Latest 4WD Focus RS Reinvigorates Brand

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Paul RS

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20 years? So the mk1 and mk2 Focus's aren't worth getting excited about? Both of them are more exciting than the mk3. The mk3 is bordering on fake with all the fancy electronics going on in the transmission, fake backfires and fake sound through the speakers.

If I had all three Foci, the mk3 is probably the last one I'd drive.
 

Rocko

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The interior of the Mk1 always let it down I thought.

Stealth 3 for me.
 
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DC.

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In years to come a Mk1 will be worth a lot more than either of its successors.

I'd take any of them though.
 

kippermoon

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iv'e a mk3 on order and have to admit the longer i wait im having serious second thoughts as my mk2 is having to go to help fund the new car.but when i look and read the large number of glowing reviews on youtube etc it does ease the doubts.
the reviewers can't all be wrong?
 

Graham

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iv'e a mk3 on order and have to admit the longer i wait im having serious second thoughts as my mk2 is having to go to help fund the new car.but when i look and read the large number of glowing reviews on youtube etc it does ease the doubts.
the reviewers can't all be wrong?
The only car in the class that i would have over the FRS is the WRX STi, although in fairness it's really the only competitor for the FRS
 

Cooper

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The only car in the class that i would have over the FRS is the WRX STi, although in fairness it's really the only competitor for the FRS
Surely the Golf R and M135i are direct competitors. Both excel in their own right too!
 
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Burt2000

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I'm sure it's a great driving thing but it doesn't shout RS to me the way the older models do, I'm on the wrong side of 30 though so the 90's early 00's cars will always appeal to me more.
 

Paul RS

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Surely the Golf R and M135i are direct competitors. Both excel in their own right too!

The Golf is nothing like an RS. The only thing they have in common is they are 4wd. The golf is far softer than the Focus.

The Focus is compared to the M2 for some reason even though there is a big price difference.
 

Paul RS

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iv'e a mk3 on order and have to admit the longer i wait im having serious second thoughts as my mk2 is having to go to help fund the new car.but when i look and read the large number of glowing reviews on youtube etc it does ease the doubts.
the reviewers can't all be wrong?

Don't worry the fake 5 cylinder engine note will keep you happy lol

They are a great car, they just feel a bit artificial to me. The interior is miles nicer than the mk2 and I actually love the look of them.

What colour did you go for?
 

kippermoon

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Don't worry the fake 5 cylinder engine note will keep you happy lol

They are a great car, they just feel a bit artificial to me. The interior is miles nicer than the mk2 and I actually love the look of them.

What colour did you go for?
funny just been reading up today how to disable the fake speaker sounds lol don't think any 4 pot could sound as nice as the lump in the mk2 and i don't see the appeal of artificial engine sounds being played trough the speakers.it's just wrong imho,hopefully a decent exhaust will create some good tunes!
iv'e ordered the blue with all the trimmings
 

Cooper

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M135i isn't 4WD is it?

Golf R is far too soft to be true competition
They all occupy the same super hatch segment along with the Leon 290, Megane RS, A43 AMG.

All Small hatches with circa 300bhp. And for the most part they are all fantastic in their own way, despite choice of drivetrain. Interestingly but not surprisingly they are all turbocharged.

It also seems that if you are a Ford beard you must dislike the competition and the new Fords as well. She's no Cortina sir etc:party:
 

Paul RS

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funny just been reading up today how to disable the fake speaker sounds lol don't think any 4 pot could sound as nice as the lump in the mk2 and i don't see the appeal of artificial engine sounds being played trough the speakers.it's just wrong imho,hopefully a decent exhaust will create some good tunes!
iv'e ordered the blue with all the trimmings

They shoot flames with just a decat lol. Try and hear one with an exhaust fitted before you buy, they can be really loud! Blue is the colour for them :laughing:
 

Paul RS

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They all occupy the same super hatch segment along with the Leon 290, Megane RS, A43 AMG.

All Small hatches with circa 300bhp. And for the most part they are all fantastic in their own way, despite choice of drivetrain. Interestingly but not surprisingly they are all turbocharged.

It also seems that if you are a Ford beard you must dislike the competition and the new Fords as well. She's no Cortina sir etc:party:

If that's aimed at me, I've never said I don't like them. I don't think they are the most fun Focus out of the three, but they are the best all round one by a long shot.
 

Terry

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The last few years (or slightly more now) have been very good in the hot hatch segment of the car industry, albeit the premium cars are attracting premium pricing to suit. But as alluded to above, 300bhp+ on tap in standard guise from many cars means there's room for them all on the road, and I enjoy seeing variety as I make my commute.

It's possible to like the old and the new fords (and competition for that matter!), it all comes down to personal preference, critiquing them (especially by comparison) just shows that they still invoke passion - whether it's a Sierra / Escort or the latest Focus currently rolling off the production lines, it's good news for Ford imo. I can see why any enthusiast might not be attracted to things like electronic / fake engine noise and it's hard to compare the drive train of these modern '4wd' cards to those of almost 30 years ago.
 

Graham

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They all occupy the same super hatch segment along with the Leon 290, Megane RS, A43 AMG.

All Small hatches with circa 300bhp. And for the most part they are all fantastic in their own way, despite choice of drivetrain. Interestingly but not surprisingly they are all turbocharged.

It also seems that if you are a Ford beard you must dislike the competition and the new Fords as well. She's no Cortina sir etc:party:
Yes they are all great but you cant compare something with a different drive train imho
 

nobby

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Mk 2 for me as well. Always thought it looked mean with it styling etc; similar to what the CTR is doing now
The mk3 is I'm sure a great car but I was always concerned with the fancy diff and electronics which would detract from true driving but obviously don't know till I drive one which I hope to soon
 

jimcupra

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Mk1 focus for me as well far nicer looking car. Although if I had the money (which I never will) I would buy an escort cosworth, over the mk3 focus. Why simply because they look awesome and I don't care they aren't that great to drive.
 
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