I really like turbo'd awd cars that can be daily driven. That's why I've fallen in love with the Evo x, wrx (sti), and focus rs. Nothing beats being able to drive in the snow, have track days, 4 doors and being able to go shopping with a single car.
Especially for European countries! It seems like European makes and models don't give you guys the luxuries of heated seats/cooled seats. Al electric seats, large digital screens, touch screens, sun roofs. I just feel Americans are pretty spoiled for what they get in a base model $22,000 car. Opposed to what you could get for a car with £15,000 which is equal. Can anyone that uses the pound chime in??
+Taylor Buckley We've never really missed the 'extras' the American market gets. So long as the car is built properly and does what it says on the tin, we're generally happy. Heated seats and cup holders are for fatties who drive because they can't walk (only kidding) xD
+eins It's like $40k in the US. Ridiculously overpriced for a Focus regardless of the engine. They made the critical mistake of pricing it at launch like it's already a collectible...nope.
+someusername121 priced competitive Golf R and WRX STi. Are there any new cars with over 300hp, AWD, sub-5 second 0-60, and other performance features much lower than 35-40k??
+someusername121 what cars is the focus rs in the states classed against, because the STI is no match for the RS. i would say this is more bmw m3 classed performance wise and look at how much an m3 in the states costs
+ZenGamer97 Buy a Puma for £500, replace the centre pipe with a straight section, lots of pops and crackles from that. OK, about 200hp less, too but you can't have it all!
+ZenGamer97 all of those pops and bangs reduce off throttle engine breaking which is weak. we don't need boy racer pops and bangs, we need performance.
+farmerkevin There is only so much performance someone can use on a daily basis. I much rather have a small compromise in performance but have this rally-car sound every time I take a drive.
+Andrew haha cant argue with you there! What is the Focus ST like though as was thinking of buying one? Ive owned a mk1 Focus RS which was amazing, a mk2 Focus ST which sounds amazing and easier to live with, but never owned a mk3 yet.
john jackson Well I got the ST3 package, and most of the extra bells and whistles like navigation and better looking rims. It's a great car, not only was it actually my 1st mk3 focus, but my 1st ford car period. I'm my opinion it's better than my friends Mazda Speed3, but it doesn't look more sophisticated than the Golf GTI
I hear ya, Andrew. Though this is going to be around $10000 more, so I think you're good. Same thing happened to me when I bought my 2010 Mustang GT and a friend showed me they were bringing out the Coyote 5.0 in the 2011's... I wasn't amused.
It's going to better than the Speed 3 when it's using a tweeked up version of the Speed 3s engine in the first place!! Yeah . The RS has the Mazda 2.3L block with EconBoost tech believe it or not !!
After reading some of the comments left here I am left feeling that some have no interest in cars instead just want to advertise their misery and disgust. The design and engineering that goes into these machines is immense and I for one can fully appreciate what Ford have created here
Finally a Focus worthy of its hype! I liked the previous 5cyl RS but it still fell away right at the ragged edge. It looks like the four-wheel-drive and lighter engine over the front axle has really paid dividends.
+EVO it was still greatly shot. i was saying it because he was really forcing the subscribe button like 5 times lol. im subscribed, Been for a long time. Keep up the good work.
Instant classic I think. People will be sad if they pass the opportunity to own one of these in the States. Maybe not a big deal in Europe, but to own something of rally heritage here in the U.S is awesome!
+master power wouldnt be saying that if you actually owned an STI, engine may be dated but its a damn good engine......like the saying goes "dont fix something that isnt broken"
pretty much every review I've heard were all positive about this car. man i got to try and save up to try and get one soon. this car sounds/looks amazing.
i love the fact that evo diaries are filmed independently because i always watched harry metcalfes videos and i felt like i was sitting next to him in the car. having no film crew is kinda the way i like to watch evo reviews 👍
How is the mk3 Focus ST a disappointment? Chris Harris got that car absolutely spot on in his review. It's not meant to be a hardcore hot hatch in factory trim, but a hot hatch for everyday use. Great engine, great steering and comfortable enough. If you want to make it more hardcore, there are loads of upgrades available, none of which break the bank.
I have a focus the se and it awesome I take it to the canyons all the time I can't image the kind of fun you could have with this beast If I wasn't a college student I would buy this right now
DZEMAG Definitely. The CX9 will be running a very detuned, and fuel efficient variation of the Skyactiv turbo. Looking forward to seeing what the full beast will be like
Malc180s Well, the new one will have over 300bhp and have AWD. I already have the current Mazda3 with AWD, and the thing is a drifting monster in snow. (check my videos)
Those roads look like a perfect place to drive the RS. I'm a little jealous! The Focus ST is "a bit of a disappointment?" I wholeheartedly disagree. It's fucking brilliant. A real driver's car with great practicality and reasonable size, that can be had for about 25 grand in the US. I'd really like to hear your criticisms of the car. The turn-in is perfect, the rear end rotates beautifully (almost like a RWD car), the power is more than adequate, the brakes are good, the clutch/shifter are very good, and the appointments are excellent for the price. I only have 2 real criticisms of the ST The stock rear motor mount (at least on the 2013) is far too soft, and the factory tune is a bit conservative. Those 2 things are easily fixed for less than $600 USD.
+scofair 1968 The 3rd generation Focus generally doesn't look right. Particularly considering how amazing the 1st and how good the facelift of the 2nd one looked.
+EVO Really not sure it does?!?! Externally a bit of a let down for me i'm afraid. Thought the same when the M3 went to 4 doors .... yes i know the M4 filled that void, but still a bit if a strange one. Why the hell do we need 'practical' hot hatches?
scofair 1968 Wait I just realized you had the previous one! Great car. By the way, I don't think 5-door hot hatches are generally a problem or practical ones for that matter. The Leon Cupra for example looks better as a 5-door in my eyes. Maybe the S3 as well.
+Marija Blazeska correct but on the fu..ing wrong wrist! A watch belongs on the left wrist and it bugs me like hell to see more and more people wear it on the right (wrong) side!!!
He mentions that they Loved the Fiesta ST but that the Focus ST was a disappointment. Really? In what way? The facts are the Focus ST out performs the Fiesta ST in every way except stopping distance on the track. The Focus may feel less tossable because its heavier and wider. The Fiesta ST only wins in the Power to Price ratio. If your talking strictly performance (stock for stock / mod for mod) the Focus ST wins every time.
This car scared the buggery out of manufacturers worldwide. The fact that the new Type R got so much more kudos than the Mk3 RS shows the bias of the motoring journalist set. One car is evolutionary & one is an overpriced ass dragger. The RS clobbers all relative competition & even outdrives the highly touted BMW M2 in the dry then crushes it in the wet. Auto journalists can't say the above because Euro manufacturer advertising $ will dry up & Honda desperately wants to pump up Type R sales to justify their GP aspirations. Ford Focus RS Mk3 = legend.
+Zymiful eh at best your looking at like a 5.1 in that.. I wouldn't say that's close to 4.7, plus I bet that's a conservative estimate, motortrend will probably do it quicker
+Langundo D same thing i was thinking lol i have a 2014 Focus ST platform is so capable, people in my club are pushing 480 hp as a daily driver lol plus with some coilovers it can compete with the best around the track
Ehhhhhh best in its class is a bit of an overstatement. I'd say the interior Is great for its price but you have competition such as the gti, civic si, mazdaspeed3 (rest in peace), and you have an even bigger selection of fwd hatches in the UK (even bigger if you take into consideration other drive trains). And it does not make power as well as some of the other platforms; maybe it's because it's a new platform, but not a lot of people can make a lot of power out of a ST cheaply.
Joshua Sanders *You don't have to worry about the engine blowing, Ford's are fully Forged and they use super duty Truck type Racing Bearings, so it'll take crazy boost. It's the lighter AWD system that if you continually flog it hard it will eventually show signs of wear, but again Ford will make it heavier duty so not to worry. The Transmission should be okay and the clutch will wear under normal use, if you beat on it hard enough it'll wear because of its smaller size, but Ford tests the shit out of their stuff lately, it's a different company, I'm a flaming Ford guy and this car is very cool too in every way. You should be dusting a lot of the competition, God I Love Fords ;-)*
Still wonder why you call a decent review "diary". But still you get all the information and all the feelings about the car here, great btw and thanks :)
+Tom Chesterflats you have to think about the segment and target audience.. I don't think many people are going to cross shop an AWD hot hatch with a RWD v8 coupe. considering it costs what an STi or an Evo costs, I think it's a good value.
+Tom Chesterflats Try $45k, that's the pre-order price at most US showrooms right now. $45k can get me a really fast 11sec car with a proper back seat and 400HP.
+Tom Chesterflats Good luck getting MSRP right now. Every dealer has a mark up on it. For that much money The Evo is better buy. 350HP, is just a boosted and inflated HP number. Evos can run 350HP easily. Much more track proven performance. The RS could be a better buy if the price drops to $30k, I'm not paying for this inflated price right now.
many years later and i still love the car to bits although I am already at the second head gasket replacement in 130 000 km on a stock car. I guess keep that in mind (and some cash aside) when you get a second hand one, some aftermarket race headgaskets and cylinder braces should reinforce it enough for stock engine power and more problem free km than on the OEM one.
Shadow8411 Read my comment from 22 of February again. I'm not talking about the way it looks, but the FINISH ADN QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED IN GOLF. Looks are enterily a matter of taste.
Henry Catchpole , one of the greatest car journalist out there and EVO what a professional channel. About the Ford , give a RS3 just for the sound of that angry Inline 5.
Henry is actually surprised, that why he looks and acts the way he does. It's that good. The rest of us should be pleased, and buy, and enjoy! That's the whole point of watching a review.
Really been looking and researching and going to dealerships, doing test drives. First the Focus RS. I was kind of convinced that's what I was going to get. Then I test drove the Golf R and was convinced that was what I was going to get. Then I test drove the audi tts. Looks awesome inside and out. Car is fast and fun to drive. Digital dash was just a really cool surprise. THEN OH ITS EVEN BETTER. New audi tt rs with 400hp in 6 months. Well that's ok. Gives me time to save my pennies. No price yet but I figure 70k. BUT EVEN BETTER. European delivery and a %5 discount. What a great way to convince your wife this is a great idea. Only really sucky thing with the European delivery is from the moment you order til it's in your garage is 6 months.
Yes overhyped. Looks just like focus st. No interior differences really. Subaru wrx/sti and evo have better reliability then ford in general. I look at it and it's, eh, alright.
+Omar Ortiz I agree with the sti but the new wrx with the fa20 gives us some hope for reliability on the engine, although I do believe the RS is a lot more bang for your buck out of the box compared to an evo or sti.
I think your totally wrong about the focus St. I drove the fiesta st, to me it was way under powered.also the RS was 15,000 dollars over msrp and they were having all kinds of problems with the motor. The focus St was a very easy pick with all the Ford rebates.
Yea sure bud. Is the gt350 over hyped? Is the Ford GT overhyped? I think they all live up to the hype. Some of these Ford cars have blown away the competition. And I believe the RS is going to do the same.
+Greb Nitty Having a MUSTANG pic on your avatar renders your comment as useless. gt350 is a great car no doubt. but just look at how long it's been since ford had a great mustang?
+santclause1 fords mustangs have always been great! Only thing they ever really lacked was good interior and power but most mustangs look pretty nice even the unappreciated 94-98 which are actually one of my fav mustangs next to the new edge and s550 mustang. Not like anyone leaves their cars stock tho
+santclause1 *FORD MUSTANG SALES ARE KILLING IT, AND FORD SALES OVERALL ARE VERY STRONG, NOT TO MENTION THE AFTERMARKET FOR FORDS IS HUGE, PROBABLY BECAUSE FORD LEAVES A LOT ON THE TABLE AND OFFERS BANG FOR THE BUCK.*
I've been on a waiting list for a test drive at my local Ford dealer. They emailed me yesterday and said they won't even be getting one now, so I guess the choice to stick with my WRX is an easy one.
Does it pop all the time or do you have to workfor those pops? My 2012 GT with a tune and Borla Axle Back has some nice backfire but I have to play with the gears and clutch to make those sweet pops. I feel like the RS had the same pops every single time, not that I care I love the Focus RS.
In a few minutes I found this to be powered by RTX4080. That was really a Netflix opening on a hud, when it's showing me weather outside or warnings like cold or hot weather. By saying front-end they meant it was a website. There is interesting story about future repairs, any shock absorber parts won't be good.
I passed on purchasing this car because of the limitations on the rear diff setup. Several reporters conducting test drives have overheated the brakes as well as the rear diff setup because of torque vectoring and drift mode. This car was going to be in my garage, but I wish the AWD system was engineered better. Why didn't they just go to a simplistic AWD layout like an EVO IX or Subaru? What's so bad about having 50:50 split? See this article for overheating the AWD system: www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/a28036/what-tuners-need-to-know-about-the-2017-ford-focus-rs/
No one review talked bad things about brake overheating. Exactly the oposite. They praise the brakes. And the rear diff overheats, but after a long day of testing non stop, and hard on 0-100 launches and lots of track laps with track and drift modes. Pretty normal. In other tests, reviewers overheated the dct boxes on vag cars and amg 45's. And these cars are a lot more expensive.
+HanksDeuce Hank, it cant have any limitations with the rear diff. It doesnt technically have one. At the Ford launch in Spain in January there was 2 weeks of 30+ RS' being caned on track and drifting on a pan all day every day by every hack in the motoring world plus a lot of professional drivers (plus Block) brought in. In all that time only once did a RDU overheat and switch the car from AWD to FWD which it will do for safety of the box. It aint gonna happen in the real world. There are limitations on how much torque you will be able to put to the rear if you tune the engine. Thats the biggest single "limitation" on the car.
Review of this Video: How I know this journalist isn't cool? He doesn't get excited about things normal everyday people get excited about which makes his videos dull, confusing and not as entertaining as Chris Harris - hope this is taken as constructive.... It's like a public demonstration of how experienced and 'dull' cool cars are becoming for him since he 'labors' over it all the time..... He's treated this focus 'RS' as 'another review' - gotta get into it more... Another thing that gives all this away is the actual TITLE of the video.... 'overhyped?' how is one of the most powerful hatches ever overhyped? Regardless, we want to see videos of people getting excited about cars.... Passion and fun should come with any car that has a bit of speed and can drift. If it's got downsides, list them but you need show your love for it's upsides.... I dare say the company he's working for is a pressure house and excitement is hard to come by naturally... Evo has potential but is far from reaching it...
Nice review Henry. Now tell me you guys are planning to do a hot hatch showdown between the ford RS, the Megane RS, the new civic type r, and the golf R? I've excluded the amg merc as it's an uber hatch and too ostentatious to fall within the same category.
Its interesting that when the Focus ST came out in 2013 everyone had nothing but praise for it for 3 years. Then when the Fiesta ST was released everyone said wait its not that good. Now with the RS it gets actual negative heat from people. I still think ts the best car for the price, not just in terms of performance but also what you get inside it.
I still kinda feel they messed up by adding doors to it. The RS was meant to be the most hardcore version. Nothing says hardcore like easy rear seat access and extra supports.
+T0m0thy You're right, they should just have windows only and have occupants enter through Dukes of Hazzard style. Why are doors even put on cars? So overrated!
+T0m0thy They didn't add doors to it. There simply isn't a thirdgen Focus with a two-door shell, period. Doing one just for the RS would make it much more expensive, and probably no lighter or stiffer since the only even vaguely cost-effective way would be for it to be basically coachbuilt.
nlpnt Ah that makes sense then! I don't really follow what the standard versions are to be honest! That is a ballache to be fair! I'm sure those doors aren't going to compromise the car but can you see what I mean?
+T0m0thy a number of Mk2 owners complained about no 3door option. But it grows on you even then. Possibly invisible rear handles would have been nice. Ford have certainly done something right though....UK orders are now full well into 2017. I ordered in early October and dont expect the car till Jul/Aug now.
Is this a pre production car? Only reason I ask is I've never noticed this in any car video before but I see the seat swaying pretty noticeably. Does this stick out to anyone els?
Great review. Why is that you quote horse power in brake horse power rather than jusy saying horse power. It seems the Britts are the only ones who do this. I'm from Canada. We don't use boot or bonnet either but I know what these mean. Keep up the great work.
I came very close to ordering one..........and veered off last minute - don't think I could live with it everyday - so I've ordered a Golf R for March 1st.
Only question i have is the reliability. If I want to modify like Evo or STi, would the transmission take it up to like 400hr whp without changing the transmission? I wonder how the engine would hold up?, STi runs forever, and Evo a little less, but how is RS like? I have feeling this car need to trashed after 50k miles?
***** Subaru has it's own market very unique with cheapest Symmetrical AWD system with boxer, but for turbo and enthusiasts arena lost to Ford this year... but i think for SUbaru, they have new thing coming soon with BRZ, so still racing.
The 2.3 engine block in the RS is the the same block as the Mazda 3 MPS / Speed 3 ..just tweaked up with EcoBoost tech.. So really the engine has it's origins with Mazda ..
amazingly the the screen shows 17,5 mpg. i think thats quite ok if you consider the hard driving. i bet you could get around 24 or so if you dont beat on it
I really like turbo'd awd cars that can be daily driven. That's why I've fallen in love with the Evo x, wrx (sti), and focus rs. Nothing beats being able to drive in the snow, have track days, 4 doors and being able to go shopping with a single car.
I don't think it's overhyped. The amount of "car" you get for the price is incredible
Especially for European countries! It seems like European makes and models don't give you guys the luxuries of heated seats/cooled seats. Al electric seats, large digital screens, touch screens, sun roofs. I just feel Americans are pretty spoiled for what they get in a base model $22,000 car. Opposed to what you could get for a car with £15,000 which is equal. Can anyone that uses the pound chime in??
+Taylor Buckley We've never really missed the 'extras' the American market gets. So long as the car is built properly and does what it says on the tin, we're generally happy. Heated seats and cup holders are for fatties who drive because they can't walk (only kidding) xD
+eins It's like $40k in the US. Ridiculously overpriced for a Focus regardless of the engine. They made the critical mistake of pricing it at launch like it's already a collectible...nope.
+someusername121 priced competitive Golf R and WRX STi. Are there any new cars with over 300hp, AWD, sub-5 second 0-60, and other performance features much lower than 35-40k??
+someusername121 what cars is the focus rs in the states classed against, because the STI is no match for the RS. i would say this is more bmw m3 classed performance wise and look at how much an m3 in the states costs
who cares about anything else. IT BLOODY POPS AND BANGS FOR CHRIST SAKE!!!
+ZenGamer97 Buy a Puma for £500, replace the centre pipe with a straight section, lots of pops and crackles from that.
OK, about 200hp less, too but you can't have it all!
+ZenGamer97 all of those pops and bangs reduce off throttle engine breaking which is weak. we don't need boy racer pops and bangs, we need performance.
+ZenGamer97 That's worth every fucking penny
+farmerkevin POPS AND BANGS HE SAID!
+farmerkevin There is only so much performance someone can use on a daily basis. I much rather have a small compromise in performance but have this rally-car sound every time I take a drive.
I got my ST, then my friend showed the photos of the new RS and I haven't spoken to him since
+Andrew
haha cant argue with you there! What is the Focus ST like though as was thinking of buying one? Ive owned a mk1 Focus RS which was amazing, a mk2 Focus ST which sounds amazing and easier to live with, but never owned a mk3 yet.
john jackson Well I got the ST3 package, and most of the extra bells and whistles like navigation and better looking rims. It's a great car, not only was it actually my 1st mk3 focus, but my 1st ford car period. I'm my opinion it's better than my friends Mazda Speed3, but it doesn't look more sophisticated than the Golf GTI
I hear ya, Andrew. Though this is going to be around $10000 more, so I think you're good. Same thing happened to me when I bought my 2010 Mustang GT and a friend showed me they were bringing out the Coyote 5.0 in the 2011's... I wasn't amused.
It's going to better than the Speed 3 when it's using a tweeked up version of the Speed 3s engine in the first place!! Yeah . The RS has the Mazda 2.3L block with EconBoost tech believe it or not !!
After reading some of the comments left here I am left feeling that some have no interest in cars instead just want to advertise their misery and disgust. The design and engineering that goes into these machines is immense and I for one can fully appreciate what Ford have created here
Finally a Focus worthy of its hype! I liked the previous 5cyl RS but it still fell away right at the ragged edge. It looks like the four-wheel-drive and lighter engine over the front axle has really paid dividends.
Man evo must be hurting for money.
+TheDustyaman This was an evo diary film, not shot by our in house film maker
+EVO it was still greatly shot. i was saying it because he was really forcing the subscribe button like 5 times lol. im subscribed, Been for a long time. Keep up the good work.
the video is great. Very well done with the sound. waiting for a full video review.
+gary d what? lol
+gary d are you sure you are commenting on the right video mate?
Flash FM is one of the radio stations in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. It was the one that played Blonde and other pop stuff
Overhyped? Hell no, I want it bad
THANK YOU, for NOT ruining another amazing car by giving to Dan to review it.
Henry FTW !!
Instant classic I think. People will be sad if they pass the opportunity to own one of these in the States. Maybe not a big deal in Europe, but to own something of rally heritage here in the U.S is awesome!
Personally I don't think it's a great car, and I'm in England. to me, it just doesn't live up to the RS name
+Luke Kindred
Yep, agree, looks bland and boring, Zzzzzzzz
Rally heritage? Are you joking
+Luke Kindred I see your point. In the states it's a bigger deal.
+pendulum1997 Yes, the rs name has a lot of heritage. What are you confused about?
Looks like an Omega Speedmaster on the guy's wrist. On a NATO. Good taste.
He usually wears a Bremont U2-51/JET on a Velcro nato strap.
I expect to see few of these everyday on British roads.
+day3002 And thanks to 'Drift Mode', the ones you do see will have more than a few dents in them thanks to owners who think they are Ken Block.
+Cosmo Smallpiece ha!
+day3002 So do we!
Henry Catchpole is the Survivorman of car reviews (at least in terms of videography)
i'm really starting to like this car and it looks really good in this color as well! i'm really considering buying one!! i NEED to test one out asap!!
I reckon Henry does a better video on his own than evo's 'chosen one' with a video team.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for yet another video review. This guy is Definitely and 100% top 5
God never wanted any hothatch so badly since Escort RS Cosworth... Man it looks great in this blue paiting...
Great video! The Focus RS is sure to be the Hot Hatch to beat.
Thanks to Ford UK for leading projects like this. Perhaps the greatest hatch of all time.
over hyped, no. do you know what car is over hyped, the sti with the same motor and transmission from 2004, now that is over hyped.
+master power wouldnt be saying that if you actually owned an STI, engine may be dated but its a damn good engine......like the saying goes "dont fix something that isnt broken"
+master power The status of a legend is not hype. You can't even buy an RS yet
+Avneesh Naran if you honestly believed that all cars would still have engines from the early 1900s. "dont fix it if it aint broken!"
+Avneesh Naran it's pretty dated. The drivetrain that's in the new WRX is way better, gets same 0-60 as the STI of the same year
+Avneesh Naran You may say archaic, but i say ITS PROVEN!
Henry is my new favourite car review guy, love him!
I would rather have a Koenigsegg.
Yeah.
You really can't compare a car that's over 20 times more expensive...
Dave Jubens You must be fun at parties....
+Rottensteam I would rather get a Dacia Sandaro, but that´s just me...
***** Sandero* please be respectful to the legend of automotive world!
+EVO I like your work especially henrys.Keep on like this and release more videos.
Greeting from Croatia.
pretty much every review I've heard were all positive about this car. man i got to try and save up to try and get one soon. this car sounds/looks amazing.
Do do you think it’s a good daily driver regarding the suspension?
i love the fact that evo diaries are filmed independently because i always watched harry metcalfes videos and i felt like i was sitting next to him in the car. having no film crew is kinda the way i like to watch evo reviews 👍
Nitrous blue, I can't wait for mine!!
How is the mk3 Focus ST a disappointment? Chris Harris got that car absolutely spot on in his review. It's not meant to be a hardcore hot hatch in factory trim, but a hot hatch for everyday use. Great engine, great steering and comfortable enough. If you want to make it more hardcore, there are loads of upgrades available, none of which break the bank.
You did all the recording and driving yourself? Bravo :P
I've got one on order, can't wait! Will be stable mate to my Porsche 964, 997 if that's anything to go by.
That baby blue is wonderful!
Is it not Grabber Blue?
@@andrewphippsphillips1455It’s called nitrous blue
I have a focus the se and it awesome
I take it to the canyons all the time
I can't image the kind of fun you could have with this beast
If I wasn't a college student I would buy this right now
Cool, now we wait to see what Mazda will do with the new Speed3.
+Bruno Danese Watch closely with the engine in the new CX-9. That 2.5L turbo skyactiv might be the beating heart for the new Speed3.
It'll be shit, like the last "speed3". Never understood what the American reviewers saw in it. One of the most boring cars (mk1) I ever owned
DZEMAG Definitely. The CX9 will be running a very detuned, and fuel efficient variation of the Skyactiv turbo.
Looking forward to seeing what the full beast will be like
Malc180s Well, the new one will have over 300bhp and have AWD.
I already have the current Mazda3 with AWD, and the thing is a drifting monster in snow.
(check my videos)
+Bruno Danese Skyactiv you can keep
Those roads look like a perfect place to drive the RS. I'm a little jealous!
The Focus ST is "a bit of a disappointment?" I wholeheartedly disagree. It's fucking brilliant. A real driver's car with great practicality and reasonable size, that can be had for about 25 grand in the US. I'd really like to hear your criticisms of the car. The turn-in is perfect, the rear end rotates beautifully (almost like a RWD car), the power is more than adequate, the brakes are good, the clutch/shifter are very good, and the appointments are excellent for the price. I only have 2 real criticisms of the ST The stock rear motor mount (at least on the 2013) is far too soft, and the factory tune is a bit conservative. Those 2 things are easily fixed for less than $600 USD.
I had the previous model, but can't get my head around this being a 5 door. just doesn't look right!
+scofair 1968 The 3rd generation Focus generally doesn't look right. Particularly considering how amazing the 1st and how good the facelift of the 2nd one looked.
+ianiva
Well said! The wife wouldn't let me have another anyway.
+scofair 1968 Do you think it looks 'RS' enough?
+EVO
Really not sure it does?!?! Externally a bit of a let down for me i'm afraid. Thought the same when the M3 went to 4 doors .... yes i know the M4 filled that void, but still a bit if a strange one. Why the hell do we need 'practical' hot hatches?
scofair 1968 Wait I just realized you had the previous one! Great car. By the way, I don't think 5-door hot hatches are generally a problem or practical ones for that matter. The Leon Cupra for example looks better as a 5-door in my eyes. Maybe the S3 as well.
That drift mode will be perfect for my local B&Q car park :)
Not really car related, but what is the watch he is wearing?
+Arch Omega speedmaster pro with leather nato strap.
+Marija Blazeska correct but on the fu..ing wrong wrist! A watch belongs on the left wrist and it bugs me like hell to see more and more people wear it on the right (wrong) side!!!
+Patrick3331 Dude, ever thought about lefties wearing watches?
+Arch I prefer Chris Harris Submariner
+RisingFear lol I don't understand all the lefty stuff, I'm one and still wear it on my left🙈😂
love that popping and banging on decel and shifting
Is it possible to get this car on 18" rims? I'm sure that would improve the ride.
you mean rather than 19''?
i think there is an option yes...(:
it'd look worse, though
+Nik Brudar Your ass would thank you.
+camryt No, there are only 19" rims and you can choose two rim-styles.
Ben Krapf lol I bet it would, but neighbours wouldn't be as impressed!;)
Really great review simple but enjoyed it
He mentions that they Loved the Fiesta ST but that the Focus ST was a disappointment. Really? In what way? The facts are the Focus ST out performs the Fiesta ST in every way except stopping distance on the track. The Focus may feel less tossable because its heavier and wider. The Fiesta ST only wins in the Power to Price ratio. If your talking strictly performance (stock for stock / mod for mod) the Focus ST wins every time.
Henry, you never cease to entertain. Friends and cat have subscribed too.
I love this stock air intake. It´s really awesome and is surely responsible for the nice sound in the cabin!
This car scared the buggery out of manufacturers worldwide. The fact that the new Type R got so much more kudos than the Mk3 RS shows the bias of the motoring journalist set. One car is evolutionary & one is an overpriced ass dragger. The RS clobbers all relative competition & even outdrives the highly touted BMW M2 in the dry then crushes it in the wet.
Auto journalists can't say the above because Euro manufacturer advertising $ will dry up & Honda desperately wants to pump up Type R sales to justify their GP aspirations.
Ford Focus RS Mk3 = legend.
Why does he look like he is chewing a wasp
Yeah, this guy is smarmy as fuck.
Wtf this was hilarious, you made my day I didn't expect that
terrible, his face has only one mode this -___-
Lol, the best description I've seen in a while... He has a look of absolute disgust on his face.
Self shot is great. Great video and detailed review. Nice to see more videos and they do the job. 👍
Honestly 4.7 to 60 is the same as a 2014 subaru wrx, that's kinda lame considering it has nearly 100 hp on it.
Dude, you must be talking about the STI. There is no way a wrx does 0-60 in 4.7. And the RS only has 40hp on the STI. Get your facts straight.
+Greb Nitty actually the wrx does. it only had 5 gears so it got up to 60 in sub 5 seconds
+Zymiful eh at best your looking at like a 5.1 in that.. I wouldn't say that's close to 4.7, plus I bet that's a conservative estimate, motortrend will probably do it quicker
naw watch motortrend hook up a 4.5 or faster , this seems like a conservative 60 estimate
+Greb Nitty facts are straight, 2014s had thr 2.5 with a 5 speed and hit it under 5 seconds easy. Research before you talk please.
Thanks for showing drift mode.
Lmao but how is the focus st a disappointment? It's the best in its class...
+Langundo D same thing i was thinking lol i have a 2014 Focus ST platform is so capable, people in my club are pushing 480 hp as a daily driver lol plus with some coilovers it can compete with the best around the track
+Matt “Mharris540” Harris
*Ford performance offers a 90 lb-ft upgrade for the Focus ST for $1800*
Ehhhhhh best in its class is a bit of an overstatement. I'd say the interior Is great for its price but you have competition such as the gti, civic si, mazdaspeed3 (rest in peace), and you have an even bigger selection of fwd hatches in the UK (even bigger if you take into consideration other drive trains). And it does not make power as well as some of the other platforms; maybe it's because it's a new platform, but not a lot of people can make a lot of power out of a ST cheaply.
Joshua Sanders
*You don't have to worry about the engine blowing, Ford's are fully Forged and they use super duty Truck type Racing Bearings, so it'll take crazy boost. It's the lighter AWD system that if you continually flog it hard it will eventually show signs of wear, but again Ford will make it heavier duty so not to worry. The Transmission should be okay and the clutch will wear under normal use, if you beat on it hard enough it'll wear because of its smaller size, but Ford tests the shit out of their stuff lately, it's a different company, I'm a flaming Ford guy and this car is very cool too in every way. You should be dusting a lot of the competition, God I Love Fords ;-)*
+Joshua Sanders Please tell me where you read that a the Ford can beat the CTR on a dry track?
Still wonder why you call a decent review "diary". But still you get all the information and all the feelings about the car here, great btw and thanks :)
awesome car but I think 35k USD is too steep considering you can get a mustang GT for the same price
+Tom Chesterflats you have to think about the segment and target audience.. I don't think many people are going to cross shop an AWD hot hatch with a RWD v8 coupe. considering it costs what an STi or an Evo costs, I think it's a good value.
they don't compete with each other so the price of the 2 is irrelevant
+Tom Chesterflats Try $45k, that's the pre-order price at most US showrooms right now. $45k can get me a really fast 11sec car with a proper back seat and 400HP.
MSRP is just under 36k and its 350 horse and 350 lb ft
+Tom Chesterflats Good luck getting MSRP right now. Every dealer has a mark up on it. For that much money The Evo is better buy. 350HP, is just a boosted and inflated HP number. Evos can run 350HP easily. Much more track proven performance. The RS could be a better buy if the price drops to $30k, I'm not paying for this inflated price right now.
many years later and i still love the car to bits although I am already at the second head gasket replacement in 130 000 km on a stock car. I guess keep that in mind (and some cash aside) when you get a second hand one, some aftermarket race headgaskets and cylinder braces should reinforce it enough for stock engine power and more problem free km than on the OEM one.
Shit and I'm living here £30,000 got a honda CRV :(
Incredible car for not too much money. Very much like a miniature GTR.
Ford Focus is a nice car, but it feels cheap inside and in overall quality impression compared to Mazda 3 and especially Volkswagen Golf.
this isn't just a focus, it has awd and 350 horsepower. would completely destroy a Mazda lol.
I like the interior of the focus, I find most vw interiors a bit bland tbh. The focus is a nice change!
Joey McMahon
I'm not talking about the way it looks, but the quality of the materials used inside and the way they're put together.
+jerry6711 ?? Golf interiors are ugly
Shadow8411
Read my comment from 22 of February again. I'm not talking about the way it looks, but the FINISH ADN QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED IN GOLF.
Looks are enterily a matter of taste.
Henry Catchpole , one of the greatest car journalist out there and EVO what a professional channel.
About the Ford , give a RS3 just for the sound of that angry Inline 5.
I want one
Henry is actually surprised, that why he looks and acts the way he does. It's that good. The rest of us should be pleased, and buy, and enjoy! That's the whole point of watching a review.
Harry Potter and the Furious Hatchback.
Good one 😂
Im looking for a hot hatch, stuck between A45, RS, Golf R..
THIS CAR SHITS ALL OVER THE A3 AND GOLF R SIMPLEZZ
Really been looking and researching and going to dealerships, doing test drives. First the Focus RS. I was kind of convinced that's what I was going to get. Then I test drove the Golf R and was convinced that was what I was going to get. Then I test drove the audi tts. Looks awesome inside and out. Car is fast and fun to drive. Digital dash was just a really cool surprise. THEN OH ITS EVEN BETTER. New audi tt rs with 400hp in 6 months. Well that's ok. Gives me time to save my pennies. No price yet but I figure 70k. BUT EVEN BETTER. European delivery and a %5 discount. What a great way to convince your wife this is a great idea. Only really sucky thing with the European delivery is from the moment you order til it's in your garage is 6 months.
Yes overhyped. Looks just like focus st. No interior differences really. Subaru wrx/sti and evo have better reliability then ford in general. I look at it and it's, eh, alright.
pffffff no way. the sti transmission is bulletproof but the engine is pathetic. you have to baby it so as to not crack any ringlands.
+Omar Ortiz I agree with the sti but the new wrx with the fa20 gives us some hope for reliability on the engine, although I do believe the RS is a lot more bang for your buck out of the box compared to an evo or sti.
+AlienNinjaPuppy The EVO is a POS had one
+AlienNinjaPuppy It most certainly doesn't look just like an ST from the front or the rear.
firerydragonsteel yeah the sti needs an FA engine asap. I'd take it over an RS anyday since the awd system on the RS can't handle much more power.
I think your totally wrong about the focus St. I drove the fiesta st, to me it was way under powered.also the RS was 15,000 dollars over msrp and they were having all kinds of problems with the motor. The focus St was a very easy pick with all the Ford rebates.
Love the crackles, love the power. But it sounds REALLY bad and the front end still looks like a dead fish
And the interior quality and look is even worse.
+Jonka Olofsson to me it sounds great for a stock car, let's see what an aftermarket exhaust system could do
It will sound bad like the Ford Mustang ecoboost with a turboback exhaust.
+Jonka Olofsson yeah but looks better then new type r. Somebody drives a type r i'm like " And there is the Takashi from the Tokyo Drift.
But the rs will probably be my next car if mitsubishi doesn't make anything new as I drive a ralliart right now.
Yeees Catchpole, nice to see you mate.
Still a chav wagon. Just look at it
Man some shots are in my town! Those roads are awesome, I wish I could've met you guys
FORD CARS ARE ALWAYS OVERHYPED.
Yea sure bud. Is the gt350 over hyped? Is the Ford GT overhyped? I think they all live up to the hype. Some of these Ford cars have blown away the competition. And I believe the RS is going to do the same.
+Greb Nitty Having a MUSTANG pic on your avatar renders your comment as useless. gt350 is a great car no doubt. but just look at how long it's been since ford had a great mustang?
just a hater
+santclause1 fords mustangs have always been great! Only thing they ever really lacked was good interior and power but most mustangs look pretty nice even the unappreciated 94-98 which are actually one of my fav mustangs next to the new edge and s550 mustang. Not like anyone leaves their cars stock tho
+santclause1
*FORD MUSTANG SALES ARE KILLING IT, AND FORD SALES OVERALL ARE VERY STRONG, NOT TO MENTION THE AFTERMARKET FOR FORDS IS HUGE, PROBABLY BECAUSE FORD LEAVES A LOT ON THE TABLE AND OFFERS BANG FOR THE BUCK.*
I've been on a waiting list for a test drive at my local Ford dealer. They emailed me yesterday and said they won't even be getting one now, so I guess the choice to stick with my WRX is an easy one.
But it's still just an ugly, 4-door family car. So many better cars out there for £29k.
which one?
+South4153 I'm quite curious too!
+Mubble Mann and what car might that be?
Yeah, what other brand new car for 29k?
?
Does it pop all the time or do you have to workfor those pops? My 2012 GT with a tune and Borla Axle Back has some nice backfire but I have to play with the gears and clutch to make those sweet pops. I feel like the RS had the same pops every single time, not that I care I love the Focus RS.
If you're going to spend twice the amount of car for an STI, R or even Evo (RIP), the RS is the way to go.
I wonder how these feel/handle in comparison to the sti and evo.
Henry you are an excellent reviewer
In a few minutes I found this to be powered by RTX4080. That was really a Netflix opening on a hud, when it's showing me weather outside or warnings like cold or hot weather. By saying front-end they meant it was a website. There is interesting story about future repairs, any shock absorber parts won't be good.
Overhyped by whom? It seems like an extremely well rounded package. Price tag feels all right too.
I passed on purchasing this car because of the limitations on the rear diff setup. Several reporters conducting test drives have overheated the brakes as well as the rear diff setup because of torque vectoring and drift mode. This car was going to be in my garage, but I wish the AWD system was engineered better. Why didn't they just go to a simplistic AWD layout like an EVO IX or Subaru? What's so bad about having 50:50 split?
See this article for overheating the AWD system:
www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/a28036/what-tuners-need-to-know-about-the-2017-ford-focus-rs/
No one review talked bad things about brake overheating. Exactly the oposite. They praise the brakes. And the rear diff overheats, but after a long day of testing non stop, and hard on 0-100 launches and lots of track laps with track and drift modes. Pretty normal. In other tests, reviewers overheated the dct boxes on vag cars and amg 45's. And these cars are a lot more expensive.
+HanksDeuce Hank, it cant have any limitations with the rear diff. It doesnt technically have one.
At the Ford launch in Spain in January there was 2 weeks of 30+ RS' being caned on track and drifting on a pan all day every day by every hack in the motoring world plus a lot of professional drivers (plus Block) brought in.
In all that time only once did a RDU overheat and switch the car from AWD to FWD which it will do for safety of the box.
It aint gonna happen in the real world.
There are limitations on how much torque you will be able to put to the rear if you tune the engine. Thats the biggest single "limitation" on the car.
Review of this Video: How I know this journalist isn't cool? He doesn't get excited about things normal everyday people get excited about which makes his videos dull, confusing and not as entertaining as Chris Harris - hope this is taken as constructive.... It's like a public demonstration of how experienced and 'dull' cool cars are becoming for him since he 'labors' over it all the time..... He's treated this focus 'RS' as 'another review' - gotta get into it more... Another thing that gives all this away is the actual TITLE of the video.... 'overhyped?' how is one of the most powerful hatches ever overhyped? Regardless, we want to see videos of people getting excited about cars.... Passion and fun should come with any car that has a bit of speed and can drift. If it's got downsides, list them but you need show your love for it's upsides.... I dare say the company he's working for is a pressure house and excitement is hard to come by naturally... Evo has potential but is far from reaching it...
Great video. I can't wait to get mines.
Nice review Henry. Now tell me you guys are planning to do a hot hatch showdown between the ford RS, the Megane RS, the new civic type r, and the golf R? I've excluded the amg merc as it's an uber hatch and too ostentatious to fall within the same category.
I wonder which Car is and feels sharper , this RS or the Opel J OPC ..? Maybe a Test EVO ?
Beautiful car, just saw a black one at my local show! The design is purely stunning, definitely something to be quite excited about.
Its interesting that when the Focus ST came out in 2013 everyone had nothing but praise for it for 3 years. Then when the Fiesta ST was released everyone said wait its not that good. Now with the RS it gets actual negative heat from people. I still think ts the best car for the price, not just in terms of performance but also what you get inside it.
Love your Omega Speedmaster. You have all the credibility in the world with me.
So when does it actually come out in the US?
I still kinda feel they messed up by adding doors to it. The RS was meant to be the most hardcore version. Nothing says hardcore like easy rear seat access and extra supports.
+T0m0thy You're right, they should just have windows only and have occupants enter through Dukes of Hazzard style.
Why are doors even put on cars? So overrated!
+T0m0thy They didn't add doors to it. There simply isn't a thirdgen Focus with a two-door shell, period. Doing one just for the RS would make it much more expensive, and probably no lighter or stiffer since the only even vaguely cost-effective way would be for it to be basically coachbuilt.
nlpnt Ah that makes sense then! I don't really follow what the standard versions are to be honest! That is a ballache to be fair! I'm sure those doors aren't going to compromise the car but can you see what I mean?
+T0m0thy a number of Mk2 owners complained about no 3door option. But it grows on you even then.
Possibly invisible rear handles would have been nice.
Ford have certainly done something right though....UK orders are now full well into 2017. I ordered in early October and dont expect the car till Jul/Aug now.
Will it come in the darker blue, like the RS in the other evo video
If anyone wants to know the song, it's Sigala - Easy Love.
Is this a pre production car? Only reason I ask is I've never noticed this in any car video before but I see the seat swaying pretty noticeably. Does this stick out to anyone els?
Great review. Why is that you quote horse power in brake horse power rather than jusy saying horse power. It seems the Britts are the only ones who do this. I'm from Canada. We don't use boot or bonnet either but I know what these mean. Keep up the great work.
the drift mode looks cool, they should have that implemented on the sti.
I came very close to ordering one..........and veered off last minute - don't think I could live with it everyday - so I've ordered a Golf R for March 1st.
Only question i have is the reliability. If I want to modify like Evo or STi, would the transmission take it up to like 400hr whp without changing the transmission? I wonder how the engine would hold up?, STi runs forever, and Evo a little less, but how is RS like? I have feeling this car need to trashed after 50k miles?
***** Subaru has it's own market very unique with cheapest Symmetrical AWD system with boxer, but for turbo and enthusiasts arena lost to Ford this year... but i think for SUbaru, they have new thing coming soon with BRZ, so still racing.
The 2.3 engine block in the RS is the the same block as the Mazda 3 MPS / Speed 3 ..just tweaked up with EcoBoost tech.. So really the engine has it's origins with Mazda ..
Nice watch, Omega Speedmaster moonwatch on nato strap ?
Awesome video!
amazingly the the screen shows 17,5 mpg. i think thats quite ok if you consider the hard driving. i bet you could get around 24 or so if you dont beat on it
Wish I could have this and a Golf R as daily drivers/weekend track toys!
I love you Henry! Best reviewer !!! Top lad