Focus RS details and pricing revealed.

[BossFox]

Boss,

 

Appreciate what you say but Ford signed of  after 2 1/2 years, design and R&D  TESTING etc. :http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1100289_ford-drops-eighth-and-final-episode-of-focus-rs-documentary-series-video

 

So I would presume that the delay relates to either of the following, Production/ Manufacturing/ Assembly or component testing.

 

As  an   aerospace / automotive manufacturing engineer, of some year, and knowing the amount of work that goes into producing a quality product, these issues always puzzle me

 

But they can only test the final version when it's done.

Maybe a whole day of journos going "waaaa, drift mode" was outside the testing criteria.

[Ootohere]

^^^^ Exactly, or like with the RS3 in the hands of Media but Techs there to go start the cars, warm them up, check oil etc and do regular checks. The Audi issue was as soon as real drivers that were not Professionals just jumped in and ragged cars from the off. Not even that hard, and then issues rear their ugly heads. Like happens when a buyer owns a car.

[BossFox]

New sales brochure, including the dreary colour choices.

 

Offer the ST in some nice colours and the RS in just one colour.... and some black and white choices.

 

 

 

Ford_Focus_RS-eBrochure.pdf

[Brimma]

Where the green and orange when you need them?

Or maybe it's a ploy to try to disquise them from the lighter-fingered minority :(

[Ootohere]

At Launch Ford are bound to struggle to produce these cars and make enough of a profit margin on them at the UK RRP's.

The sum of the parts you get seem like pretty good value compared to a Top of the range non RS Ford Focus.

 

You can see where they want sales now and soon and cars with people paying cash money or the Finance money, 

and later the options can be rolled out.

 

I would think that those wanting something different now can just get the car Wrapped. 

and this might be the best thing if cars are being leased.

[BossFox]

Top Gear comparison.  Released 16th Feb.

 

VW Golf R, Merc A45, Honda Civic Type R and the Ford Focus RS.

Edited 17 February, 2016 by BossFox

[Ootohere]

Good.

So 3 of those cars are on the roads now and can be driven by the public, as can the Audi RS3,

When will the Focus RS be ready for delivery to customers?

[BossFox]

Good.

So 3 of those cars are on the roads now and can be driven by the public, as can the Audi RS3,

When will the Focus RS be ready for delivery to customers?

 

Well apparently I'm fairly early in the queue so I suspect we'll find out sooner or later.

[FromTheDarkness]

now, now, that could be considered stereotyping! Of course, fast skodas are never pranged...

Anyway, in the defence of the mk1 RS, at times it could be a bit of a handful. I took the Superchips one out before they had launched the map - admittedly it was running far more boost than the final 'public' version did but on the heavily rutted and cambered country roads around their HQ, I found it... Challenging! In fact it was a total monster that just wanted to make you look inadequate as it tried to wrench the wheel from your hands and head for the nearest tree. And it's probably the only powerful fwd car I've driven that I'd say that about!

The mk2 was a fair bit tamer, even though it was far more powerful, no where near as raw (or challenging) and started to put on some weight. (Imo it was still a fantastic car though). Here's hoping they've realised where they went wrong and have corrected it with the mk3

 

Drive shaft and hub smashed the centre of the alloy out, never seen that. Impressive, some serious force involved. - Red Fab Pic

[vrskeith]

One more into the hyper bunch at only £15k more than the Focus RS, Honda Type R and Golf R.

http://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/m2/first-drive

Any latest news on Focus RS production?

[vrskeith]

Another group review via Autoexpress :http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/focus/94410/ford-focus-rs-vs-audi-rs3-vs-volkswagen-golf-r

 

I think I saw that Carmagazine has also done a direct comparison between Focus RS v Golf R.

 

Horses for courses and peoples requirement it seems to suggest.

Closer than you might think.

Edited 17 February, 2016 by vrskeith

[Lady Elanore]

AutoExpress did a video comparison between the RS, R and RS3. They finished the test in that order too unsurprisingly.

 

Video test of the above

[Furbytom]

Looking at all the recent reviews it seems the Focus RS has knocked the golf R off its perch as the new darling of the motoring press. Looking forward to hopefully getting a drive in one. We are currently spoiled for choice in the hot hatch market! :-)

[Lady Elanore]

Looking at all the recent reviews it seems the Focus RS has knocked the golf R off its perch as the new darling of the motoring press. Looking forward to hopefully getting a drive in one. We are currently spoiled for choice in the hot hatch market! :-)

 

 

If only it looked a little bit more subtle for those of us who like tea and biscuits with a tartan rug on our knees 

[Ootohere]

It is the next big thing if you want a Hatch that can go fast if you have some place to go fast in it, and you want a fast and capable AWD with a manual gearbox.

Like the Honda Type R, fast FWD Manual.  Both attention drawers, so the cloak of invisibility is missing.

ie hardly Q cars.

[BossFox]

One more into the hyper bunch at only £15k more than the Focus RS, Honda Type R and Golf R.

http://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/m2/first-drive

Any latest news on Focus RS production?

 

Yes, seen that.  Good thread on here in the same section.  I've even commented on it.

Personally I feel that at "only £15k" which is actually 50% more money it's not really in the same market as the RS and Golf R though.

It's chasing a more premium enthusiast with a taste for the M badge.

I am pretty convinced it'll be a good car though and I a, looking forward to more media coverage.

 

News as I posted up 3 posts above earlier on today...   no news, when I find out I find out.

I was told a three week delay on a build date of 5th Feb.  Still over another week to go.

 

Another group review via Autoexpress :http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/focus/94410/ford-focus-rs-vs-audi-rs3-vs-volkswagen-golf-r

 

I think I saw that Carmagazine has also done a direct comparison between Focus RS v Golf R.

 

Horses for courses and peoples requirement it seems to suggest.

Closer than you might think.

 

Maybe stating the obvious but isn't that always the way.

You went out and bought a "New Golf R Lapiz Blue 3DR Manual very good spec" and I went for the Tesla 90D.

Always going to be horses for courses.

 

What I like about Ford's direction is they'd stopped competing directly, instead they are focused (excuse the pun) on what the customer wants.

In a direct sprint the Fiesta ST wasn't able to keep up with it's rivals.

But add in it's agility, handling balance and fun factor and it often came out as a clear winner.

3 years on it still does well against new opposition.

 

With the Focus RS Ford looked like they've had another go.

It' not got such a nice interior, you have to change gear yourself and there are certain options the premium brands can give you the RS can't.

But it's a Hot/Hyper hatch, a car based for fun.  So screw being quickest round the ring here is a car that will put a big grin on your chops for a silly price.

And fair play to them for ditching Haldex which is fairly common, safe and predictable and going a different route.

I doubt I'll be driving mine thinking it'd be nice if the glovebox was made of better spec plastic.  If so I'll be selling it pretty quickly as it's failed to excite me and do it's job.

[Lady Elanore]

There has always been 'something' about a fast Ford. As young woman (this will date me) I remember lusting after the MkII RS 1800/2000 Escort and if it hadn't been for an impulsive purchase of a Lancia Beta Coupe, I would have actually owned one. I then lusted after the Capri 3000 and 2.8 and was blown away when the first XR3 landed. Even though the Golf GTi was reckoned to be a better car, the XR3 always called louder to me (couldn't afford one as I was nearly bankrupt trying to keep a ruddy Lancia Beta Coupe running-don't know if I mentioned that ). Then we had the 5 cylinder RS (what a glorious noise) and now a 4x4 that looks like it has handling to suit every style, as well as keeping older pillocks like myself relatively safe while playing about.

 

 

 

I forgot to mention those fantastic Cossies too

[vrskeith]

Must get down to WHS or sign up online with Carmagazine to have a read of this., http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/comparison/2016/rs-is-the-kingdom-vw-golf-r-vs-ford-focus-rs-car-march-2016/

 

I'm sure the conclusion will be similar to Topgear,Autoexpess...........etc.

"We turned up in Spain with a little competition".... Golf R v Focus RS.

 

Sorry Amanda you were right, must have overstayed my welcome on their site.

Edited 22 February, 2016 by vrskeith

[Lady Elanore]

That link doesn't work unless you subscribe to CAR mag Keith?

 

You can register, but then you can only read a few (4 I think?) articles a month for free, or something like that

Edited 22 February, 2016 by Lady Elanore

[BossFox]

EVO have done their test too.

I tend to take notice as that as personally I find EVO's take on things is quite in line with my own.

 

Can't find it online yet so you need to get the magazine.

 

They don't rate the Audi RS3 much compared to the others.

They rate the Golf R as a good car with a nice interior.

They rate the Focus RS as the most fun.

[BossFox]

Also update on build delays from Ford.

 

Dealer Demos

Ordered pre-Sept 2015

Delivery February - March 2016

 

Early customer orders

Ordered pre- 18th Sept 2015

Delivery March - May 2016

 

Customer orders

Ordered 19th Sept - 9th Oct 2015

Delivery May - September 2016

 

 

Dear Richard,

Thank you for placing your order for a Ford Focus RS. I wanted to let you know that production has now started at Ford’s production facility in Saarlouis, Germany.

The Global Pre-Sell of Focus RS, in particular in the UK, has exceeded our expectations and we are working hard to satisfy the high demand for this product.

Edited 23 February, 2016 by BossFox

[vrskeith]

Thanks Boss, any further knowledge on built issues.

[BossFox]

Thanks Boss, any further knowledge on built issues.

 

Nope.

[Ootohere]

[vrskeith]

Nope.

 

Boss, have you got you dealer demo drive booked - track and road?