I'm somebody who is a car fan and stays up on news in the auto industry, but I don't have a lot of technical knowledge of cars (i.e. if you told me what was wrong with your car I would understand but if you wanted me to go under the hood and tell you the problem or fix it I would be useless). I feel as though this presenter is similar in that respect; however, he was able to review a car and make it interesting and cause you to connect emotionally with the car. I think people that don't have all the technical knowledge in the world but can still give valuable feedback on a car are some of the most interesting journalists, so well done AutoTrader.
+Jack Naylor definitely an enjoyable and enthusiastic guy, although he did say "really" 16 or 17 times. I took a public speaking class and it's impossible not to notice anymore😑
It looks like Ford have recaptured the spirit of the old Mitsubishi Evo 5/6 with this car....Basically a 4wd rally car for the road capable of huge extreme angle drifts! Looks like massive fun! :-D Golf R and Civic Type R simply can't do that crazy drifting stuff and also cost more. BMW 135i can but I suspect that will be much less controllable in wet weather than the 4wd RS. Seems like a great all round car, and good value too. Good job Ford.
+soundseeker63 In Canada, the Golf R starts at $39k and the RS starts at $45k. No word on the Civic but it is most likely in that mid 40s as well. Sure you get an extra 45hp for 5k, but in the long run.. it's still a Ford. In 5 years it will have the lowest resale of the bunch and who knows about reliability. It looks like a lot of fun, but investing close to 50k in a Ford hatch is ehhhh....
theCoachCGY Actually Fords with an RS badge have a cult following (in the UK at least) and tend to hold on to their value very well. If Ford ensures production doesn't surpass demand I'd bet on it holding its value better than a Golf R or 135i, both of which are now way too common and heavily discounted new. Civic could be an interesting one. Honda are usually reliable and do well for residual value but the Type R is a divisive looker.
soundseeker63 I can see how Ford in the UK would have quite a bit more of a following. You guys were blessed with various RS and Cosworth's over the years. In North America, we generally view Ford as typical American garbage. Mind you, Ford has come a long way in recent years and the commitment to have their performance division engineered in Germany is nice. The issue that Ford will have here is the same issue that Toyota and Honda had with MR2's, Celica GTS's and various Type R models; yeah, they are amazing cars, but North America doesn't buy enough performance cars to warrant the investment for 15,000 sold units per year. We don't have the roadways for it. We need huge cruisers. Maybe on the basis that we know that this is probably short lived, the RS will retain its value fairly well. I still feel like Honda and VW will hold it better over here and there will be a lot of people that will jump into an Audi S3 or the wait for the new 395hp CLA AMG because 50k for a Ford hatch is reaaally tough to swallow.
Miatacrosser VW is the biggest auto manufacturer in the world. They won't be going anywhere. The Golf R which is priced at $39k to start in Canada is an absolute steal against a starting $46k RS. I would be weary about owning either of them outside of warranty. Obviously one is German and the other is using a whole host of advanced AWD technologies, which could make a grown man cry when the car hits 100k miles. Obviously, it all comes down to personal feel and style. Personally, I will wait for the Type R to come out and make an informed decision from there. My 1.8L 200hp DOHC VTEC engine ate 5.0L mustangs alive back in my racer boy days and being a huge fan of F1 and never seeing an American constructor compete, I've always been a fan of imports over domestics, which until recently, have lived with a reputation of being cheap, disposable and delivering linear american power without the slightest bit of handling. Of course that has changed over the last few years and as I've said, I am impressed with Ford's newer vehicles. The EcoBoost is surprisingly powerful, yet it's still too new for reliability ratings. People up here buy F-150s like ziplock bags, yet the majority are purchasing the V8s instead of the EcoBoost 6's. I love what new Ford is doing, but are you honestly going to buy a $50,000 Focus?
theCoachCGY You do realise that both the Golf R and Focus RS are 4wd and both are Built in Germany....? I'll admit Honda reliability is widely known to be great but I disagree about the Focus beimg a risk. This generation of Focus has been around since 2011 and the engine is basically the same ecoboost unit you can get in the Mustang and various other Fords for a while now, and the 4wd system is an improved version of that in the Kuga, so although the RS is technically new, it is based on proven mechanicals and I've not heard any horror stories about the regular Focus of this generation or the other 2.3 Ecoboost powered models so, yes I honestly would trust it to be a reliable car. There are still loads of early '98 and 99 reg Mk1 Focus's in the UK with big milages that is testament to how much Ford quality has come on in the last 20 years. To put that in perspective the Mk5 Escort was built with an odometer that only went upto 99,999 miles..... They sold in their millions but you seldom see one about now even though production went on until '00. Ford (Europe) are genuinely decent cars and have been for quite a while now. Ford US I can't comment on though.
What I don't understand is people commenting on every video of the Focus RS saying 'X car is better than this because of Y'. These aren;t group test videos, they are reviews of the Focus RS. Which is evidently a very good car. Truth be told, you will struggle to buy a 'bad' car these days...
+Jammy Gaming It's mostly SI RICKO with his insecurity issues making multiple accounts to prove to the world nothing can beat his fantasy 500whp Ebay turbo PepBoys CRX or how the Type R (which is still vaporware in the States) is better. He is on every Focus RS video doing it lol, for a Hondafangirl it is doing a good job promoting the new Focus RS in views. Keep up the great work. :P
+Ted Nugent well the dodge neon srt will smoke this car but who wants to drive that pos. lol. the crx isnt that fast a car. hondas fastest car was an s2k with an added turbo and mods get you in the 12s on the strip and handle like a beast. honda hasnt made a fast car in the states in forever. they took their tech as far as they can go and now finally adding turbos to the lineup. i applaud honda for taking their engines this far but we need the type R here. i dont think honda will do it because its brand is safety. i imagine kids will buy the Type R and wrap it around a pole. honda needs to bring back the s2k. best car they ever made. the crx follow up cr z is a joke.
+br4incell Exactly, Hector's tincan shitbox can be built for X amount of whp but if you believe that Joe Schmoe's Pep Bois tin can is better than high tech factory engineering and components from any major manufacturer when it comes to cooling, lap after lap, overall reliability then you are a moron lol. I agree Honda has lost its way and I do not see how we are going to get a "Type R" out of our watered down midsized car Civic chassis. Honda is no longer an innovator but a follower. There is a rumoured S2k coming out but it will not be the exclusive classic high revving sports car it used to be, it will probably be a turbo engined that is produced on the same line up as their pedestrian engines. Heck in this day an age I would not be surprised if it is only offered with a DCT and not a true manual. Fanboiz are riding on the coat tails of the past going extinct 80's/90's chassis instead of noticing Honda is not the lightweight sport compact with value they used to be. Ford is what Honda and Dodge used to be about, offering lightweight quick cars for great value, you should see the amount of previous Si owners jumping ship to Focus STs lol.
+Andrew C - I never thought I would either until I came across a Focus ST back in '14. Thing won me over so I got it, it's not a beast like the RS by any means, but it's ridiculously fun to drive, especially in a good set of twists.
grimcity the interiors on those are so cheap though, i drove my buddies. Was almost immediate i started to hear rattles, that shit drives me nuts. but it was a nice driving car
+Andrew C I owned a BMW 135i that had a constant rattle, traced it to the amp fitted inside of the rear fender due to the Harman Kardon soundsystem (most expensive sound option). Sold the car. Bought something cheap where I don't give a shit about rattles, I turn the sound up and enjoy my House music. And I ride a 650 Ninja for fun where nothing rattles other than your senses. If you take cars too seriously you are doomed.
+Andrew C - I can't relate to anything rattling. Maybe it's because I've got the ST3 as opposed to the base. While it's not quite a GTI, the interior seems like a few dozen steps above a WRX or an Evo (only similar rides I can compare to first hand).
Gotta love the haters! 2011 STi owner here; this car is fantastic. I love my STi, but Ford really outdid themselves on this car! Finally, something domestic that is competitive with a market that Subaru/Mitsubishi have dominated for a while. Can't wait to take it for a spin!
This car is very exciting. This and the golf R will hopefully get subaru to finally give the sti a new engine. I think I would still want this more, but a little competition is healthy for everyone.
So, look at 4:46 in 1/2 time and look at that driver side front tire dance. Is that from crazy under steer until the over steer kicks in or just from the immense grip and amazing cup tires?
this car is unreal for stock. it would be more than prefect for every day. I bet with a simple flash tune you could be looking at a 400 hp hatch. I want one :(
Interesting point you bring up actually. I have no idea if any of the Mustangs engines are sourced form Germany. It's counterintuitive to have them shipped over for the European domestic market. Clearly we both know that all of the RS's will be built in Germany.
The Type-R is the fastest of all of these at the Nurburgring and a few other tracks. It's got the best 6 speed manual of this entire group. It's at least ~200lbs lighter than any of the AWD options.
Anyone know how comfortable those optional bucket seats are compared to the leather Recaro's you otherwise get with it? Are they any wider than the recaro's that come with the ST?
+J Thom Bucket seats are not as well padded as the standard items, with slimmer cushions, and a narrower mid section, but still comfy enough.However, they are mounted quite high up - and ideally you want to sit as low as possible.
Auto Trader Hey! I really appreciate the reply! I dont mind slimmer cushions and less padding, I dont think a well formed seat necessarily needs them so I'm sure it will be fine in that aspect. I find in the Focus that the higher mounted seating position is pretty standard for the car, there definitely is no "sitting on the floor" with this rig. Just that those recaro's in the ST(3) have especially narrow thigh bolsters and the side bolsters maybe are juuuust wide enough. I dont mind aggressively bolstered seats, I've had them plenty, but these ones are just 'tight' (I suppose I'm not a rail thin guy but I'm not "fat"). I struggle to be ultimately comfortable with it and in its way more than anything else amplifies the idea of this being a small car. Was hoping those 'NEW' optional recaros were not as narrow (tho I'm all for being aggressively bolstered). I'll keep my eye on this.
I can tell you it will be reliable. it has an eco boost engine. they are almost instructutable. it won't be like the original diesel focus. I know this cuz I work for a ford dealership in a workshop.
Amen👍🏻😜... I am still skeptical cause this baby is loaded of tight technologies and all wheel drive it's pretty new for Ford. What keep me excited it's MADE IN GERMANY✌🏻️✌🏻. Yeahhh! I still hate those flat side fenders... Come on!!! Give it some shoulders dam it!!!
Probably fabricated, ford has cheated with exhausts creating artificial noises in the cabin using speakers before like with the ST. But who knows it could be real
+Prince David Ford has a series of videos that they released documenting the production of the RS, and they cover how it is in the snow during one vid. I believe it is the 5th one? I could be wrong. In Canada the car comes with 18inch rims with winter tires on top of the 19inch forged rims it comes with, so I am betting ford thinks it'll be pretty good.
Hi, I have a quick question. There's actually not a lot of Fords (new Fords) in Croatia where I'm from, and I'm seriosuly considering buying a 1.0 125HP Focus, hopefully this year. I would like to know how reliable are they (the engines)? I've never driven a turbo petrol, and I'm not quite sure how it would do considering it's a fairly small 3pot. Is it safe to assume it would be good for at least 80K miles before any possible major repairs? Of course, with proper maintenance and reasonable driving?
I just ordered my RS today and I am so confused as to how to get the blue piping on the sides of the seats! I just placed the order today and can still make changes. Anyone know?
At 4:50 you can see that the front Tyre is actually rotating out of its axis like it's gonna pop out. That means there in no torque differential at front axle. What a shame for a 30 thousand car.
Subaru really needs to get its game up, in Australia the Rs will be sold for $51k where it's around the same price for the wrx sti but has more power etc.
showed this car to my wife even though she loved Old Subaru Hatches she said NO within 2 seconds, so we got a new Sti and I just had my stage 3 put on and im making 300whp/340tq on only 19.5psi in sport#! no overboost bandaids needed like this thing. Dealers WILL be marking up this upside-down, ball-sack looking car by $5-7k. Subaru is ALREADY selling the S207 (in japan) w/ active dampners, 10:01 rack!! and real diff vectoring....alot of people dislike this car looks wise and wish it had more width. I really want to like this but cant.
+05EVORS On the bright side, they'll be all over the used market in 4 years for less than half the price because someone "drifted" an RS into a parking block. Sounds like a possible win for me.
Agreed with the other commenters. Nice review. Who is the driver though doing all the power slide/drifts in this piece? Did Auto Trader borrow the Stig while TG is regrouping!
I owned a2017 Ford focus. Loved it! I need a bigger car because of the pot holes and ruff roads around here. I wanted the same performance × 10 and the the power of my 2016 challenger 6.4 RT. but something that would stick to the road!. Could not get the C8 vette. A 20201ss.camaro Lt1. Even better!!! Got one before the chip shortage. Yea!!
Ford has built a global winner with great performance at a great price and you get many cool innovations like drift mode and the all wheel drive system . I am not a Honda fan when they built the first NSX and 6 speed legend it really looked like they were heading the right direction but sense 92 nothing's happened except a 300 plus hp Honda that takes almost 6 secs to get to 60mph and rock hard seats with plastic everywhere . Maybe it needs a eBay turbo .
I notice a lot of tests dont wear helmets on the track, surprised at this as one quick snap and your head whacks the window frame, possible with really bad result.
Though I like him better than most as a presenter, I expected the car to be in drift mode the way he was hitting the corners in the first bit of footage that he was on the track, at least until he actually turned on drift mode. Perhaps it was just that it made for better video, but the way he was so far from the apexes and seemingly spinning the tires half way through I wasn't sure if he didn't know how to drive or just an editor picking the most exciting bits, especially with cup tires. Either way it didn't do the car justice, or at least that is my hope. I think I'll hang on to my STi until I at least drive one.
ever since I owned a Ford puma racing I'm in love with ford specially the ST and RS version, if I didn't have a company car I would definitely buy this car if they have it in 2 door version
The Ford RS was all over the place round the corner's! the back end was going side to side.watch the Honda Type R its glued to the road when it goes round corner's.
+Lane Morrow we shall see won't we.Let's see if it can go round the Nuriburgring in 7minutes and 50secs because that is what the Honda Type R did it in.It even beat the Audi Rs round the track which Has the same BHP as the Ford Rs and has more top end 170mph Mmmmm interesting
You're not gonna be able to buy this car in the US for MSRP . I already inquired at my local dealer and they told me that each dealer is only getting three units allocated to them and they are going to ask 5000 over MSRP which puts this car roughly in the $42,000 range . Sweet car but I'm not paying 42 grand for a fucking Ford focus.
Biggest Brembo brakes ever fitted on an Focus he said, but in the rear they must forgot to put Brembo brakes on, in the rear brake caliper design is the same as on an Focus 1.6.
+CC-19-3896 Breaker It's official, SI RICKO is a lying coward who erases comment that expose him as a lying ricer lol. He goes on all the Focus RS videos because he is jealous that Honda has been reduced down to an appliance manufacturer. Then he goes on about how his "500WHP" CRX with no dynosheets, timeslips, videos can beat anything. Internet failure at its best. =)
+CC-19-3896 Breaker You're just mad because I blocked you esse, even though it's not like you can't make fun of me anywhere else esse. Actually I am just butthurt because I drive a rusty primered out CRX holmes. My CRX smells like ass doe esse, life sucks for me.
I'm somebody who is a car fan and stays up on news in the auto industry, but I don't have a lot of technical knowledge of cars (i.e. if you told me what was wrong with your car I would understand but if you wanted me to go under the hood and tell you the problem or fix it I would be useless). I feel as though this presenter is similar in that respect; however, he was able to review a car and make it interesting and cause you to connect emotionally with the car. I think people that don't have all the technical knowledge in the world but can still give valuable feedback on a car are some of the most interesting journalists, so well done AutoTrader.
actually like this presenter. good work autotrader
+Jack Naylor for somereason he reminds me of Jenson Button
+Jack Naylor definitely an enjoyable and enthusiastic guy, although he did say "really" 16 or 17 times. I took a public speaking class and it's impossible not to notice anymore😑
+Jack Naylor I thought the same, I think it makes a big difference when the presenter is clearly having fun though.
+Jack Naylor Kinda bored me!
+Jack Naylor Too bad he's not the one driving the car hard
I'd take this over the sti any day
+schmo7777 But you'll still have a focus.
+the DOS or you'll still have an Impreza.
+Sam Webb nice one lol 👍👍👍
Sam Webb And I'd be still damn proud.
Sti's are fading into irrelevance with all these new performance cars coming out.. I'm looking forward for the new Civic Type R!!
Just imagine when the RS starts getting aftermarket exhausts and widebody kits 500+hp oh my god...cant wait!
It looks like Ford have recaptured the spirit of the old Mitsubishi Evo 5/6 with this car....Basically a 4wd rally car for the road capable of huge extreme angle drifts! Looks like massive fun! :-D
Golf R and Civic Type R simply can't do that crazy drifting stuff and also cost more. BMW 135i can but I suspect that will be much less controllable in wet weather than the 4wd RS. Seems like a great all round car, and good value too. Good job Ford.
+soundseeker63 In Canada, the Golf R starts at $39k and the RS starts at $45k. No word on the Civic but it is most likely in that mid 40s as well. Sure you get an extra 45hp for 5k, but in the long run.. it's still a Ford. In 5 years it will have the lowest resale of the bunch and who knows about reliability. It looks like a lot of fun, but investing close to 50k in a Ford hatch is ehhhh....
theCoachCGY
Actually Fords with an RS badge have a cult following (in the UK at least) and tend to hold on to their value very well. If Ford ensures production doesn't surpass demand I'd bet on it holding its value better than a Golf R or 135i, both of which are now way too common and heavily discounted new. Civic could be an interesting one. Honda are usually reliable and do well for residual value but the Type R is a divisive looker.
soundseeker63 I can see how Ford in the UK would have quite a bit more of a following. You guys were blessed with various RS and Cosworth's over the years. In North America, we generally view Ford as typical American garbage. Mind you, Ford has come a long way in recent years and the commitment to have their performance division engineered in Germany is nice. The issue that Ford will have here is the same issue that Toyota and Honda had with MR2's, Celica GTS's and various Type R models; yeah, they are amazing cars, but North America doesn't buy enough performance cars to warrant the investment for 15,000 sold units per year. We don't have the roadways for it. We need huge cruisers. Maybe on the basis that we know that this is probably short lived, the RS will retain its value fairly well. I still feel like Honda and VW will hold it better over here and there will be a lot of people that will jump into an Audi S3 or the wait for the new 395hp CLA AMG because 50k for a Ford hatch is reaaally tough to swallow.
Miatacrosser VW is the biggest auto manufacturer in the world. They won't be going anywhere. The Golf R which is priced at $39k to start in Canada is an absolute steal against a starting $46k RS. I would be weary about owning either of them outside of warranty. Obviously one is German and the other is using a whole host of advanced AWD technologies, which could make a grown man cry when the car hits 100k miles. Obviously, it all comes down to personal feel and style. Personally, I will wait for the Type R to come out and make an informed decision from there. My 1.8L 200hp DOHC VTEC engine ate 5.0L mustangs alive back in my racer boy days and being a huge fan of F1 and never seeing an American constructor compete, I've always been a fan of imports over domestics, which until recently, have lived with a reputation of being cheap, disposable and delivering linear american power without the slightest bit of handling. Of course that has changed over the last few years and as I've said, I am impressed with Ford's newer vehicles. The EcoBoost is surprisingly powerful, yet it's still too new for reliability ratings. People up here buy F-150s like ziplock bags, yet the majority are purchasing the V8s instead of the EcoBoost 6's.
I love what new Ford is doing, but are you honestly going to buy a $50,000 Focus?
theCoachCGY
You do realise that both the Golf R and Focus RS are 4wd and both are Built in Germany....?
I'll admit Honda reliability is widely known to be great but I disagree about the Focus beimg a risk. This generation of Focus has been around since 2011 and the engine is basically the same ecoboost unit you can get in the Mustang and various other Fords for a while now, and the 4wd system is an improved version of that in the Kuga, so although the RS is technically new, it is based on proven mechanicals and I've not heard any horror stories about the regular Focus of this generation or the other 2.3 Ecoboost powered models so, yes I honestly would trust it to be a reliable car. There are still loads of early '98 and 99 reg Mk1 Focus's in the UK with big milages that is testament to how much Ford quality has come on in the last 20 years. To put that in perspective the Mk5 Escort was built with an odometer that only went upto 99,999 miles..... They sold in their millions but you seldom see one about now even though production went on until '00. Ford (Europe) are genuinely decent cars and have been for quite a while now. Ford US I can't comment on though.
I watched this video with a big smile in my face!! I will have this car no matter what!!
How come this channel ONLY has 57,000 subscribers? Its way better than most yt channels in america that have +400,000 subscribers
+Edison Widener Thanks for your comment it's much appreciated. Spread the word!
What I don't understand is people commenting on every video of the Focus RS saying 'X car is better than this because of Y'. These aren;t group test videos, they are reviews of the Focus RS. Which is evidently a very good car. Truth be told, you will struggle to buy a 'bad' car these days...
mitsubishi mirage. its close to a yugo as you can get lol
+Jammy Gaming It's mostly SI RICKO with his insecurity issues making multiple accounts to prove to the world nothing can beat his fantasy 500whp Ebay turbo PepBoys CRX or how the Type R (which is still vaporware in the States) is better. He is on every Focus RS video doing it lol, for a Hondafangirl it is doing a good job promoting the new Focus RS in views. Keep up the great work. :P
+Ted Nugent well the dodge neon srt will smoke this car but who wants to drive that pos. lol. the crx isnt that fast a car. hondas fastest car was an s2k with an added turbo and mods get you in the 12s on the strip and handle like a beast. honda hasnt made a fast car in the states in forever. they took their tech as far as they can go and now finally adding turbos to the lineup. i applaud honda for taking their engines this far but we need the type R here. i dont think honda will do it because its brand is safety. i imagine kids will buy the Type R and wrap it around a pole. honda needs to bring back the s2k. best car they ever made. the crx follow up cr z is a joke.
+br4incell Exactly, Hector's tincan shitbox can be built for X amount of whp but if you believe that Joe Schmoe's Pep Bois tin can is better than high tech factory engineering and components from any major manufacturer when it comes to cooling, lap after lap, overall reliability then you are a moron lol. I agree Honda has lost its way and I do not see how we are going to get a "Type R" out of our watered down midsized car Civic chassis. Honda is no longer an innovator but a follower. There is a rumoured S2k coming out but it will not be the exclusive classic high revving sports car it used to be, it will probably be a turbo engined that is produced on the same line up as their pedestrian engines. Heck in this day an age I would not be surprised if it is only offered with a DCT and not a true manual. Fanboiz are riding on the coat tails of the past going extinct 80's/90's chassis instead of noticing Honda is not the lightweight sport compact with value they used to be. Ford is what Honda and Dodge used to be about, offering lightweight quick cars for great value, you should see the amount of previous Si owners jumping ship to Focus STs lol.
+br4incell on what planet is a Neon SRT4 faster than a new Focus RS? Because it sure as fuck isn't this planet.
never thought id want a ford focus haha
+Andrew C - I never thought I would either until I came across a Focus ST back in '14. Thing won me over so I got it, it's not a beast like the RS by any means, but it's ridiculously fun to drive, especially in a good set of twists.
grimcity the interiors on those are so cheap though, i drove my buddies. Was almost immediate i started to hear rattles, that shit drives me nuts. but it was a nice driving car
+Andrew C I owned a BMW 135i that had a constant rattle, traced it to the amp fitted inside of the rear fender due to the Harman Kardon soundsystem (most expensive sound option). Sold the car. Bought something cheap where I don't give a shit about rattles, I turn the sound up and enjoy my House music. And I ride a 650 Ninja for fun where nothing rattles other than your senses. If you take cars too seriously you are doomed.
+Andrew C - I can't relate to anything rattling. Maybe it's because I've got the ST3 as opposed to the base.
While it's not quite a GTI, the interior seems like a few dozen steps above a WRX or an Evo (only similar rides I can compare to first hand).
***** you're paying north of $40,000 for any car it better be a good fun and comfortable drive
Gotta love the haters! 2011 STi owner here; this car is fantastic. I love my STi, but Ford really outdid themselves on this car! Finally, something domestic that is competitive with a market that Subaru/Mitsubishi have dominated for a while. Can't wait to take it for a spin!
Why did I watch this video?
Now I want this car.
This journalist did a great job, best focus rs review I've seen so far. Cars nutty
Sike
This car is incredible! What a great review too! Keep it up AT! +1 subscriber
+Alex Cruz Thanks Alex!
scam scammer cheating cheat Ford Focus RS use japan engine yamaha,nssan,mazda6 turbo not ford cheating scam scams
This car is very exciting. This and the golf R will hopefully get subaru to finally give the sti a new engine. I think I would still want this more, but a little competition is healthy for everyone.
I can't wait to drive this!!
Perfect recipe is, advance awd, usable ride height (for regular streets/ dirt roads), 4cyl turbo rally monster
So, look at 4:46 in 1/2 time and look at that driver side front tire dance. Is that from crazy under steer until the over steer kicks in or just from the immense grip and amazing cup tires?
SUBARU PLEASE MAKE A DRIFT MODE!!!
+Blake's Garage if you can't already drift a Subaru, you don't require "drift mode"
Although I'm more of a Ford guy, Subaru has had a "drift mode" in the form of their driver adjustable center differentials for over a decade now.
+BobDingle25 yeah what, 55-60 max? Using same engine for decades now.
+David Hoffman, and youre point is? Im pushing almost 400hp on that 05 sti engine with no issue, ever.
+Blake's Garage Buy a BRZ.
I wonder if a driver can make the drift mode work to an advantage in corners by making it have a higher rear bias and still gripping it tight
this car is unreal for stock. it would be more than prefect for every day. I bet with a simple flash tune you could be looking at a 400 hp hatch. I want one :(
How is the road compliance in normal mode? Can it be used comfortably as a daily driver in less than ideal roads?
After what I have seen of the Honda Type R and Ford RS They are going to be very close rivals!
I like the magic changing seats it has.
So to this day the evo is one of the best handling cars I ever owned. Wonder how this compares stock to stock.
I bet the tuning companies are working day and night getting stuff ready for this car. Expect to see 600 BHP focus's on a road near you soon!
Yeah. I think I'll be more than happy with at least a stage 1 rs.
Is that the standard exhaust system?
yes
u asked coz it's like orgasm to your ears right???
right
Great review! If the tiny Figo can handle so well, you know the RS will blow your socks off!
Beautiful camera work beautiful car. Keep up the great reviews
diffuser makes down force? ? really? are you sure? rally bred 5 pot on old rs. rally bred?? was it?
what about the weight? Does one feel it a lot on the direction changes?
is this car really hands over better than the 2016 subaru sti? the numbers say yes, but never had driven this car are they close?
It seems to be understeering pretty badly at 4:48.
+pandaK9 mmm Drift mode?
Interesting point you bring up actually. I have no idea if any of the Mustangs engines are sourced form Germany. It's counterintuitive to have them shipped over for the European domestic market. Clearly we both know that all of the RS's will be built in Germany.
The Type-R is the fastest of all of these at the Nurburgring and a few other tracks.
It's got the best 6 speed manual of this entire group.
It's at least ~200lbs lighter than any of the AWD options.
Was this video shot in Valencia?
wow! excellent test.
Did they mentioned whats the fuel economy?
Amazing car!. I have the Fiesta ST and I love it sooo much. I can't wait for the Fiesta RS going off the Focus RS
Sorry this didn’t age well dude :(
Anyone know how comfortable those optional bucket seats are compared to the leather Recaro's you otherwise get with it? Are they any wider than the recaro's that come with the ST?
+J Thom Bucket seats are not as well padded as the standard items, with slimmer cushions, and a narrower mid section, but still comfy enough.However, they are mounted quite high up - and ideally you want to sit as low as possible.
Auto Trader Hey! I really appreciate the reply! I dont mind slimmer cushions and less padding, I dont think a well formed seat necessarily needs them so I'm sure it will be fine in that aspect.
I find in the Focus that the higher mounted seating position is pretty standard for the car, there definitely is no "sitting on the floor" with this rig. Just that those recaro's in the ST(3) have especially narrow thigh bolsters and the side bolsters maybe are juuuust wide enough.
I dont mind aggressively bolstered seats, I've had them plenty, but these ones are just 'tight' (I suppose I'm not a rail thin guy but I'm not "fat"). I struggle to be ultimately comfortable with it and in its way more than anything else amplifies the idea of this being a small car.
Was hoping those 'NEW' optional recaros were not as narrow (tho I'm all for being aggressively bolstered). I'll keep my eye on this.
Auto Trader
n do
I wonder when a 8 speed will be available for any car?
Hi Pedro here the vw gti is s great little hatchback. Kinda refined yet not so refined, its great at the track, any track!
Love the Gti. And Golf R outstanding.
8 years driving STI, it's about time... BUT the big question here is!!?---> how reliable ford gone play it compare to Japanese technology ??
Looool you think STI's are reliable 😂
LOOOOL yes "I think"!! I own 2, from 2008 to 2014 all the way to stage 2 without any issue... Lol noobie!!!
+Fab24hdumans hmm surprised you haven't gotten ring land failure yet lol. Reasons why I chose the Evo over the sti.
I can tell you it will be reliable. it has an eco boost engine. they are almost instructutable. it won't be like the original diesel focus. I know this cuz I work for a ford dealership in a workshop.
Amen👍🏻😜... I am still skeptical cause this baby is loaded of tight technologies and all wheel drive it's pretty new for Ford. What keep me excited it's MADE IN GERMANY✌🏻️✌🏻. Yeahhh!
I still hate those flat side fenders... Come on!!! Give it some shoulders dam it!!!
Those pops the exhaust was making.....is it done naturally like the 500 Abarth or is it fabricated???
Probably fabricated, ford has cheated with exhausts creating artificial noises in the cabin using speakers before like with the ST. But who knows it could be real
+daguzify All true - look up the "Re-birth of a Legend" series
shame they don't do a 3 door model, hope they bring out a fiesta rs aswell.
I want this car so bad, but the 50k price tag and not being able to use my ford Z-plan pricing sucks! I'm stuck with my '15 escape for now.
awesome review! i have a 2013 focus titanium, but now i want yo skip the ST and get into an RS. i have the need, the need for speed!
Good editing all the cut and paste from the B-roll
great review autotrader hope someday we ride in touch that strong toy.
Serious piece of kit?? Are you a door kicker? I didn't know the RS was a weapon, piece of gear or other tactical accessory.
Which handles better? This or the new camaro ss/mustang gt?
How does this car handle in rain and snow? I am really curious how this would compare in bad weather to Subaru.
+Prince David Ford has a series of videos that they released documenting the production of the RS, and they cover how it is in the snow during one vid. I believe it is the 5th one? I could be wrong. In Canada the car comes with 18inch rims with winter tires on top of the 19inch forged rims it comes with, so I am betting ford thinks it'll be pretty good.
Great review, like the presenters chuckles. He must have enjoyed hooning about in it. Can't wait to take delivery of mine in 8 -12 months
Wish they would've added the wide body to distinguish it from the rest.
I need this car in my nonexistent garage right now!
Hi, I have a quick question. There's actually not a lot of Fords (new Fords) in Croatia where I'm from, and I'm seriosuly considering buying a 1.0 125HP Focus, hopefully this year. I would like to know how reliable are they (the engines)? I've never driven a turbo petrol, and I'm not quite sure how it would do considering it's a fairly small 3pot. Is it safe to assume it would be good for at least 80K miles before any possible major repairs? Of course, with proper maintenance and reasonable driving?
+filips989 err Yep, no probs.
Thanks for the great review of this incredible drift machin
I just ordered my RS today and I am so confused as to how to get the blue piping on the sides of the seats! I just placed the order today and can still make changes. Anyone know?
+Chris Serio In the UK, its on the option list
7:00 it feels rear wheel drive,
I wonder just how much of a drift car does this car have in it
That is insane. never would expect this from a focus.
At 4:50 you can see that the front Tyre is actually rotating out of its axis like it's gonna pop out. That means there in no torque differential at front axle. What a shame for a 30 thousand car.
Subaru really needs to get its game up, in Australia the Rs will be sold for $51k where it's around the same price for the wrx sti but has more power etc.
Hope to heck there's a spoiler-delete option.
showed this car to my wife even though she loved Old Subaru Hatches she said NO within 2 seconds, so we got a new Sti and I just had my stage 3 put on and im making 300whp/340tq on only 19.5psi in sport#! no overboost bandaids needed like this thing. Dealers WILL be marking up this upside-down, ball-sack looking car by $5-7k. Subaru is ALREADY selling the S207 (in japan) w/ active dampners, 10:01 rack!! and real diff vectoring....alot of people dislike this car looks wise and wish it had more width. I really want to like this but cant.
+05EVORS On the bright side, they'll be all over the used market in 4 years for less than half the price because someone "drifted" an RS into a parking block. Sounds like a possible win for me.
sorry but you didnt buy a car cus your wife didnt like it and now apparently you dont because you bought its rival? bitch made
sorry but you didnt buy a car cus your wife didnt like it and now apparently you dont because you bought its rival? lol
+Keith Payne 👍
+Keith Payne 👍
Great Presenting ! More from this guy!
This car is so bad ass. Great video.
The stats on this car speak for themselves. most impressive to me is the fuel economy!
A drift setting? Get ready to see plenty of these in ditches and wrapped around trees.
Good fucking job Ford. You've been amazing for the last 4 years with the amazing cars lately.
My ST3 2.0 TDCi with 185 bhp is perfect, I can drift without a mode baby
Agreed with the other commenters. Nice review. Who is the driver though doing all the power slide/drifts in this piece? Did Auto Trader borrow the Stig while TG is regrouping!
Ford really are working their mojo at the moment - I have the ST and it is fabulous, however the RS looks unbelievably good. Time to trade up!
I love fords, they 90s and early 00s cars are already classics
I owned a2017 Ford focus. Loved it!
I need a bigger car because of the pot holes and ruff roads around here.
I wanted the same performance × 10 and the the power of my 2016 challenger 6.4 RT. but something that would stick to the road!. Could not get the C8 vette.
A 20201ss.camaro Lt1. Even better!!!
Got one before the chip shortage. Yea!!
Ford has built a global winner with great performance at a great price and you get many cool innovations like drift mode and the all wheel drive system . I am not a Honda fan when they built the first NSX and 6 speed legend it really looked like they were heading the right direction but sense 92 nothing's happened except a 300 plus hp Honda that takes almost 6 secs to get to 60mph and rock hard seats with plastic everywhere . Maybe it needs a eBay turbo .
I notice a lot of tests dont wear helmets on the track, surprised at this as one quick snap and your head whacks the window frame, possible with really bad result.
I kinda want one! with 300 horsepower I feel slow now in my 05 350z. time to upgrade.
+Tom K The 350Z is a good car, but even the ST is close in performance
Though I like him better than most as a presenter, I expected the car to be in drift mode the way he was hitting the corners in the first bit of footage that he was on the track, at least until he actually turned on drift mode. Perhaps it was just that it made for better video, but the way he was so far from the apexes and seemingly spinning the tires half way through I wasn't sure if he didn't know how to drive or just an editor picking the most exciting bits, especially with cup tires. Either way it didn't do the car justice, or at least that is my hope. I think I'll hang on to my STi until I at least drive one.
Imagine to swap the old 5 cylinder engine from the previous RS and tune to 500 hp. It will be the ultimate car.
ever since I owned a Ford puma racing I'm in love with ford specially the ST and RS version, if I didn't have a company car I would definitely buy this car if they have it in 2 door version
only comes in 5 door
So it basically has a counter steer setup. Anybody into R/C drifting knows what I mean haha. Brilliant!
Only problem with drift mode is that tires aren't cheap :)
The Ford RS was all over the place round the corner's! the back end was going side to side.watch the Honda Type R its glued to the road when it goes round corner's.
+Warren Blanch This will eat Honda like rice
+Warren Blanch Because Drift mode. Set the car in Track mode, and it will fly over the track.
+Lane Morrow we shall see won't we.Let's see if it can go round the Nuriburgring in 7minutes and 50secs because that is what the Honda Type R did it in.It even beat the Audi Rs round the track which Has the same BHP as the Ford Rs and has more top end 170mph Mmmmm interesting
+Lane Morrow in your dreams fat boy!
+SuperSayanFitness Let's see how good it is round the Nuriburgring! Can it beat the Honda Type R lap time of 7minutes and 52 sec.I don't think it will
I'm very in love with this car, but as a Volvo fanboy, why is it rebel blue? :|
It's nitrous blue
You're not gonna be able to buy this car in the US for MSRP . I already inquired at my local dealer and they told me that each dealer is only getting three units allocated to them and they are going to ask 5000 over MSRP which puts this car roughly in the $42,000 range . Sweet car but I'm not paying 42 grand for a fucking Ford focus.
+dill doe ofcourse every new car is like that. wait half a year and check again because most likely the price will be under msrp
No not every new cars like that but cars like the Mustang GT 500 and other limited production specialty vehicles are like that
cuantas mpg? millas por galon
Biggest Brembo brakes ever fitted on an Focus he said, but in the rear they must forgot to put Brembo brakes on, in the rear brake caliper design is the same as on an Focus 1.6.
I want this car. I've been wanting this car! Nice
Can you get it with a manual?
Only with a manual
+Daren Naylor Thank God!
Mitsubishi Evos and Nissan GTRs had this four wheel drive technology twenty years ago
Well done ford!
That "lightweight" awd system isn't going to last for very long, expect to pay a lot in maintenance.
+Walter Black If you work for GKN, please tell us more......
I am in love with this car!
Loving the front ends of this generation of Ford
*Thanks for the overdue Compliments from across the Pond ;-)*
What a great car. I want one so bad.
could be worse. you could be +SI RICKO and drive a crappy CRX with an ebay turbo and thinks his car is still relevant on the track.
+CC-19-3896 Breaker Did anyone say my name esse?? My Ebay turbo CRX can beat anything vato.
+Si Treecko oh no, what ever will we do with your fast and the furious CRX bro.
+CC-19-3896 Breaker It's official, SI RICKO is a lying coward who erases comment that expose him as a lying ricer lol. He goes on all the Focus RS videos because he is jealous that Honda has been reduced down to an appliance manufacturer. Then he goes on about how his "500WHP" CRX with no dynosheets, timeslips, videos can beat anything. Internet failure at its best. =)
+Ted Nugent well go figure. he might be friends with John Bushbaum after all.
+CC-19-3896 Breaker You're just mad because I blocked you esse, even though it's not like you can't make fun of me anywhere else esse. Actually I am just butthurt because I drive a rusty primered out CRX holmes. My CRX smells like ass doe esse, life sucks for me.
Why does every racing game include the focus rs??
We wish we had one here in Korea
test drove the new civic cant wait to give this a go
Who is the driver at 5:07 ?
interesting! latest Focus RS is awesome,.....