Focus RS MK 2. So how good was it really?
Discussion
Most people that seem to dislike them are people that have never owned or driven one. I've had mine nearly 6 years from new and think it's a great motor, but I'm no track day king or interested in modding or chasing BHP figures.
Depreciation-wise they certainly take some beating- I've probably lost 6k on mine in 6 years which from new is pretty damn good.
It's quick enough for me, sounds gorgeous and is a nice place to sit. It's not the best handling car on the road, it's fussy about tyres and there is some torque steer, but I'm sure the great 'classics' have their own crosses to bear.
Looks are subjective, I have to admit it's a bit 'halfords' for me but I still love it. I'm not sure what else there is to match it's overall package for the money.
Depreciation-wise they certainly take some beating- I've probably lost 6k on mine in 6 years which from new is pretty damn good.
It's quick enough for me, sounds gorgeous and is a nice place to sit. It's not the best handling car on the road, it's fussy about tyres and there is some torque steer, but I'm sure the great 'classics' have their own crosses to bear.
Looks are subjective, I have to admit it's a bit 'halfords' for me but I still love it. I'm not sure what else there is to match it's overall package for the money.
The MK2 Focus RS is a pantomime car, every drive is pure theatre, whether it be a B road blast or a trip to the shops.
It is certainly not perfect, and a lot of its attraction is subjective, but it makes you smile far more than a Ford Focus should be able to.
Anyone who is fan of the hot hatch should own one at least once in their life.
It is certainly not perfect, and a lot of its attraction is subjective, but it makes you smile far more than a Ford Focus should be able to.
Anyone who is fan of the hot hatch should own one at least once in their life.
I'll start this by saying I only drove one once and I was very disappointed with it, it had tremendous straight line pace and the noise was incredible but the overall feel of the car wasn't very good in my opinion. The gear shift felt cheap, the pedal placement was a bit off and and every time I went for a flat out gear change the clutch would stick in which totally unnerved me. I am aware that this was probably just that example but it totally put me off.
I also found that the standard continental tyres it was on were utter crap too I would change those for some nice michelin pilot super sports, which I have no doubt would improve the grip and feel of the car no end
I am a big RS fan, as I have a mk1 RS focus but the Mk2 left me feeling cold and disappointed, to the point where I haven't tried another
Maybe I will try one again as I love fords and RSs!
I also found that the standard continental tyres it was on were utter crap too I would change those for some nice michelin pilot super sports, which I have no doubt would improve the grip and feel of the car no end
I am a big RS fan, as I have a mk1 RS focus but the Mk2 left me feeling cold and disappointed, to the point where I haven't tried another
Maybe I will try one again as I love fords and RSs!
I've never driven one or been in one but from seeing them around and hearing other peoples opinion I think they could well be a brilliant hatchback, they look good, they sound even better and the fact that many are putting over 400bhp into them without too many mods and it doesn't seem to struggle with it says alot for the standard equipment.
The clutch sticking down is a known issue that is sorted by fitting a St clutch master & spring (there was a tub regarding it)
Mk2 rs is a very capable car i like them a lot & have driven a few versions from stock to 500bhp & enjoyed all of them
Mk3 seems to be taking it to the next level with 4x4 & returning to the 4 pot I look forward to driving one
Mk2 rs is a very capable car i like them a lot & have driven a few versions from stock to 500bhp & enjoyed all of them
Mk3 seems to be taking it to the next level with 4x4 & returning to the 4 pot I look forward to driving one
Awesome car in my biased opinion! Noise is so good and unique, love the OTT looks, and it's a car you can use everyday all year round in all conditions.
Agree on the gear change being a bit weak. But I came from a civic type R which has one of the best if not the best.
I put Michelin pilot super sports on mine as soon as the conti's wore out and it's made a massive difference to the handling. They are a must in my opinion.
I just love that it's a Ford Focus with a bonkers engine in it. It's a one off.
Agree on the gear change being a bit weak. But I came from a civic type R which has one of the best if not the best.
I put Michelin pilot super sports on mine as soon as the conti's wore out and it's made a massive difference to the handling. They are a must in my opinion.
I just love that it's a Ford Focus with a bonkers engine in it. It's a one off.
Quite simply the best all round car I have ever had. On the move it is quite simply devastating.
I had stage 1 345hp and to me it handled the increase in power better than stock. It seemed to work the diff properly with absolutely no slack.
The noise, oh the noise! Pops, bangs and the odd flame on lift off, loved it!!
I love the rally car refugee looks as well, looks like it had just finished a special stage. Looks like a hot hatch should. The new RS doesn't compare.
Last of a dying breed as well. Big engine small car.
I had stage 1 345hp and to me it handled the increase in power better than stock. It seemed to work the diff properly with absolutely no slack.
The noise, oh the noise! Pops, bangs and the odd flame on lift off, loved it!!
I love the rally car refugee looks as well, looks like it had just finished a special stage. Looks like a hot hatch should. The new RS doesn't compare.
Last of a dying breed as well. Big engine small car.
KarlMac said:
Parts bin special 
Appealed to its target audience and was perfect antidote to bland VW/BMW/Audi
Its not really a parts bin special is it, how many of the non standard focus parts are found on other models?Appealed to its target audience and was perfect antidote to bland VW/BMW/Audi
Also they must be pretty good if the residuals are that good, say what you want about the RS die hard buying them, but the fact stands it blew the competition away as an all rounder! MK1 is still more special though
MK1RS Bruce said:
Its not really a parts bin special is it, how many of the non standard focus parts are found on other models?
Chassis from Mazda, engine from Volvo. I love the mk1 RS, I'd rather have a Racing Puma that the mk2. It appeals to the same sort of buyer that ranks a GTR over all else.
blade7 said:
Uncle John said:
The new RS doesn't compare.
What about on wet roads ?
Just kidding, I love these cars although 350 felt like the limit. I went in one that was a bit over 400 and it struggled a lot to get the power down well. As an RB5 owner, I loved the drama of these cars. Sometimes the Impreza just gets it done which means it feels very fast but very controlled whereas these cars (at higher power) feel on the edge and have to be given a lot more respect and that works for me because I love drivers cars that have to be managed.
Great cars!
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