Clarkson doesn't like Focus RS
10 September 2002, 03:53 PM
#32
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A good mate of mine picked up his T230 Focus last week. It's a left hooker and has done 40k miles, so nicely run in. OK, firstly, it's not an RS, and it does have a little more power than the RS. Second thing to note is that it has the same Quaife diff. Third thing is that it's superb! 
I've driven Imprezas, UK Turbos, STI's, 22B etc, and none has the steering feedback or chassis poise of the Focus. The Focus is just great fun to drive, even down B roads with off camber corners, crests, dips etc. Chassis control is awesome, and the way the car manages its horsepower throught the front wheels is simply outrageous.
If the RS is as communicative and as much fun as the T230, then it'll be a great car. I'll have to borrow it for a Scooby meet and convert one or two people. I used to think that my MINI Cooper handled well, and indeed it did, but the Focus moves the game on, at least in T230/RS guise.
The diff is a little harsh, but then if you have any idea about driving in general, it shouldn't be a problem. The only issue for Scooby owners is the lack of AWD. IMHO if you feel you need AWD, you should be driving a tractor
Show me a B road and I'll show you a nice tailpipe and WRC rear spoiler
Matt
I've driven Imprezas, UK Turbos, STI's, 22B etc, and none has the steering feedback or chassis poise of the Focus. The Focus is just great fun to drive, even down B roads with off camber corners, crests, dips etc. Chassis control is awesome, and the way the car manages its horsepower throught the front wheels is simply outrageous.
If the RS is as communicative and as much fun as the T230, then it'll be a great car. I'll have to borrow it for a Scooby meet and convert one or two people. I used to think that my MINI Cooper handled well, and indeed it did, but the Focus moves the game on, at least in T230/RS guise.
The diff is a little harsh, but then if you have any idea about driving in general, it shouldn't be a problem. The only issue for Scooby owners is the lack of AWD. IMHO if you feel you need AWD, you should be driving a tractor
Show me a B road and I'll show you a nice tailpipe and WRC rear spoiler
Matt
10 September 2002, 04:44 PM
#33
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(PS I'm told that today's Autocar has declared the Focus Best Hot Hatch comapred to WRX, Audi S3, Civic type r, Leon Cupra R - I'm off to the newsagents to buy it!)
IMO the WRX is such a different car, I bought it as it has great performance and loads of room for the kids. I had an Ibiza Cupra 20V Turbo before the WRX and got fed up of trying to get car seats in the back for the kids, the 3 door Focus is the same a great car but aimed at a different audience.
Si.
I forget they made the wagon
[Edited by sillysi - 9/10/2002 4:57:54 PM]
[Edited by sillysi - 9/10/2002 5:00:42 PM]
10 September 2002, 09:12 PM
#37
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Still think Ford could have made this car truly mental especially seeing as though it will be very limited.
Think most RS fans really wanted a cossie version. Am sure from what I have read that this car is good very good but to be honest not sure if its a match for an AWD in the real world specially with the ****e weather we get in the UK.
I was under the impression that a 4wd cosworth version was going to made but apparently not. Anyway who cares what some jumped jorno thinks each to there own. One man's food is anothers poison.
Anybody who buy's the RS without a test drive is stupid if you ask me what do Ford think they are playing at still trading of the reputation of cossies if you ask me. I also think the car is slightly over priced.
Think most RS fans really wanted a cossie version. Am sure from what I have read that this car is good very good but to be honest not sure if its a match for an AWD in the real world specially with the ****e weather we get in the UK.
I was under the impression that a 4wd cosworth version was going to made but apparently not. Anyway who cares what some jumped jorno thinks each to there own. One man's food is anothers poison.
Anybody who buy's the RS without a test drive is stupid if you ask me what do Ford think they are playing at still trading of the reputation of cossies if you ask me. I also think the car is slightly over priced.
09 October 2002, 08:29 PM
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Plinkplonk, good summary. Just read the latest Autocar group test. The RS pips it but not by much, they could have been on similar roads to evo but the review didn't go into the same level of detail on how it coped. Then again thats like comparing The Sun to The Times.
The Leon Cupra R comes in third place, preferred to both the Audi S3 and Civic Hype R.
I think from all the reviews so far we get a pretty good feel for what the RS can and can't do compared to the WRX, but at the end of the day only by driving it yourself can you make that final decision.
Could the WRXs ability to glide unruffled over the problem roads be a double edged sword? Is it better to have a bit more feel and involvement? Or will the tramlining and torque steer ultimately **** you off too much...
In an ideal world we would all try them back to back in the same afternoon, but its going to be hard given the scarcity of the RS.
MattOz, I've read a few reviews of the DPRS Focus T230 and even more mad T250. Didn't know it had a quaife diff but then it did cost a lot of money (a few k more than the RS is now, it was based on the 3 door Zetec 2.0 but with a much reworked chassis, turbo engine, brakes, etc).
Anyone know how many they made and what they are selling for now?
I'm guessing they will be a fraction of the new price.
[Edited by TurboBoost - 9/10/2002 8:41:36 PM]
The Leon Cupra R comes in third place, preferred to both the Audi S3 and Civic Hype R.
I think from all the reviews so far we get a pretty good feel for what the RS can and can't do compared to the WRX, but at the end of the day only by driving it yourself can you make that final decision.
Could the WRXs ability to glide unruffled over the problem roads be a double edged sword? Is it better to have a bit more feel and involvement? Or will the tramlining and torque steer ultimately **** you off too much...
In an ideal world we would all try them back to back in the same afternoon, but its going to be hard given the scarcity of the RS.
MattOz, I've read a few reviews of the DPRS Focus T230 and even more mad T250. Didn't know it had a quaife diff but then it did cost a lot of money (a few k more than the RS is now, it was based on the 3 door Zetec 2.0 but with a much reworked chassis, turbo engine, brakes, etc).
Anyone know how many they made and what they are selling for now?
I'm guessing they will be a fraction of the new price.
[Edited by TurboBoost - 9/10/2002 8:41:36 PM]
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