Rs Focus...........How many do you want?
21 August 2003, 04:00 PM
#31
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Another owners (i.e informed) viewpoint. This was posted on the frsoc.co.uk forum exactly as you read it.
"As no one has done this for a while and a number of people appear to be getting their car’s shortly, I thought I would post up my 3000 mile report……it’s a bit long but stick with it if you are interested, and feel free to disagree / support if you want.
Engine / Performance
I followed the running in procedure to the letter for the first 500 miles, from then on I gradually began to use more throttle and more revs up to 1000 miles and have done pretty much as I wanted beyond that, with an oil change at 1500 miles. My initial thoughts on performance were comparative with my old 172 – softer throttle response, more torque but not HUGELY faster than the Clio. I was wrong! The 172 is a quick car, but the FRS is a big step up, although the real difference is felt from 3rd gear onwards. 1st and 2nd gear do feel “held back” compared to the others. The car has loosened up considerably in the last 1000 miles or so but speaking to others, I still reckon I have some way to go before it’s giving it’s all.
What has made a difference is Bluefin – 1st and 2nd gear are much better now (although the power does arrive with a thump in 2nd with full throttle) and has been said before, the car feels faster and pulls harder for longer in the other gears. Throttle response from low revs has improved too. The FRS had started to really impress me with its performance of late, and the Bluefin has just reinforced that feeling. Overtaking really is very safe but you do have to watch yourself as you get up to silly speeds very quickly. Once moving, the FRS is now one of the quickest cars I have driven, especially between 40 – 100mph….
Ride / Handling / Brakes
There has been so much b*lloxs written about the FRS on this subject, both on the web and in magazines that it’s almost funny. It’s a front wheel drive car with 230lbs / ft of torque – of course it will talk to you!! Genuinely, I have not suffered anything like the writhing of the steering wheel that had been threatened. It will follow the road camber under power but keep your hands on the wheel, anticipate what’s coming and the moment passes without thought (or a lift of the throttle). I would go so far as to say that the 172 was worse in this respect because the damping was less sophisticated and the car is much lighter. I will say that Bluefin has made the FRS somewhat more unruly in 1st and 2nd gear though!! I love the way the FRS tightens it’s line under power, the diff helping to pull the car around the corners, with no understeer to speak of. You do have to be confident though, and on occasion I have been too slow picking up the throttle to maximise the benefit of the diff (although the improved throttle response post Bluefin will help). The FRS always feels so well planted on the road and I have no doubt this car has huge cornering potential, I am just a little wary of exploring it’s limits on the public highway – I think I will wait until I get it onto a track to learn any more. The ride is no worse than I expected – firm yes but not harsh and it does smooth out at speed.
One of my most disappointing thoughts initially concerned the brakes. I was very careful with them over the first 500 miles (no squealing yet!) and once I started to use them a bit more, I was not impressed with the initial bite, soft pedal feel or the stopping power. I had expected a lot more. Whilst on holiday in the Lakes, I had a fast run back from Keswick to Ambleside with virtually no traffic and finally started to use them properly. Once you get some heat into them, and start to really work them hard, you find the stopping power IS there and the bite does improve. Since then, I have become more confident in them, but their maybe still a little short of my expectations. I would prefer a firmer pedal feel, to aid heel and toeing as much as anything.
Styling / Economy (!) and Other Stuff
This car really does look the business. I love its WRC Focus tarmac spec stance and presence, it’s just a pity you cannot see the outside whilst sitting in the car itself. Talking of which, the interior is something else that has come in for stick. I actually think the colour scheme is a relief after so many all black interiors. The seats themselves are the best I have ever had in a car and overall it feels pretty well put together (no sagging seat bases!). I would like to have seen a bespoke Sparco steering wheel though….
Fuel economy has been fairly grim compared with the 172 (average of 24mpg compared with 33mpg) but I guess this in line with a tuned turbo motor. I could always drive more steady but where is the fun in that?
Problems? Well, I had a puncture on my way home from SG’s and had to fit a Dunlop to get home, which means I have bought two tyres including a replacement Michelin. I have also had a small coolant leak, which my local dealer sorted quickly and without question, which was nice. Interesting also is that when asked, they were not bothered about Bluefin or an exhaust in respect of warranty work, which again, is nice…
Conclusion
Those of you that know me will be aware that this is my first private car for 13 years (company cars before). This has taken quite a lot of time, money and effort to sort out and the main incentive was to get a car I could really enjoy. I have enjoyed every mile to date and expect to enjoy every other mile from now on. The FRS is car I do not expect to get bored with quickly because I still think there is plenty about it I can learn. I have reached nowhere near its limits yet and there remains dozens of roads that I want to run it over, all around the UK (and maybe even Europe). I haven’t even been to a rally in it yet…..so has it been the right choice for me. Absolutely and without reservation.
For those of you still with me, thanks for reading. For those that gave up near the top, well, I can be as rude as I like because you won’t hear me…."
Cheers
Rich
"As no one has done this for a while and a number of people appear to be getting their car’s shortly, I thought I would post up my 3000 mile report……it’s a bit long but stick with it if you are interested, and feel free to disagree / support if you want.
Engine / Performance
I followed the running in procedure to the letter for the first 500 miles, from then on I gradually began to use more throttle and more revs up to 1000 miles and have done pretty much as I wanted beyond that, with an oil change at 1500 miles. My initial thoughts on performance were comparative with my old 172 – softer throttle response, more torque but not HUGELY faster than the Clio. I was wrong! The 172 is a quick car, but the FRS is a big step up, although the real difference is felt from 3rd gear onwards. 1st and 2nd gear do feel “held back” compared to the others. The car has loosened up considerably in the last 1000 miles or so but speaking to others, I still reckon I have some way to go before it’s giving it’s all.
What has made a difference is Bluefin – 1st and 2nd gear are much better now (although the power does arrive with a thump in 2nd with full throttle) and has been said before, the car feels faster and pulls harder for longer in the other gears. Throttle response from low revs has improved too. The FRS had started to really impress me with its performance of late, and the Bluefin has just reinforced that feeling. Overtaking really is very safe but you do have to watch yourself as you get up to silly speeds very quickly. Once moving, the FRS is now one of the quickest cars I have driven, especially between 40 – 100mph….
Ride / Handling / Brakes
There has been so much b*lloxs written about the FRS on this subject, both on the web and in magazines that it’s almost funny. It’s a front wheel drive car with 230lbs / ft of torque – of course it will talk to you!! Genuinely, I have not suffered anything like the writhing of the steering wheel that had been threatened. It will follow the road camber under power but keep your hands on the wheel, anticipate what’s coming and the moment passes without thought (or a lift of the throttle). I would go so far as to say that the 172 was worse in this respect because the damping was less sophisticated and the car is much lighter. I will say that Bluefin has made the FRS somewhat more unruly in 1st and 2nd gear though!! I love the way the FRS tightens it’s line under power, the diff helping to pull the car around the corners, with no understeer to speak of. You do have to be confident though, and on occasion I have been too slow picking up the throttle to maximise the benefit of the diff (although the improved throttle response post Bluefin will help). The FRS always feels so well planted on the road and I have no doubt this car has huge cornering potential, I am just a little wary of exploring it’s limits on the public highway – I think I will wait until I get it onto a track to learn any more. The ride is no worse than I expected – firm yes but not harsh and it does smooth out at speed.
One of my most disappointing thoughts initially concerned the brakes. I was very careful with them over the first 500 miles (no squealing yet!) and once I started to use them a bit more, I was not impressed with the initial bite, soft pedal feel or the stopping power. I had expected a lot more. Whilst on holiday in the Lakes, I had a fast run back from Keswick to Ambleside with virtually no traffic and finally started to use them properly. Once you get some heat into them, and start to really work them hard, you find the stopping power IS there and the bite does improve. Since then, I have become more confident in them, but their maybe still a little short of my expectations. I would prefer a firmer pedal feel, to aid heel and toeing as much as anything.
Styling / Economy (!) and Other Stuff
This car really does look the business. I love its WRC Focus tarmac spec stance and presence, it’s just a pity you cannot see the outside whilst sitting in the car itself. Talking of which, the interior is something else that has come in for stick. I actually think the colour scheme is a relief after so many all black interiors. The seats themselves are the best I have ever had in a car and overall it feels pretty well put together (no sagging seat bases!). I would like to have seen a bespoke Sparco steering wheel though….
Fuel economy has been fairly grim compared with the 172 (average of 24mpg compared with 33mpg) but I guess this in line with a tuned turbo motor. I could always drive more steady but where is the fun in that?
Problems? Well, I had a puncture on my way home from SG’s and had to fit a Dunlop to get home, which means I have bought two tyres including a replacement Michelin. I have also had a small coolant leak, which my local dealer sorted quickly and without question, which was nice. Interesting also is that when asked, they were not bothered about Bluefin or an exhaust in respect of warranty work, which again, is nice…
Conclusion
Those of you that know me will be aware that this is my first private car for 13 years (company cars before). This has taken quite a lot of time, money and effort to sort out and the main incentive was to get a car I could really enjoy. I have enjoyed every mile to date and expect to enjoy every other mile from now on. The FRS is car I do not expect to get bored with quickly because I still think there is plenty about it I can learn. I have reached nowhere near its limits yet and there remains dozens of roads that I want to run it over, all around the UK (and maybe even Europe). I haven’t even been to a rally in it yet…..so has it been the right choice for me. Absolutely and without reservation.
For those of you still with me, thanks for reading. For those that gave up near the top, well, I can be as rude as I like because you won’t hear me…."
Cheers
Rich
21 August 2003, 04:08 PM
#32
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Great review.
Tell me anyone. What sort of BHP and 0 - 60 figures would you be getting with the Blue Fin Upgrade and say a filter and decat on the RS ??? would it be as quick as a WRX or EVO ???
Im intrigued by the Focus RS.
Tell me anyone. What sort of BHP and 0 - 60 figures would you be getting with the Blue Fin Upgrade and say a filter and decat on the RS ??? would it be as quick as a WRX or EVO ???
Im intrigued by the Focus RS.
21 August 2003, 04:29 PM
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Bluefin is claimed to add 25 bhp and 30lbs/ft of torque. I am not sure it has added THAT much to my car, but on a rough back to back test (with standard settings), the 60 - 100 time dropped by 0.7 secs. The standard restrictions on first and second gears are also relaxed.....
I am aware that guys who have a chip / decat / exhaust etc are pushing over 250 bhp....
Rich
I am aware that guys who have a chip / decat / exhaust etc are pushing over 250 bhp....
Rich
21 August 2003, 05:16 PM
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While the Focus RS is a match for the ordinary WRX, I don't think we're likely to see many modded up to take on a STi or Evo 6/7/8.
They are a different class and it will take the forthcoming Cosworth version to enter that league. Obviously some people will make their cars in excess of 300BHP - but then it will be full of compromises and not a very nice car to drive (in my opinion).
They are a different class and it will take the forthcoming Cosworth version to enter that league. Obviously some people will make their cars in excess of 300BHP - but then it will be full of compromises and not a very nice car to drive (in my opinion).
21 August 2003, 05:29 PM
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I want one, i don't care what anyone says... i'll more than likely never b able to afford one... but it'll always be more of a "poster on my bedroom wall" type car than any scooby or evo...
i love torque steer by the way...
it's just that thing that you can't put into words... kind of an RS200 kind of unreachability...
just my 2p worth anyhow.
o.
i love torque steer by the way...
it's just that thing that you can't put into words... kind of an RS200 kind of unreachability...
just my 2p worth anyhow.
o.
21 August 2003, 05:33 PM
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Magazine coverage of the Focus RS:
Top Gear - Car of the Year
Auto Express - Extremely praising
Autocar - Extremely praising
Car Magazine - Very positive article
Evo Magazine - Initially very positive then very negative
Fast Ford Magazine - Some totally biased BS
Top Gear - Car of the Year
Auto Express - Extremely praising
Autocar - Extremely praising
Car Magazine - Very positive article
Evo Magazine - Initially very positive then very negative
Fast Ford Magazine - Some totally biased BS
21 August 2003, 07:31 PM
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Oh christ, mega doesn't post on this bbs to does he?! Its bad enough having to listen to him carping on about how much better the civic type r is than the elise on the lotus bbs! Best advice is to ignore his posts 
21 August 2003, 09:46 PM
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The RS has already killed 52 owners! Ford are planning a recall in September. I have already take mine back...
I was driving down the road, gently accelerating, when suddenly the torque steer took over the car, and did a 360. I ended up upside down in a ditch!
I was driving down the road, gently accelerating, when suddenly the torque steer took over the car, and did a 360. I ended up upside down in a ditch!
21 August 2003, 09:59 PM
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It's a major cover up controlled by Ford.
It's much bigger than the MOD/Dr David Kelly affair, which some people think was just created by Ford Motor Company to divert attention away from the Focus RS problems.
The thing is, while the cover up does seem to have worked so well that nobody seems to know, there is one person (and his mate who works at Jaguar) who knows the truth and has been trying for months to inform the world... Maybe one day, he will succeed.
It's much bigger than the MOD/Dr David Kelly affair, which some people think was just created by Ford Motor Company to divert attention away from the Focus RS problems.
The thing is, while the cover up does seem to have worked so well that nobody seems to know, there is one person (and his mate who works at Jaguar) who knows the truth and has been trying for months to inform the world... Maybe one day, he will succeed.
21 August 2003, 10:04 PM
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Ford have paid for the funerals and compensated the families.
The torque steer is so bad that sometimes when you go to turn left at a T junction, the car actually steers right, or if you are unlucky doesn't steer at all!
The torque steer is so bad that sometimes when you go to turn left at a T junction, the car actually steers right, or if you are unlucky doesn't steer at all!
22 August 2003, 02:33 AM
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I'm actually starting to wonder if this conspiracy isn't actually bigger still.
Apparently when they found David Kelly's body, he was holding a set of keys for a Focus RS. Did he kill himself, or did he crash a RS around a tree?
Only Mega will know but he's gone surprisingly quiet so I guess MI5 have got to him already...
I wonder how long we can go with this nonsense.. Now which colour pill was it I was supposed to take again?
[Edited by jonmorris - 8/22/2003 2:34:35 AM]
Apparently when they found David Kelly's body, he was holding a set of keys for a Focus RS. Did he kill himself, or did he crash a RS around a tree?
Only Mega will know but he's gone surprisingly quiet so I guess MI5 have got to him already...
I wonder how long we can go with this nonsense.. Now which colour pill was it I was supposed to take again?
[Edited by jonmorris - 8/22/2003 2:34:35 AM]
22 August 2003, 10:49 AM
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well I still think they suck lol
Was informed I had to drive one for 2 weeks for work - now I hate fords with a passion, IMO they are all crap...
The car was 2 weeks old (run in though) when I got it
This thing in 2 weeks:
The whole dash FELL OFF.
The whole car was multi frigging coloured in the sun, there was runs in the paint on the rear wings, the bonnet was p1ssed & the paint was bubbleing.
The interior is VILE & the quality of the seats was appaling..
For a car that wasnt a press car & it smoked on idle & start up it was a scary prospect, I thought in general compared to my Evo in the real world it handled like a good FWDcar but nothing better..
& the crux of it all... It wasnt very quick at all IMO
We had 3 car in total & they were equally as bad in one way shape or form with others having problems, both other cars being recovered twice in two weeks...
Someone earlier mentioned about the car having character, well the ones I have seen/driven, the only character they have is they are characteristically crap
Rather than waste £21k on one of them, go & buy a mint Evo6 TME & enjoy a proper fast car I say
I for one wont be even considering buying one based on mine & others experiences with them...
Was informed I had to drive one for 2 weeks for work - now I hate fords with a passion, IMO they are all crap...
The car was 2 weeks old (run in though) when I got it
This thing in 2 weeks:
The whole dash FELL OFF.
The whole car was multi frigging coloured in the sun, there was runs in the paint on the rear wings, the bonnet was p1ssed & the paint was bubbleing.
The interior is VILE & the quality of the seats was appaling..
For a car that wasnt a press car & it smoked on idle & start up it was a scary prospect, I thought in general compared to my Evo in the real world it handled like a good FWDcar but nothing better..
& the crux of it all... It wasnt very quick at all IMO
We had 3 car in total & they were equally as bad in one way shape or form with others having problems, both other cars being recovered twice in two weeks...
Someone earlier mentioned about the car having character, well the ones I have seen/driven, the only character they have is they are characteristically crap
Rather than waste £21k on one of them, go & buy a mint Evo6 TME & enjoy a proper fast car I say
I for one wont be even considering buying one based on mine & others experiences with them...
22 August 2003, 11:03 AM
#49
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I wouldn't buy an RS either, purely from our experiences with the 1.8 Zetec we owned. The car was a heap of cr@p, and whilst you can argue it was a one off and we were unlucky, the dealers were just so awful, we could never go back to Ford. 4 dealers in 3 Counties is a fair crack of the whip - all without exception were hopeless. Also, Ford's attitude to our very "dodgy" car, was one of total disinterest.
Never again.
Never again.
22 August 2003, 12:21 PM
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Was informed I had to drive one for 2 weeks for work - now I hate fords with a passion, IMO they are all crap...
22 August 2003, 12:35 PM
#51
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nope unfortunately its 110% true
Always wanted an escort cossie as a kid, then when I was in the position to buy a decent one it had to be the biggest let downs of my life - every car I drove was appaling (some of these were apparently 'as new' concours cars).
I think based on the fact that I had the displeaure of driving one for 2 weeks im in a position to comment?
IMO, based on MY xperience & OTHERS they are crap - simple
anyone who tries to make 220bhp & FWD 'fast' in the same scentance is kidding themselves, yes its 'fast' for a FWD car, as is a CTR. but its not 'fast' in the big scheme of things by a LONG way
My 16 year old 205gti turbo technics was just as fast, and a damn sight more fun to drive as well
Always wanted an escort cossie as a kid, then when I was in the position to buy a decent one it had to be the biggest let downs of my life - every car I drove was appaling (some of these were apparently 'as new' concours cars).
I think based on the fact that I had the displeaure of driving one for 2 weeks im in a position to comment?
IMO, based on MY xperience & OTHERS they are crap - simple
anyone who tries to make 220bhp & FWD 'fast' in the same scentance is kidding themselves, yes its 'fast' for a FWD car, as is a CTR. but its not 'fast' in the big scheme of things by a LONG way
My 16 year old 205gti turbo technics was just as fast, and a damn sight more fun to drive as well
22 August 2003, 12:39 PM
#52
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I had a Mondeo which in the space of 60k needed approximately £5000 of remedial work. One-off failures I could cope with,but when you'regetting to know the service staff personally you know it's time to move on.
The only redeeming quality was the three-year warranty - everything covered and no questions asked.
Never again though - just too many stupid failures. I simply don't trust the integrity and the componentry used, and in any case think the (lack of) residuals make them expensive cars to run.
The only redeeming quality was the three-year warranty - everything covered and no questions asked.
Never again though - just too many stupid failures. I simply don't trust the integrity and the componentry used, and in any case think the (lack of) residuals make them expensive cars to run.
22 August 2003, 07:26 PM
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one of many problems anyway
22 August 2003, 09:15 PM
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Sorry Gang
Been working on that Cosworth, checked Auto trader, about the same number, but 4 of them where from last week. A mate in Belfast test drove one........he didn't like IT! And He is a Ford NUT!
I see Ford is thinking of a new "Crappy" complete with fake air scoops. Ford needs to understand their furture doesn't belong in the past. Ford were great back When MG's were crappy rear drive and underpowered. VW only made the Beetle and the Japs where no where to be seen.
Things change, Ford should look to Mazda and see what they could do with them. Ford have forgotten that they needed to to build good cheap useable Hot Cars, if in the mid 90 they had not gone "***" than they be in a much better shape today.
Mega
Been working on that Cosworth, checked Auto trader, about the same number, but 4 of them where from last week. A mate in Belfast test drove one........he didn't like IT! And He is a Ford NUT!
I see Ford is thinking of a new "Crappy" complete with fake air scoops. Ford needs to understand their furture doesn't belong in the past. Ford were great back When MG's were crappy rear drive and underpowered. VW only made the Beetle and the Japs where no where to be seen.
Things change, Ford should look to Mazda and see what they could do with them. Ford have forgotten that they needed to to build good cheap useable Hot Cars, if in the mid 90 they had not gone "***" than they be in a much better shape today.
Mega
22 August 2003, 10:15 PM
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Don't take this the wrong way Toonman1 as I know you say you've had problems with a Focus before (and a Leon?) but trim doesn't just 'fall off'.
It's not held on with velcro or glue - it's screwed on. Something might rattle (but I've not had a Focus that has given ANY rattles yet) but what can actually fall off?
As for a "variety" of trim falling off; well if one bit "fell off" that would be hard to believe - but lots of bits?
This applies to any car. Even my 1987 Fiesta XR2 had solid trim - at least until some guy damaged the door panel after replacing a speaker and breaking all the clips. THEN it started to hang off, but only because of the broken clips which could (should) have been replaced.
What exactly are you doing to these cars?!!! I'd love to see photos of all this trim sitting in the footwell - ditto with the FRS where the WHOLE dash fell off!
It's not held on with velcro or glue - it's screwed on. Something might rattle (but I've not had a Focus that has given ANY rattles yet) but what can actually fall off?
As for a "variety" of trim falling off; well if one bit "fell off" that would be hard to believe - but lots of bits?
This applies to any car. Even my 1987 Fiesta XR2 had solid trim - at least until some guy damaged the door panel after replacing a speaker and breaking all the clips. THEN it started to hang off, but only because of the broken clips which could (should) have been replaced.
What exactly are you doing to these cars?!!! I'd love to see photos of all this trim sitting in the footwell - ditto with the FRS where the WHOLE dash fell off!
22 August 2003, 11:47 PM
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I've not read all this thread but using a dead man's name (i.e. kelly) to make some point about a bloody car is in real poor taste in my opinion.....think of how you'd feel if you were one of his relatives reading this forum! I hope you understand why I'm making this point.
23 August 2003, 12:11 AM
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trim doesn't just 'fall off'
From our discussions in the past, it's obvious you're as big a Focus fan as I am a Scooby. I respect that. However, please don't infer that I'm making any of this up. If you find the aforementioned Focus thread, you'll see a list of things that went wrong with the hire car. All of it happened.
Now, my Ford Focus experience runs to 2 cars (the one we owned and the hire car)and around 45,000 miles. The list of problems is long and varied.
My Impreza experience now runs to 5 cars (we bought an 03 to go with the 02 WRX PPP), and around 178,000 miles. The list of problems is short and trivial.
Possibly I've been dreadfully unlucky in my dealings with the Focus as a model. Maybe I've been extremely lucky with Imprezas... However, when I need to trust a car to get me and my Family to our destination, it won't be one from Ford.
Cheers