller886]

It torque steer like a bitch, but it’s the best RS ever made

[@Tottione1]

The price of this car is £28,000

[@koopa1210]

Id like to see a chav be able to afford one

[@TENNSUMITSUMA]

'errrrr' ford invented the automobile, model t1 is the first car ever made

[@swissdragon15]

Seems to be getting hard to compete with european engeneering...

[@adnmoh1]

fuck mate, reminds me of the presence of the cosi escort. only if they made thid 4wd fuck you got a evo killer right there.

[@AdrianWilsonBridders1234]

We have proper handling in our Fords in the UK not vomit inducing soft wallowy Yank tanks - even our Focus ST would blow yours into the weeds - long live the 5 pot , they sound fucking mind blowing .

[@syxxsyxxsyxx]

Pretty much man, it sucks, but i think you also have to understand that the roads in the US are pretty much dead straight. Not like in europe where there is a turning every few meters of yards. I do bet though if the Germans built the Mustang it would be a completely different animal.