Is The Ford Focus RS A Modern Classic? Hot Hatch Tested! (2003 Mk1 Driven)
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- Опубліковано 15 тра 2024
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The Mk1 Focus had been a revolution for Ford, turning its fortunes after the dismal Mk5 Escort. Having trumped the Golf and Astra to become king of the family hatchbacks, it was time for a hot model, so Ford teamed up with Tickford to create the Focus RS. Sporting a turbocharged 2-litre Zetec engine, limited-slip differential, Brembo big brakes and 212BHP through the front wheels, the RS shouted about its performance with flared arches, O.Z. Racing alloy wheels and vivid Imperial Blue paintwork. No doubt it’s a phenomenal hot hatch, but does it belong in the hall of fame next to the Escort Mexico, RS Turbo and Sierra Cosworth…?
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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:52 Mk1 Focus - A Revolution
1:27 Time For A Fast Focus!
2:09 The Focus RS
2:20 Engine & Performance
2:53 Differential, Brakes & Suspension
3:47 Styling
4:04 Driving Impressions
5:36 Interior
6:05 Proper Fast Ford!
6:47 Why It's A Classic - Авто та транспорт
Brilliant looker, the Mk1 in general has aged great and looks modern today I think. Just be aware of trying to find replacements parts for this as they are literally non existent and expensive. The best looking RS imo.
For me, the best focus RS there is. Timeless design, just so cool!
Remember when they were 10k and thinking that's dear now is a different story.
Yeah I almost bought one at 12k but decided it was too much
Hoodies are super comfortable. I drive my Lexus CT while wearing a hoodie : )
And I drive my Volvo V60 wearing a hoodie too! Perhaps I need to upgrade to a 3.0 Polestar version 😊
The Focus was a seriously fantastic car - I’ve driven many, mostly cooking models - but they’ve all been fabulous- very fond of these!
That is just glorious. I had a 1999 Fiesta 1.25 Zetec. That was a hoot to drive and the Zetec engine always sounded so good. Very nice growl and nice gearbox whine in the lower gears. This is all those things turned up to 11! Love the styling and interior ❤
Mk5 Fiesta was a proper drivers car. Proof Ford were on a roll then even with slower cars
@@Mouse2113 They really were. I had a blast with it. Didn't realise what I had at the time! Just thought all cars were like that. I have driven 2013-4 versions whatever mk they were! (The one before the final Fiesta) straight away the same feel whether it's the 1.25 or the 1.6 diesel which is a fab engine. I just never want to give back the keys! 🙂
Nice Focus! In Canada and USA, the Escort of the 90s were based on the Mazda 323 platform and while they looked similar, they weren't based on the old Escort. These were successful daily cars.
Probably the most perfect looking fast hatchback ever made.
Certainly of the 21st century!
@@ClassicsWorldUK its one of those cars that any slight exterior modification makes it looks less appealing.
Still looks the part today proper rs
Beast of a machine ❤❤
Is just perfect, a true classic
Thanks for the great video. BTW Saarlouis is in Germany (not far from the border with France). There was a very low mileage Focus RS for sale as one of the Classic shows and it was on sale for £80,000 + Unsure whether or not it was sold at that price.
The Focus RS is an all time classic,great video.
Btw, instead of switching the wipers on &off you could have used the variable intermittent wipe ( the rheostat on the wiper stalk).
I don't even own the Focus RS I own the 1.6 Version, yea not the quickest thing but for what it actually is the handling is absolutely brilliant, especially with it's independent rear suspension. However I can't imagine what these are like 🙌
I think the Escort had really peaked with the Mk3. The MK4 and 5 didn't really offer anything new, besides a reskin of an old, 70's design.
Yeah there was the RS Turbo and Cosworth, and even the XR3i during the 80's, but by then, the car had lost its soul, and was finding it harder to compete with more modern designs.
The Focus was sorely needed to inject some new life into Ford, and it certainly did that, becoming a best seller soon after launch, and incorporating some new technology and innovation.
Excellent journalist review Joe, great indepth tech talk coupled with sheer fun and fast factor. Awesome job and awesome car to boot.
Thanks Neil, means a lot! -Joe
And the puns get worse 😂❤
*Better ;)
I like taking my Puma 1.7 on the same roads near Killingworth - not when it’s raining though!
Wouldn't have been my choice either, but sometimes we have to work with what we've got 😅
Definitely a modern classic.
I really like them think there really cool for a sort of modern sports car it’s quite a lovely looking car to I think ! Id love one 👍
7:36-7:40 tut, tut - the Mark V Escort in XR3i 16 valve, 130 bhp form was the best XR3 of the lot according to contemporary road tests. Fastest in terms of acceleration and top speed too! Rare to boot as well. I had one for nearly 9 years before its chassis rotted inside out and still miss it today. Sigh.
Definitely even the 105bhp xr3i 16v was a hoot to drive, but the 130bhp was absolutely fantastic and very underrated. The RS2000 was faster but the zetec was a sweeter more refined car.
@@SA-zoom1 You know it 🙌
Saarlouis Germany, finetuned on the Lommel Ford proving ground, Belgium
Looked tame compared to the mk2 rs but that's what I like about it
I love everything about the Mk1 Focus RS except the steering wheel! Blue, yuk!
It's definitely an acquired taste!
When you said fiesta st I was expecting to see a mk6
I hate to say it, but for once Ford Focus wheel-arch flared-nostrils is right. 😋👍
Joe trying to look like a hooligum 🤣. Great car though 👌
It was a massive improvement over the escort and could embarrass expensive supercars, with its top handling.
My old car so wish i could have kept it , damn mortgage deposit >.
Switched off after you dissed the mk 5 escort
More rare car than the escort cossie
"0-60 in the high sixes". Not that impressive, given that my 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid does 0-60 in 7.2 seconds
Good god your Toyota is a grandads car
Ch@vs ?
That's the mk2.