Now some may find the thought of a review on the latest Ford Mk3 RS Focus on a Subaru forum a strange one. But I hope, as en Ex-RS Ford owner, to give an honest appraisal of Ford's latest offering.
As some of you know I have been shopping for a new car since Christmas 2015, and undecided whether my new acquisition was to be a replacement for the Subaru (An Audi S3, SEAT Cupra280/290 or Audi S4) or just a replacement for the family car (Audi A4/A5 Quattro TFSi).
The Focus RS was always going to be on the radar for me, as an ex-ford owner having had a Fiesta Supersport (Fords toe-in-the-water exercise for the Mk1 XR2), Escort RS1600i, Sierra XR4x4, Escort Series 1 Turbo and Sierra 3-Door Cosworth.
During this time (1988 - 2001) I was attending many events and shows on the Ford concourse scene. So Ford blood runs through me, despite 15 years of Subaru ownership.
So after finally hearing that the local dealer had a demonstrator in, I thought it was time I introduced the old school to the new kid on the block.
Introduction :
I first saw the Mk3 Focus RS at Goodwood in 2015 and my first thoughts were it looked OK, but very close to the existing Focus ST. Watching Ken Block take it up the Goodwood Hillclimb didn't raise my hackles, as it still looked a little too ST and not enough pops/bangs or exhaust noise.
The Mk2 RS Focus I found it drew my eye's and ears for attention, a lot more than the latest offering.
In my quest to find my next car several visits to Ford resulted in continued delay and uncertainty as to when a car would be available to drive.
"Many orders have been placed based on a 'non-driving' experience", I was often told by the Ford sales team. But my recent experiences of other marques not living up to expectation or giving me the 'buzz' I expected meant I was not willing to commit to order based on no drive.
So due to this continued delay/unavailability I scuttled off to drive the Audi S3 and the SEAT Cupra280 & 290.
Both the S3 and the Cupra left me wanting for more and considering the hype that the Cupra had surrounding it Nurburgring laptime I was surprised I felt so underwhelmed.
Power Delivery :
Does the Mk3 RS feel more powerful than the Audi S3.....marginal
Does the Mk3 RS feel more powerful than the Cupra.....marginal
With the linear nature of modern turbo charged cars, the turbo shove has gone, so the 'feel' of the power delivery is very difficult to judge.
In all cases the power delivery didn't meet expectation and I am sure my Subaru (335BHP and a touch lighter) would blitz the S3 & Cupra and would be well and truly hanging onto the rear bumper, with maybe some throttle lift against the RS. But I am afraid to say I can't say the same for the twisites.
Handling :
Does the Mk3 RS feel more accomplished on the twisties than the Audi S3.....yes
Does the Mk3 RS feel more accomplished on the twisties than the Cupra.....yes
I took the Mk3 RS up the same stretch of road I used for the Cupra and S3. For those local to me, this is Marley Lane between Battle and the A21.
Both the S3 and the Cupra went through here well and considering the Cupra is FWD it performed well.
However, a 2nd drive in Cupra in the wet soon uncovered the lack of grip and FWD spin, even pulling away from lights at mild/moderate throttle. This for me, after so many years of 4WD, was a major disappointment. In summary both seemed to be lacking something, there was a lack of involvement when compared to the Subaru.
The Focus RS flew through this same section like water of a ducks back. I'm not sure what the sales girl thought, but lets just say it was brisk and racing lines (as much as I know of them) were used.
It just felt so composed and grip to die for. I could of thrown a lot more at it and I'm sure it would of soaked it up.
This was all performed in 'Race Mode' so don't believe all you read about this mode being too hard. This is a very bumpy, off camber, over crest route and I didn't think anything of the ride harshness.
The Subaru through the same stretch makes alot more fuss, with the suspension struggling to keep up with lots of jostling of the driver and harshness to the ride. There are 16-20 years difference in suspension technology between the two cars and it really shows.
Anti-Lag :
Yes it has it, as can be heard here :
https://www.instagram.com/p/BETsiuQE...555_automotive
It's great fun but it only seems to do it with high rev provocation. I didn't notice any noise on the over-run only on high rpm up-shift. It certainly sounds better than the 'fart' that all the DSG/S-Tronic VAG cars seem to do.
Verdict :
Does it give me the same buzz as the Subaru.....it comes close. But the power delivery of the Subaru is a lot more exhilarating.
Do I wish for the same road holding/handling of the RS in my Subaru....oh yeh!!!!!!
Would I buy one ?
If I were in the market for a single car to act as 'fun' & 'family' then the answer would be very close to a 'Yes' (do not select the Stereo Sub-Woofer, as it takes up too much boot floor depth).
Why not a definite yes ?
I'm not sure on the looks. It's too close to a Focus ST.
If it were selected in any colour other than Nargo Blue you would have to look twice to check if it were RS or ST.
Could I live with Nargo Blue......Hmmmm....not sure.
It's a little bit 'Fugly'.
The large solid plastic front grill/number plate surround looks weird and would of been better with the number plate lower down.
Why they positioned it here when the had just relocated it on the Focus ST is a mystery.
All external plastics, including the fake carbon textured diffuser look cheap.
If the front grill, running light surrounds and rear diffuser were combined with a front number plate relocation, it would look 100% better.
As much as I have always liked and wanted Recaro CS seats, the lack of height adjustment makes me sit too high. My head isnt as close to the roof lining as on the S3, but you do feel like you are perched on rather then in them, which is a great shame for such a great seat.
If your under 6ft and you don't mind the very close to mainstream Focus ST look, then this car is a serious contender.
Nail in the coffin :
Ford Finance......The finance on the Ford is 25% more per month, on a car that is £5000 less (RRP), than my current A5 order.
Fight Another Day :
Yes, the Subaru lives to fight another day and my Audi A5 order, as a replacement family car will be staying in place.
I was prepared to cancel my Audi A5 order if the RS had blown me away. But was I prepared to sell the Subaru ?
The Subaru would see even less light of day than it does now, if it were competing for attention with the RS.
The RS hasn't so much blown me away but blown on the back on my kneck. The hackles were raised, but not quite there.....yet. It will take more for me to give up the Subaru.
A few choice carbon modification, a remap and a couple of years of owners experiences/niggles resolved and this will be a very capable car.
