Скачать или смотреть Focus RS is the next best modern hot hatch…not quite a Golf R/FL5 Type-R/Integra Type-S/GR Corolla

2016-2018 Ford Focus RS (MK3)

2.3 Ecoboost 350bhp AWD

So I’ve not yet driven a Ford Focus RS, but having experienced a base model Ford Focus SE, Focus ST, & modified & tuned my 2014 Focus to become a modified Focus ST, my perception is that the Focus RS is:

1)An excellent hot hatch; from all places it’s a Ford

2)An overpriced marketing hype

3)A bit of Mazdaspeed Hot Hatch but w/ AWD & a Manual transmission (Mazdaspeed6 Sedan was the only model Turbocharged w/ AWD & Manual Gearbox sold in North America)

Furthermore, I’d say if you can get your hands on a Focus RS, it’s the best offering of a hot hatch from the Blue Oval/Ford Europe/Mazda companies (with a few shortcomings — see disclaimer below).

Disclaimer: there’s 3 Major Flaws

I. The Engine Block is an open decked design that is notorious for leaking coolant into the combustion chamber and resulting in engines locking up at very low miles. Personally & from experience, the closed deck design of the Focus ST 2.0 Turbo Block is the most superior & deemed highly reliable when it comes too power increase. ST motors are built more robust are not as likely to blow up as the 2.3.

II. The suspension on the Focus RS is considerably harsh for normal road use; significantly more stiff than the Focus ST. As the journalist had claimed in the video, the Focus RS was designed/engineered/& manufactured in Germany where roads are much smoother & hard suspension is acceptable for enthusiasts across the pond. Here in the U.S.A roads are crap & soft suspension rules the streets for both comfort & predictability. Aftermarket shocks or coilovers can help. I personally like Bilstein inverted shocks paired with Swift Spec-R Linear Springs.

III. The sound of the Focus RS & Focus ST is not great for any true car enthusiasts. The reason quite simply put is the design of the Turbo manifold. For comparison I included an exhaust sound clip of a modified Mazdaspeed3 (the much respectable cousin of the MK3 Focus RS/ST) & you can hear what a 2.3 Turbo Inline-4 should sound like. The MZR Turbocharged engines have a traditional turbo manifold with 4 exhaust ports going into the turbocharger as opposed to the Focus which has the turbocharger integrated into the cylinder head (mainly for fuel economy). Solution: swap over the MZR cylinder head & a Turbo manifold.

If the Ford Focus RS is still not the hot hatch for you, then you can go get a $200k Lamborghini Urus.

Credits:

Mighty Car Mods ‪@mightycarmods‬

LegitStreetCars ‪@LegitStreetCars‬

Cars & Bids ‪@carsandbids‬