Ford Focus RS Edition - First Drive / Review.

[@coolflame18]

"I think it is the last of its kind, last of the petrol turbo engines" you were spot on mate, well done!

[@a-w429]

Screw the head gasket . this car is perfect ..

[@sparkford04]

AW, Can you really be sure??

[@a-w429]

keith morris about what ?

[@sparkford04]

That it's truly perfect after the cylinder head / gasket crap. Which has still yet to be clarified by Ford Officially with root cause explanation. Glad for you, if you truly believe. Still you have the fall-back of the 3/5year warranty ..

[@cerberus_uwu]

1:45 check the amount of weights out they needed to balance the wheels!!!

[@FezzaYT]

Great to see you driving this! Been waiting for a comparison review. Really good video!

[@FezzaYT]

Car Focused I had considered it. I think I may need to consider it again!

[@bibo159]

The edition comes with lowered seats as standard, not by as much as yours however, but certainly an inch or so 👍

[@phatt180]

Good to see Fellow RS KZbinr's chatting it up! Any RS Editions in your area, Fezza?

[@byrney151]

Is it possible to have an early midlife crisis and get one of these now 😂

[@ExhaustedOfficial]

Those seats look beautiful, and great review 👌🏻

[@sficlassic]

I'm in the US and got my edition in early 2018 and haven't looked back. I also got the winter tires and rims ( winter rims are 18 " ) and the RS car cover. Another option was the rim replacement warranty. I did break one and Ford replaced it for free. New rim $1070.00. If anybody asks what the MPG is I tell them I don't care. It's more about SPM. Smiles Per Mile. How many smiles do you get ?

[@jamesmcclendon3932]

Ford did not tell us about their goodies bag of secret Drive Modes for the Focus RS! I believe in Sport, Track and Drift has up to 3 Drive modes in each in each one! Now, I would love for those big name internet sensations (Hint-hint, Car Focused) on youtube to drag and track the RS in each of those secret Drive Modes and see how they far against the competition!

[@aaronhicks-henry9628]

I’ve literally just bought one, fantastic cars and can’t wait until it’s delivery next week!

[@perkye1239]

Enjoy bro am waiting until after winter then am getting one, if I don't I will only regret it

[@sparkford04]

CarFocused, Have you had your recall notice yet? kzbin.info/www/bejne/baiXYnaQYp2WfNk

[@kevhulme8595]

Brilliant review thinking of up grading from the fiesta st 180 which I love thks.

[@HammersruleST]

Top video , As an RS owner with similar issues to yourself with my car, I really enjoyed your videos. Keep up the good work :)

[@Cjrelectrical]

Nice one glad you stayed true and gave pros and cons . 👍🏻

[@magictorch71]

Great vid...been watching your stuff since I decided to get one...

[@steveallan3306]

Excellent job as always with the reviews Gary. Great to hear what a knowledgeable owner has to say on the Edition v the standard car. Your reviews have helped feed my RS interest, so I was pleased to see that you had just uploaded this - I'll be picking up my NB Edition RS in March - cant wait now! Keep up the good work.

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

I got offered the edition by my dealer last week my car is in Ford and getting it back on sat all is good :-)

[@grantwallace1882]

I am so excited just from watching the video ....

[@dukedaz8920]

Rs looks boss in blue 👍👍

[@gpn854]

You have an Apple watch like mine ! Perfect time !

[@simontaylor3211]

Nice, well balanced review as always Gary. Great job 👍

[@keyser_söze23]

Does the Quaife diff help with turn-in for say, mini roundabout's?

[@keyser_söze23]

Car Focused Lol, I assumed the same, got my heart set on one, but a couple if years off. I'll stick with my Racing Puma for the time being. 😉

[@alexr129]

you weigh eleven stone !! that all

[@RSFocus435]

Great Video Gary

[@Mrflatout87]

Nice vid once again mate! When will you drive the new Fiesta ST? Cheers

[@Mrflatout87]

Any idea when the launch is?

[@CarObsession]

Great video Gary, loved the exterior shots. I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of the alloys, but I like the fact you can now get a UK RS in Race Red - albeit in limited numbers. What's your thoughts on the Heritage Edition.

[@CarObsession]

Car Focused The Heritage Edition is too pricey if you ask me anyway, let the garage queen collectors have 'em. Yeah, the Nitrous Blue is simply too common, especially considering it's meant to be an 'exclusive' colour 😂

[@raw_pc]

I prefer those harder seats over the ones you own Gary. Those from this video do not make me feel too warm and I don't have the sensation of "sinking" into the seat. In my opinion those are the most comfortable Recaros I had a pleasure to ride in so far. I agree that going in and out of the car requires a bit of gymnastics though :)

[@TomTom-xh6cn]

Excellent Video and you just calmed me down with all info you said about this car coz mine will come this weekend. OMG I cant believe what I've bought :D

[@michaelprice3912]

I wish I could take you on twisties in Santa Cruz mountains with my RS I guarantee you’ll be holding on to the holy but handles. This car is amazing what ford did. cannot believe they discontinued it. But then again thank you my whole I have only one of 1000 in the United States

[@Airwolf106]

ho my rs what ever

[@jessejames1999]

Had mine now for 6 weeks , gone from evo x owner of 8 years to the rs . I'm truly impressed with the rs plus love going back to fast ford , I missed manual gearbox so much. Pops n bangs are putting a massive smile on my face

[@benbradbury3665]

Sorry it’s no RS500. Ford could have done so much but they just went to Halfords and ruined it!

[@scotty2036]

Good review nice car but they defo haven’t done enough to make it limited from a standard one...wheels 100% should of been changed

[@cossiepaul5523]

Just a update from my last message. I recently spoke to my dealership on numbers of these cars. There was only going to be 100 cars brought to uk like the focus rs500 mk2. Then it was changed to 250. Due to bad press on the recent headgasket problems sales have been very poor across the world. In a desperate move by ford they have introduced the red edition focus rs and yes they have confirmed 300 to uk. This move was to boost sales. My dealer still has one blue edition they cannot sale. This is very sad and i blame ford for dragging its heals on the engine issue. You can now say goodbye to the focus rs500 which was on the cards but now will not go ahead. Forgot to say my dealer has not taken any deposits on the red edition focus rs yet?

[@2XS]

So there are some differences between the the UK RS Edition and German RS Blue&Black (the first one is obviously the name). In Germany we get the black forged wheels but no carbon in the inside. The rest looks the same.

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Nice little extras mate,love the black roof,spoiler and wing mirrors.Not understanding the standard alloys thou.Cool stuff 😉🍺

[@moontang8966]

Excellent vid and enjoyed the comparison from someone who has genuine experience of both setups. Picking up my Race Red this week and looking forward to those pops. Quick question: I've noticed a few people with RS's using steering locks, is there any specific reason for this other than additional security?

[@74aamer]

Is this one for sale there are a few red ones still available

[@74aamer]

Car Focused do you know why they cancelled the edition model

[@keithstapleton7805]

Nice review and great to hear how a physical LSD makes a difference, even on a AWD car. You're long over due that drive in a MK2....oh which has a LSD ;-)

[@ROB33GTR]

Another good review Gary! I'm not keen on the black mirrors, roof & spoiler but apart from that it looks and sounds well.

[@kokokat98]

Nice review. Its a Ltd edition but nothing that outstanding that you couldn't do to a standard one. However would it make you want to fit the Quaife differential to your standard RS?

[@mohammedbostan9467]

shame about the engine problems mine is booked in for four days worth of tests but still a brilliant car,i would get the red one.

[@Tonyromeo1970]

It would be nice if they offered those blue striped recaro seats here in the USA.

[@leskonczyk4666]

Nice review! I personally do not like the black mirrors nor the spoiler. The roof looks ok

[@74aamer]

Can you have the quaife retro fitted

[@74aamer]

Car Focused do you know who from and is that a good idea to do

[@mossy1314]

Good detailed video mate. Are you planning any car meets in spring/summer?

[@khfjvc4632]

Not sure of the wheels tbh. But a great car. How much over the standard are they in price?

[@edjohnson1788]

Good video and you take the trouble to reply to comments. Many thanks!

[@JonathanTyas]

They are all apparently sold....is that just all sold to dealers and there are a few left to buy ?

[@hdmk213]

Thanks, a nice comparison against the standard car. Nicely shot too

[@grantwallace1882]

I saw one two days ago in Vospers in Plymouth. Very cool.

[@sparkford04]

Car Focused, Has the driving height of the seat now been improved compared to the original set up with the shell seats? What mode were you driving in? Did you put in track mode on your A/ B road blast? Did see you bouncing too much?

[@sparkford04]

Car Focused, I was thinking of the much mention shell seat issues outlined by Fezza and the aftermarket fix. See attached . kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJOkpX2vmpegmNk

[@chrisbaxter5041]

Great video superb RS keep them coming

[@Ninja238]

do you think you might get an LSD for your car Gary?

[@nks80]

They should of made these edition ones in a one-off colour so it’ll stand out more. Sick to death of seeing nitrous blue Mk3 RS’s everywhere!

[@aqua_queen]

I've only seen 3 total including my own RS here in America. At least of the nitrous blue, I dont really notice the other colors. I just assume they are not an RS.

[@Parallax62]

MEH! My RS is still at the dealership since last Tuesday. They're saying they ordered the gasket and it hasn't arrived : /

[@Parallax62]

pressure test passed. 25% for a 5 hour leak test...whew! Just heard through the grapevine that the gaskets wont be ready until March 15th....argh!

[@RR-dh5nq]

What's with all the balance weights on the front wheels?

[@edjohnson1788]

Is the 2018 RS LE definitely without head-gasket problems? Thanks.

[@edjohnson1788]

Thanks again for the great video and all of the time you kindly give for responses.

[@RoadandRacetv]

Great review as always. What about the rock hard suspension though? Failed to mention that eh?

[@keyser_söze23]

Car Focused Hahahaha

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Car Focused would it be ok for long road trips? I have a 4hr drive on Australian roads (read worse than UK b roads) every month

[@moonchild666]

Tried the RS3? Ain't much difference.

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

Got my rs back today from the recall :-) new head and gasket now it time to just enjoy :-) had it serviced aswell went to pay for it its got a free servicing and that I have 5 years warranty glad to have it back awesome car cheers Steve :-)

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

Car Focused mine was done at Exeter vospers took it in last Friday and picked it up today, I rand ford the 26th wed in the morning and said about the recall they said there was no recall at that time they rang me 4pm the same day to say the recall was live and they would pressure test it Friday which my car was booked in for a service anyway bit of luck really this is the first 1 they have done at my dealer, now they are loads booked in:-) hope yours get sorted soon:-) cheers steve

[@undefeatedchampion9674]

Nice video my car is way better though

[@cossiepaul5523]

I have one of these. There are only 250 cars coming to the uk. Fords have made 500 units. I dont know who got the rest.

[@cossiepaul5523]

I thought there was 500 cars coming but my dealer confirmed only 250. Trying to find out my build number at the moment.

[@xr2fan655]

I understand that model comes with heated seats as standard? Does it have a heated steering wheel? I heard the red was only being sold in N. America. I asked my dealership yesterday and he said the same. Are there going to be reds sold here defo.?

[@2XS]

The reds are for USA, Canada, Switzerland, UK and maybe Australia.

[@djewen]

Have they sorted the detonating engines now?

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

My rs is recalled ahh is yours

[@mrfizeg8661]

Awesome comparison review. ;-)

[@williamsrussell1]

the popping sounds like it is missing lol

[@phatt180]

Agree the Shell seats aren't as supportive as you'd expect. Unfortunately in Australia the Shell seats were our only choice. I'm not saying I don't like them but they don't hug you as much as you'd want. Overall the Edition RS is a nice package but doesn't make me want to sell my 17 RS for one, Would appreciate the LSD front diff because when I had mine on the track the thing kept overheating and wouldn't let select any drive modes.

[@phatt180]

Car Focused thanks for the reply! Have you looked at any aftermarket options for a front LSD? Would like some recommendations.

[@phatt180]

Car Focused cool! Yeah I’ve like the mounting stuff. Have the intake kit, recirc valve and a few other bits... all good quality. Have you modified your RS much? Thanks and love your vids mate!

[@gav8153]

I wonder if ford will actually make the next RS fast lol

[@aqua_queen]

It's already fast. Do you mean faster, who knows...

[@SprintHillclimb]

Do you manage to spin the front wheels on your standard RS? I am not sure what you mean when you say it has better traction? Or do you mean it pulls round more from the front now, rather than that feeling of being pushed from the rear as the torque vectoring comes in?

[@SprintHillclimb]

Car Focused that makes sense, sounds like what was said in the autocar review too. I'd have to try it but not sure I'd enjoy that sensation as much as the standard car, though no doubting it makes the car much faster out of corners.

[@edjohnson1788]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@jrlee1072]

Hope it's got the new head gasket seal on it.Great looking car.

[@60viking]

Not a problem anymore.

[@Roadwarrior92]

Great video! But god the interior looks soo dull. Shame

[@philippamiles6920]

theres no pleasing some people hey lol I love ours

[@mlukubone7134]

No extra power?

[@easyerc2226]

disappointed that ford didn't make another RS500, I don't see this as being a special edition model, no extra power and basically the same looking car outside, Ford should have offered a colour only for the RS Edition, I don't class the RED as being a special colour and given it more power, The diff is a nice touch but it doubt its worth the extra price hike. I cant help but think how good this car would look in matt black with red leather interior and more carbon touches

[@easyerc2226]

agreed ! I still remember seeing the concept at the rs owners meet at donnington in liquid blue, I just feel the mk3 focus has been short lived but lets see what the mk4 brings us !! for now ill stick with my MK2 ST :D

[@easyerc2226]

Car Focused well my st3 is running some tasty parts and I can outperform a mountune 375 rs on a straight, on Sunday I drove to Penrith in the lake district with a huge ford convoy and we had some serious fun on the roads leading to the top of Penrith, the rs is in a league of its own handling wise but in all fairness my chassis has pretty much everything you can do to it besides pillowball joints and I held him off pretty well in the corners the rs just pills better out of the corners with the response !! But to end the day one of the mk3 rs blew the head gasket on the drive back :(

[@edjohnson1788]

Actually, the last 50 RS LE's to the UK will be in orange and have a Mountune performance upgrade.

[@edjohnson1788]

Sorry. Thought I would mention it because I didn't see it in the thread. Most of the world will be getting the next iteration of the RS (if it's built), but regrettably the US probably won't. The RS is selling very slowly in the US. I tempted to buy a spare. As your video documents, for twisty rural roads the RS is so much fun; on snow with the Michelin P4 Alpine tires it's even more fun! Keep up the great work! Cheers!

[@Parallax62]

dang, makes me wish I waited for the 2018 ey. Great vid as always! BTW I have an appointment to take my baby to the dealership for the head gasket replacement per Ford recall. Received the mail today. Still love my RS.

[@stephenheyes1487]

Car Focused Hi Gary great video I wish I held back a bit and waited for an RS edition, I have mine booked in for the gasket test for next week, Iam a bit nervous about the outcome, do you think with the head gasket FSA that this will help future values?

[@stephenheyes1487]

Car Focused I read on a forum that one owner said once the gasket had been changed they noticed a difference in engine and the way it responded, so I hoping that fix will sort all the engine problems 😎

[@Parallax62]

I agree, I'm concerned a bit. I read the recall paper. One part said something about pressure testing it and check after. I say hell no to the pressure test. If it is the wrong gasket, replace the dang thing. Simple. I'll find out soon enough next Tuesday. I'll let you know when done.....wish me luck : )

[@edjohnson1788]

You may want the pressure test to determine if a bore scope is required and possibly a new head fitted if coolant has damaged the old one.

[@gerardhorrigan5402]

Great review. Anyone know where to get those RS centre caps from?

[@nks80]

Try eBay

[@gerardhorrigan5402]

Good idea. I will try. Do you have your RS booked in for the recall?

[@djwarren5081]

I'm 6'3" and large build but still move about a bit in my shell seats. Look cool though. Torn between an RS Edition or having the lsd fitted to mine. Good video.

[@JeanV1986]

Would be cool if this version had a reliable engine...

[@shanecarmonkey3716]

Complete disaster of a car doesnt deserve to wear the RS badge!

[@andywhite15]

I think I'd probably buy a standard RS and fit the Mountune Quaife LSD which is about £605 fitted. I'd combine that with the MT400 performance pack.

[@louiswilliamhicks]

I have a whole US upgrade plan from Mountune next year. All via Ford Performance, with a Warranty. It takes the car to 420 HP at the crank, 442 torque.... Stainless steel brake hoses, two piece brake discs, road/race spec pads, VX2 Exhaust, B7 Upgrade Pack. At that point I wil have to add the Mountune LSD... I also have the carbon door handles, but none of the other carbon bits. Hopefully by the time that is all completed, the car will well out perform the Edition, but be a reliable warranty covered car. Later I will possibly wrap the roof, mirrors, and get the carbon bits, but I like my spoiler as it is and I think it will look better if the roof is black and that then follows too the spoiler center only, instead of the spoiler looking like they forgot to paint it. One thing I may never be able to get is those shell seats, because they don't do them here unless you go direct to Recaro, then they won't have the RS logos... We shall see, these are all just plans right now...

[@nitrooxide2521]

Andy white mountune quaife diff is not 605 fitted lol its 605 without vat to buy so 720 plus, then say 6 hours to fit at a ford dealer at 100 per hour total 600 so a good £1200+ to have the diff fitted

[@andywhite15]

Nitro Oxide thought it was cheap. I'd still buy one though.

[@wildrain1967]

Mountune charge £1400 fitted

[@leecarleton94]

Nitrous is such a poor RS colour. Even worse they put on the LTD cars.