Focus RS Review Followup with Turbowski 

You guys need to make more videos(vlogs) of you and turbowski just bull shitting like this.

"I think I need a bra!" - Turbowski 2016. I think it's time we had a look at what this man drives.

Exactly...$ 40 k is NOT cheap speed. Go get a new focus st with crazy ford rebates for about $ 22 k. That would be cheap speed.

Yeah well, it's still a 40k Focus, wouldn't buy just for that. I really wish I had to money to pay you and Turbowski to do this shit fulltime.

More driving with Turbowski please, I enjoy his reactions.

MORE TURBOSKI!!! Lol love this guy! Both u guys together r funny as fuck

"Does it shoot flames?" Yeah that would be nice" "That would be rally inspired..." - Turbowski

i think this and the first RS video area a great *adult* review. I would have been all over this car in my 20's and even early 30s. Now i'm about to hit 40 and while I was initially very interested in it, the dealer markup BS plus the downsides of the car make it clear that it's probably not the car for me. Thanks for putting out a good, objective review.

Been watching your videos for s long time. And I have to say. I'm shocked you only have 70k subscribers. Your production quality and time spent doing videos has always been the best. And I will always enjoy your guys' sarcastic snarky comments on everything 😆. Anyways, keep all the hard work up. You guys rule

This video should be titled: In Response to The Butt Hurt Fanboys From Last Video.

You guys should do more/extended "in the shoppe" segments. By far some of my favourite car content on RU-vid

I believe the RS has the same Recaros I have in my '13 ST with the angled seating position. I have found them comfortable since day one.

The amount of bounce and jounce going on while driving over normal streets is horrendous.

As an admitted impulse buyer of this car, I never really noticed how harsh the ride is until watching your first video. Now I have to save and scrape up for some new suspension ASAP, because it’s all I think about now... My only other real complaint is the way the rear seats fold, but I don’t use it that much so it’s not a huge deal.

I had an RS on order at MSRP (coming from a 15 WRX). Car came in and I just could not pull the trigger (it was a white RS2). I felt the seats in the WRX were already too high, and the ride in the WRX a little stiff and the RS was even stiffer and the seating position was worse. I dunno, I liked the look of the car, but the interior felt cheap for over $40K. The backseat was also tight and I have kids. The fact that this car was my daily driver and I can only get to the track a few times a year made the Golf R the more logical choice.

I was really excited about this car. But the original review pointed out some things that all the glowing ones did not. So I appreciate that more than anything. None of us will know if the car is for us unless we test drive it. So its all kinda moot. Main point is I think most people find his tone of voice annoying. I did at first but the different perspective and list of things to look out for when deciding on this car vs another was too good to pass up. Bottom line I still like the car.

Normal mode suspension is not as rough as he says. I went from a BMW 335XI which I thought was not much different. The seats are great, but the position is not. I don't mind being a little upright because it helps my 50 year old (not 25) back. The front of the seat riding high is annoying. The turning radius is bad and a pain in parking lots. I find the B pillar to be pretty wide and takes some getting used to for visibility. All those things aside, I drive it daily. It has 4 doors, a hatch, 4 wheel drive and is a hoot too drive. Much more of an event than my 335XI or my Audi S4. The basic creature comforts don't bother me. Obviously every car is a compromise. Yes I would love a Porsche Cayman, but 2 doors (i have Kids) and rear wheel drive leave it limited as far as when and how I can use it. I look forward to driving the RS every morning. Can't say that about many other cars that offer this versatility. What other new car for $40k would you recommend that offer this kind of fun with 4 wheel drive and four doors with a hatch?

Crazy to hear Mark make jokes on the Type R in this video.... and to think he now owns one. We all grow up and change. Kepp up the wonderful work!!

I love the dry humor.

Jesus Christ, you even stated that it could be used as a decent family hatch and haul kids/ groceries. Idk where people are deriving their misconceptions, it kind of sounds to me like there are too many people that get way too sensitive when they're unable to stomach the truth of the matter. Hopefully they figure out a way to rectify that sooner than later before it stunts their progress in life...

You guys are hilarious. Remind me of that Pablo Sanchez guy who does car reviews. Compares everything to his lancer. Keep the laughs coming. 😀

I just talked to a Ford guy here in NC and he told me the dealers are asking $52K. LOL. That much money opens a lot of options.

I just traded in my 17 ST for an 18 RS and I couldn’t be happier. This thing is an absolute animal and remarkably civil in the standard damping mode. Not sure where all the complaints about the suspension are coming from. I think most people have never owned a performance car and that’s why they think the suspension is so brutal.

I think what this shows more than anything is that the Focus is a hyper-focussed car. It's not even about drag racing. I'm glad they explained the co.pitdr cutting back power in the first couple gears. I thought that it was sad that it's 0-60 was so "slow" compared to an STi and even the golf R with 50 less hp. Ford created a circuit racer. I don't know about the seats though. It's not the best all around car. However, for what it's intended it's great.

Would love to see a video of you and Turbowski talking about the cars you've had and how they compare to the current crop/favorites

6:45 I can't stop laughing

I love the scene when Mark, Scott, and Turd lifted up the hood and found there dead cat. Oh my God this show is so funny, swinging a dead cat around by its tail.

Loved this. Really liked the random editing... made a great follow-up video!

In the UK the Focus RS was initially less than £30,000, which is amazing. The standard non-US seats do go lower. With correct tyre pressures and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S the car is amazing and more comfortable. I've covered 45k miles and mostly motor wys and it is okay. In wet conditions the Focus RS is better than RW dedicated sports cars. The Mountune FPM 375 improved 1st and 2nd, and has Ford warranty. Turning circle is rubbish.

I was a skeptic about this car for the past two years and then the 2018 came out. So I decided to test drive one and compare it to my sti. I’ll honestly say that out of the box it’s pretty impressive. I ended up buying one and instantly got a Cobb ap which made the car just insane. For the price you can’t compare it with other cars. Yeah go buy a used Porsche or bmw if ya want but good luck when it breaks.

Man, I miss this series

Not long bought one, it devours any wet Scottish Highland road I throw at it. Using it as a daily and find the ride on par if not better than my previous Megane with Cup Chassis comfort wise. Yeah I'd like to sit lower but it's not a deal breaker.

Where can i buy the usb C to usb 3.0 adapter for my magnetic lug nuts?

The old focus rs and St have the same seating position and I like it.

Is the RS worth 15k over the price of an ST for daily driving?

As a Patreon supporter, I really appreciate this private video.

Even after your two reviews being against the car I'm still ordering my 2018 mid Nov.

Very much truth. It is a truck. A very fast truck. But I backroad mine all the time. Any other sporty car would have fallen apart by now. Maine roads are awful. Seating position is acquired fondness. I am 74, go like hell.

I thought your comment on the 99 cent gauge cluster was funny, yet at the same time I felt a warm fuzzy feeling seeing them - reminds me of old 90's DSM's, galant vr-4, 3000gt. Not the gauges you would rely on, but what they came with from the factory.

YO YOU SHOULD DO VIDEOS LIKE THIS FOR EVERY FAST CAR IT WAS ACTUALLY REALLY INSIGHTFUL

Based on your experience with this seat, and mine in my Transit Connect, I think Ford doesn't use humans to test drive their vehicles before they build and sell them. Probably all done on computer. No need to pay a human. Most likely.

My biggest question about the RS is why Ford decided to put suspension controls on the turn signal stalk.

You should wear a wig so we can get an indicator for cornering forces. Long, luscious locks tell the story best.

I'm not going to lie you guys do really complain a lot, lol. I bought a 2017 focus rs this summer, Ive had an absolute blast since. Ive had the privilege to own several other hot hatches and fast cars over the years, I had a 05 BMW m5, 08 mini jcw, 2012 civic si and so on. The trade offs you guys talk about are really supposed to be part of the car, the rs has always meant to be more ridiculous than other cars, I bought the car simply because it has way more character than any other car I've driven or seen. Cars today are just fast, but fast isn't fun in itself, it's how you get there. Sure the ride is harsh, it drones a bit and isnt as comfortable as a Lexus, but in the end it's a great car through and through and I wouldn't even consider buying a car with even double the msrp instead, I considered the s4, and g45 amg but simply they're both pretty unexceptional as far as a driving experience goes, they are way faster in a straight line but who cares.

Very true, it’s not a kids’ car...it’s a Privileged Kids’ car. I’m all for cars but unless ur household income is in the range of 200k year, it’s financially irresponsible. Btw, no lsd for 40k. Wtf! This and the fact that it’s too pricey is why I bought a 2017 Si

I have a 2015 1LE now and had a 2015 WRX before this car. I would like to ride in the RS just to compare the ride harshness to those two cars. My 1LE can be brutal on rough roads.

To summarize: Negatives - super harsh ride and painful seats Positives - cute oil cap Is it a stiffer ride than a GT3 RS? a Ferrari enzo?

I feel like this is 'two old guys'. And now approaching my 30's I'm looking at the cars the same way... Ride is everything (sorry fiesta ST)

That looked too jiggly. I think you either put it in super sports suspension, or the dealer forgot to take the spacers off. Mine is very comfy in normal.

Another good video. Let's face it, the car has issues. For the price, it just doesn't make any sense. But hey...there's an "ass" for every seat.

He keeps saying "over dampened" but isn't that just stiff springs? In theory you need stiff springs for a stiff ride, the shocks should soften the movement. Can't you just swap springs?

I drove the modded and tuned ‘13 ST2 home from Niles today through the snow. Touhy ave to 295 to the tollway then south to Joliet and old 66 to home. A stop at the Polka-Dot drive-in in Braidwood for lunch. Me, two big duffles, my boots, a sack of tools, a sleeping bag, a sack of dirty laundry, an open fifth of Scotch and two bar stools. Ya can’t get that in an S2000. The Quaife LSD and the winter tires on steelies make up for the lack of 4 wheel drive. The car does ride hard because I put the Ford Performance track springs on it, but if you can get used to the Recaros then you can get used to the springs. I love the MP-275 tune with the Mountune cat-back; I’m pulling 263 at the wheel and the insurance guy doesn’t hold it against me. Even on the winter 225-55R16s I can corner with about anything I run into. I enjoy the heck out of the little Ford; it’s fast, it’s cheap, it’s safe, it’s reliable and mine came in yellow. And I’m 70.

It seems that Mark (the guy who makes these videos) simply offers a different perspective on this car, both objective and subjective. A good handling car does not have to ride harsh no matter what the damper setting is, whether in a normal or sport mode. Damper harshness usually comes from sharp damper velocities on either the rebound or the compression and not enough blow off on the high speed rebound or compression. Usually though, you can blame the excess rebound for this bouncy effect that you see in the videos. Funny that people mention Fat Cat Motorsports. His philosophy is on par with the high end damper settings found on really sorted suspensions and normally more compression and less rebound is the way to go (1.2 to 1 or 1.5 to 1 rebound to compression). A truly fast car should also be comfortable and confidence inspiring and if you are bouncing up and down . . . well, enough said.

I think it doesn't have any boost in first gear. You don't get boost until 2nd

Hi what would happen if someone would swap the stock springs or shocks for aftermarket parts a lot people put stiffer suspension on there cars I guess it wouldn't be that hard to do the opposite?

It made no sense to put the ride in the stiffest track mode and then drive around the streets showing everyone how bad the ride is.

I'm happy you brought up the gas pedal for heel toe. All the focus and fiesta have the worst gas pedal. Garageline males a pedal adapter to fix it but how did Ford ever let those horrible gas pedals out of the Factory? It ruined my Fiesta ST test drive. You simply cannot roll heel toe in these cars unless you have size 5 or below feet

Which cars are you talking about when you say there are others, I'm just trying to find other options because I'm making a list. In CAanda new focus RS is 50K CAD.

I didn't enjoy the daily livability of the BRZ's suspension. It handled great and didn't crash at all over bumps, but the constant up/down on anything but perfect pavement gave me appreciation for why bras were invented. And I'm a dude. Sad to hear the Focus RS suffers the same issue. I replaced my BRZ with an NA - which rides worse over larger bumps but much better over flat surfaces. My old WRX though really had near best of everything, though would plow through turns when pushed.

YES you can buy so many other better sport cars with dedicated chassis etc etc. BUT THEY ARE USED cars gonna need higher maintenance efforts. NOT everyone is garage mechanics to save the trip to the shop! thats just not a fair comparison.

ITT: shits on Focus RS, and calls it compromised, yet recommends a Porsche Boxster and BMW. Seems more like they live in an area with bad roads, and they can’t take the ride position. How can you recommend a Porsche while looking at a Focus, then talk about Hondas. I just can’t understand this.

+1 for old Cheap Hondas that are bulletproof and fun. Its true

Review the Honda Ridgeline RTL-E or Black Edition! Come on, you know you want to :)

Meanwhile, like a year after this came the scandal about the many failing engines for various reasons, along with the fact that adding a slight bit more boost, like for a 10% torque gain ended up blowing up the pistons.

Question? do you think this RS will last just like any other car like a Corolla that surely can last for 500k miles? just curious. Nothing against RS. I am asking because i would like to buy one.

great review! please do a review of the Honda pilot! thanks!

Wait, Thats news to me. I never heard of an app operated wheel lug nut before

I couldn't agree more about the seating position.

dear savagegeese presenter, i have always liked your videos and the way you review a car. your opinion is also very logical and unbiased. for these reasons, i would like to know your opiniom about the 2011 chevy malibu LT with 58000 kms on the clock. is it worth the money and should buy it? or should i consider more expensive accord or camry? is it reliable or os it going to be troublesome? please reply as your opinion is very important to me.

The reason the seat cushion is raised in the front is for crash safety

Real deal killers for the RS was the mad stiff ride (99.9% of the time is just commuting to work on hodge podge roads), really weird gas pedal placement with shifty movement, and the seating position was super uncomfortable. It's a fantastic performance car (especially if you like to hustle your car all the time), but probably not for the common driver.

Is the ride worse than a C7 in Sport mode?

Type R or pick up a 2017 focus RS?

What? Negative comments on a youtube video? What has the world come to? (:

This was helpful, thanks!

At times it looks as if y'all are doing baha in the desert... bounce-bounce-bounce!Keep being savage ~

Jesus, what psi are you running in those tires? 50psi?

When you say the ride is really bad, is it on the race/track suspension setting, like when you select it on the stock?

Btw, the seats get better after a few days, the ride gets better, either I'm used to the suspension now or it becomes less stiff over time, or maybe it's so easy to forget about any minor short comings when you mash the gas and fly through corners. Believe me it's worth the money and the hype!

Can you guys help me out, I made a crap video about auto manufacturers ( Fiat , Ford , Hyundai ,Honda ect... ) about how much wasted space there is under the front seats. I wrote some Emails but a video from you guys with this amazing production value may shed some light on this terrible situation of high seat position with little lower adjustability. On another topic of purchasing a Sports car to daily drive . Even a part time enthusiast who autocrosses , RallyX , light track days may only spend 300 -500 miles of a cars whole life on the track or in competition. You have ask yourself if the harsh ride daily is worth the 500 miles you may drive on track compared to the 70 thousand miles you may do in traffic.

Getting tossed around on a roller coaster is a blast, but it gets old after about 5 minutes.

At the end of the day 99% of people will think you spent $40K on a Focus, because well you did spend $40K on a Focus. The problem is everyone's Gram Gram has a 2002 Focus that they think your driving around in........

The seating can be a deal breaker for me too

I've seen another video where they point out the the focus rs major weak point is the suspension. there is not much room in the suspension to do much modification and it's a bitch to even get to the shocks. the rear camber is set a little negative so you'll have uneven wear and you will eat through tires if you track this car. also there is no cooler in the rear diff.

im glad yt exists

You gave an honest raw review and if the die hard Rs man 👨 fan boys can’t handle it so be it it is what is too bad for 40 k no way

What's a good aftermarket seat cushion. My 2015 Transit Connect Cargo van sure needs one. My butt is very sore after 6,000 miles in it.

I test drove one about a year ago and I completely agree with the harsh ride quality and seating position. I've had modified cars in the past with quality aftermarket coilovers and the like, and none of them had a harsh ride like this unless I adjusted the dampers to make it so. Even then it was still tolerable for daily use. This car made me so nauseous that I had to stop and get out for a few minutes. The seating position is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. I don't mind having my legs a little higher than the seat base but this thing made me feel like I was in a space shuttle getting ready to blast off into space. The interior plastic quality is also just terrible. I've seen el cheapo cars with better plastics.

is the ride super hard even in normal drive mode?

Looks like every vato with an over sprung, under damped eg hatch.

Ford "competition" consumer cars in Europe, were based upon inexpensive family cars; going back to the 1960's with the Escort RS, Twin Cam and 1800, or the Lotus Cortina and then the Cosworth variants, starting with the Sierra Cosworth. They were in the public domain only because of homologation regulations. Then, the aesthetics (interior) were rarely discussed, the cars were sold explicitly as performance cars for budget rallying and club events; there were accepted trade-offs in exchange for the performance. They were not generally used to go and do the weekly shopping. Times have changed, along with attitudes and expectations. The Focus RS is a "hot" version of a family car; it is not a "competition" version in the same way as previous generations of Ford legends. The RS follows the DNA of the hot hatch concept exploited originally by the Golf GTI; it is intended to compete against Golf R, Subaru STI, now the Civic and soon other Japanese variants. There is unlikely to be a Focus RS fetching gazillions at Barrett-Jackson, one day.

get some 15" wheels on there and problem solved?

Thanks for your honest review. I agree good performance dampers should ride well as well as corner well.

What, you complained about the Deity's own ride? What is wrong with you ;) Edit, did you complain about the indicator noise? Way too loud.

I stand by what I said... Keep hating "turbo" hahaha that's hilarious!

Civic Type R seat position is alright, but I prefer BRZ.

More Scott! This is hilarious!

When you speak in the same breath about the RS as porsches, vettes, etc, it just solidifies how great of a performance car this is. It probably won't depreciate nearly as bad as those other "sports cars" either. And those other sports cars, they have their own issues that I can label as deal breakers when new, let alone a used and likely abused one. This is not a sports car. It's an everyday usable car that also has sports car capabilities. Once again, people who buy cars like these, WRXs, STIs, and Evos, fully know what to expect out of them. In comparison to those cars, the RS has far more tech in it comfort wise, dynamic cornering lighting, quiet ride when you want it, and a solid stereo/infotainment system. The seating position is fine for those who appreciate visibility and i'm over 6' and fit in mine with a helmet just fine, and that's with the sunroof. It's EXPECTED to not have a luxury ride, which once again, is subjective. In any mode outside of track it's no different than those other cars. If you want a more daily driver, then buy a Golf R that's softer, and for extra boredom, the DSG. Then again, if you're that concerned about daily driving and "sport" just buy a S3 or M235. I agree with the power throttling in 1st/2nd. It's stupid. Even though mine is tuned to get rid of it, I shouldn't have to have done that. That said, when this car is tuned, it really comes alive akin to what people see from VAG cars. I have a pedal spacer as well as I didn't like the placement. Those niggles are nothing though, and every car has them. There is no perfect car. I knew people were going to tear you apart. When you flame bait title and focus really hard on the shortcomings, that's what's going to happen. You felt like you needed to give the real story, but instead came across pushing an agenda. Other reviews mention the downfalls, but the point is that this car is purpose built, and when going for that "purpose" there's a reason it's attractive and labeled as the best and fastest point-A to point-B back road blitz car there is. Those reviews explain that. If anything, enthusiasts should be applauding Ford for having the balls to build something so exciting and focused serious fun car for a price that's below $50K. Be happy this car is there for those looking for something this exciting and edgy. Then again, considering they sold out of the 16's, with only those left on lots with ADM, and the 17's banks filled, I think Ford sees the appreciation. Not to mention all the applauds received from basically every publication outside of the videos like this and other odd ones out there.

when will you review a fiesta st?

Those are some fuckin space age headrests bro