Video: Ford Focus RS first impressions
February 25, 2009 by George Skentzos
With 220kW trying to explode onto the tarmac through the front wheels, the most exciting and controversial car to be released this year so far is without doubt the new Ford Focus RS.
No one thought it could be done, but impressions so far have all been positive, take a look for yourself with these two independent video reviews from Fifth Gear and Sky Motoring.
Tags: Ford Focus, Ford Focus RS
Looks like a very capable car. Cant wait for the 3MPS to come out, should be an interesting comparo.
I really wish Ford had done an AWD variant. Its great sure, but its on its limits as stock, an evo isn’t..
I want one! It’s not the fastest but it looks like a great drive and certainly wont blend in (especially in the lime)
Trust the Germans to build something as powerful as this…
BTW that looks like a good show to watch.
Could be a good second car show after TG UK.
I wonder if it’s any better than the last RS I owned? A 1980 Ford Escort RS2000. Recaro seats, short shift gearbox, weighed 900kg and the wheels were driven from the right end…
I think this hot hatch will give the vw gti a run for its money all the reviews seem to love it so must be half desent
Elitist, you will find that 5th gear has a very similar feel to tg but just enough difference to make it a great watch. I am always watching it on cable and youtube and i find it quite refreshing compared to the tired stylings of clarkson and crew.
Topdog, this is not in competition with the GTI. It’s coming more from a hardcore R32 sort of angle. And it’s priced that way too.
The Channel 4 car website gave it five stars yesterday so the FWD is obviously not a problem. From the sounds of the review it is not compromised in any way and might be more pleasant day to day than an EVO (they wrote it had a decent ride). And I’d certainly rather one over the Subaru. It looks like a real racer. The only problem with it is that it’s only available in three colours, white, blue and green. I’d like to see a black one, a red one, an orange one and maybe some navy blue and racing green. A few more subdued and tasteful colours.
What will the press say when the “honeymoon” period is over though?
Topdog – “I think this hot hatch will give the vw gti a run for its money”
eh???
the xr5 does that already!
This smells like the TRD Aurion.
Epic fail.
DBSG,
This is nothing like the TRD V6 Camry.
This is a properly engineered car, from the ground up, not a bolt on “backyard special” like Toyota did.
This car is already a success.
Grapes, why post comments about a car you know nothing about, nor care too? It makes you look like an epic idiot. If you can’t acknowledge the engineering involved and what has been achieved with this car then go troll up the gardening blogs or something.
This car will fail, just like the TRD did.
Stop defending FWD garbage. It’s a Ford, so it’ll most likely break down before the warranty runs out.
I’d like to see what kind of engineering allows FWDs to power slide, grip well in poor weather and not understeer itself to oblivion when provoked. Why anyone would buy this when there are cars like the R32 and WRX around is mind-boggling.
Fail, fail, fail. Those who object can go to hell.
Awwww isn’t it lovely Grape’s parents gave him a computer to play with while they’re at work.
Anyway looks the goods but would love to drive one myself but unfortunately will have to wait till FPV does their own version in 2 years or so.
Speaking of FPV where is the GTHO that was promised, it may be time to build one while you can before the US gets rid of V8’s altogether.
I Want one to race on the weekends, Ford are heading the right direction lately and deserve all the praise.
I like the green colour.
OH WHAT A FORD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! makes Toybota and some other manufacturers look very boring indeed.
Auto Express has a review and video of this car on their website…autoexpress.co.uk for those who are interested.
Love the sound, and its the only car i would buy in that green.
The same green on the falcon and commodore dont suit as much as this does
But in saying that, ive seen a Green falcon ute with polished chrome tray and wheels and it surprisingly looks good when complimented by chrome
None for Australia :(
Lucky there is the 3 MPS :)
Technofreak, the 3 MPS is a GTI/XR5 competitor and although very good, isn’t quite as good as either of the other two so it’s certainly not an alternative to this.
Dont Be Sour Grapes, I’m going to be following the pack here – your an idiot. It’s one thing to make comments like that when nobody has any idea yet but when there’s been several reviews that have rated it highly, come one; don’t be childish.
Ford Ranger, what do you mean heading in the right direction “lately”? They’ve been doing really well since the original Focus and the previous Mondeo was a revelation.
Trackdaze, I don’t think things will change. This is a car that most were expecting to fail so I don’t think it would be rated so highly if it wasn’t as good as they’re saying now.
Well I for one have already approached FPV to try and get them to alter their stance on NOT importing this new Focus RS car into Australia and building their own in two years time. No doubt FPV’s car will end up as another hoon happy rear wheel drive tail slider. Not for me thanks, I’ll stick with a controlable front wheel drive in all weathers rather than a tree/lamppost hugger. So FPV if your listening I WANT this car and I don’t want to wait 2 years. Grapes your a pratt, go and play with your boring toyfloaters. I’ve had Fords for 20 years and never been let down once. The RS badge carry’s more heritage and prestige than any other Ford car and until you’ve owned and driven one your can’t comment.