Focus RS Sales

[iamrcb]

I'm surprised by how many of these £25k+ cars that I see around South Wales, which is not a region known for its big money non-german (company) metal. So does the RS qualify as a good sales success to Ford?

[Zad]

Well, the RS500 had sold out before it had gone on sale, thanks to exploiters getting access to the Ford reservation site. I'm sure that wasn't good for owners, but for Ford that has to be about as good as it gets.

[iamrcb]

I suppose this bodes well for Ford in terms of hot hatches.

If they did a similar Fiesta RS (with that new ECOboost engine) would it steal sales from the Focus or steal sales from Renault etc? I'm not a massive Ford fan, its just both their main models have recently had or are having high profile motorport representation

[Carfiend]

Zad said:

Well, the RS500 had sold out before it had gone on sale, thanks to exploiters getting access to the Ford reservation site.

You mean by guessing the url that was not protected?

[LuS1fer]

I see a lot of them in South Wales too but equally - well how do I say this - it's like when you go to Bridgend and everyone drives round with their foglamps on as soon as you're within a 5 mile radius. You see what I'm trying to say...

[iamrcb]

LuS1fer said:

I see a lot of them in South Wales too but equally - well how do I say this - it's like when you go to Bridgend and everyone drives round with their foglamps on as soon as you're within a 5 mile radius. You see what I'm trying to say...

So are you saying that South Wales folk are generally a bit stupid?

I'm an M4 regular and it does get mighty foggy around jcn 36 to 35, although fog lights have no benefit at all, it just makes the fog brighter! As for the rears, it just blinds other drivers; however in the rain rear fogs are good, especially for silver/grey cars, especially A4s and SMaxs.

[Crafty_]

iamrcb said:

I'm surprised by how many of these £25k+ cars that I see around South Wales, which is not a region known for its big money non-german (company) metal. So does the RS qualify as a good sales success to Ford?

Have seen them as low as 18k, theres loads on autotrader right now from 20k up.

Someone is asking £50k for an RS500....

[LuS1fer]

iamrcb said:

So are you saying that South Wales folk are generally a bit stupid?

I'm an M4 regular and it does get mighty foggy around jcn 36 to 35, although fog lights have no benefit at all, it just makes the fog brighter! As for the rears, it just blinds other drivers; however in the rain rear fogs are good, especially for silver/grey cars, especially A4s and SMaxs.

No, I am a South Wales "folk" but certain places have a certain demographic in greater numbers than mere chance.

I was talking about front fog lights in clear conditions because for some unexplained reason, the drivers think it looks cool. Make of it what you will.

Rear fog lights are also actually dangerous in rain at night though fine during the day but still the morons use them even though their own eyes tell them they can see the cars in front several miles away - probably the same people who sit on their brakes at traffic light because they're not smart enough to apply a handbrake.

That is largely irrelevant. Good car though the RS is, I think it attracts a certain type of person who likes to shout their presence rather than anything subtle. oh bks, it's not a subtle car to look at is it?

[iamrcb]

Crafty_ said:

Have seen them as low as 18k, theres loads on autotrader right now from 20k up.

Someone is asking £50k for an RS500....

Surely most owners right now are owners from new?

[mackie1]

You'll pay £25k for a Golf GTI these days. Bonkers.

[IM NUTS2]

I see lots around Somerset/ North Somerset and sadly 50% of them are sat by the side of the road with their hazards on! it has made we wonder the reliability of the RS and i've seen them in other county's broken down as well.

[Mastodon2]

mackie1 said:

You'll pay £25k for a Golf GTI these days. Bonkers.

And for the nearest equivilent in the VW range, the Golf R, you are looking at something like £28,000+, before extras, and it's a league behind the RS in terms of performance.

[anonymous-user]

LuS1fer said:

Good car though the RS is, I think it attracts a certain type of person who likes to shout their presence rather than anything subtle. oh bks, it's not a subtle car to look at is it?

You're probably right, but having had one launch itself past me like I was stationary (when I was actually hoofing it ) I can confirm they are fooking quick!

If it wasn't for the bodykit (and - frankly - the st spoiler on the back) I'd be tempted in a few years but they're a bit loud for my liking.

[Mastodon2]

Symbolica said:

You're probably right, but having had one launch itself past me like I was stationary (when I was actually hoofing it ) I can confirm they are fooking quick!

If it wasn't for the bodykit (and - frankly - the st spoiler on the back) I'd be tempted in a few years but they're a bit loud for my liking.

They definitely aren't a car for shy or retiring people, or those lacking in confidence! I'd fking have one in a second, being so extrovert and obvious can only be a good thing when making "significant" progress

[Baryonyx]

Yes, I'd definitely class them as a success. They've met with pretty much universal praise from the press, which is a step forward from the fantastic but flawed MK1 RS Focus.

[d8mok]

You probably see loads of new fords (not just RS's) in bridgend as the engine plant is there, of which the employees get the privelege scheme on new cars. I should know , cos i sell loads of cars to the guys down there every 9 months.

[frosted]

I didn't like the RS for a road car at all , screws showing , dash ratling, door panels rattling , speakers rattling , harsh ride , not that fast to 60 , clutch too soft , gear change vague , stability control too eager , rubbish ride , oh yeah it drinks a lot .

At the end of the day , it's a focus with big brakes , big engine and recaros ( iirc if let someone in the back you have to adjust them again )

For a track car , different story

[Baryonyx]

Yes, I'd definitely class them as a success. They've met with pretty much universal praise from the press, which is a step forward from the fantastic but flawed MK1 RS Focus.

[VeeFour]

South Wales - cheap houses, reasonable incomes (if you actually have a job) and low cost of living.

All means there's a fair bit of disposable cash to spend on flash cars.

[superman84]

Its done very well for a wrong wheel drive shopping trolley. I'd consider getting one.