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Road & Track: Forget The Hype (Review)

9.6K views 34 replies 26 participants last post by  Yukon Corleone  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
So I watched most of this a$$hat's review. I've never heard so many backhanded compliments in my life! I'm still trying to figure out why he has to say "sh!t" so many times - isn't he professional? Not using that standard! Does he have a couple valid points? Yes, and most of us would agree on those - as have most other reviews - but this guy is one after another.


Forget the Hype: Here's What Makes the Ford Focus RS Really Tick

Everyone's excited for the Ford Focus RS. But let's take a close look at this car's mechanicals to see what you really get for your money.

By Máté Petrány, 11 October 2016

After my first drive in the Focus RS both on road and track, I was highly positive about Ford's shoutiest product, although I didn't go so far as calling it "god in hatchback form."

Frankly, I'm not too fussy when it comes to stiff suspensions, and after driving a Euro-spec Honda Civic Type R, the Focus felt like a totally usable daily driver in slow traffic. My list of negatives included the cheap interior and the clearly underbuilt all-wheel drive system that is highly likely to overheat once you start pushing the car on track. I also know that Ford's upgraded 2.3 liter Ecoboost engine gets ridiculously thirsty once you step on it. But even with that in mind, it's hard to argue with what Ford gives you for less than $40,000—especially in America, where the only real competitor is the much softer Volkswagen Golf R.

Now, it's time to dig a bit deeper into Ford's engineering. How did they manage to convert a front-wheel drive platform into all-wheel drive? What changes were needed to keep the drivetrain from overheating, and what couldn't fit the bill for this price? It's fast, I can tell you that, but is that enough?


Well, it should be enough, because it's a lot of fun at a reasonable price, and that's what you've been asking for.

2017 Ford Focus RS - Engineering Ford's Hot Hatchback
 
#2 ·
Fools couldn't even figure out how to properly put the rear sets down ...

The rear seat bottoms fold up and forward allowing the rear backs to sit level when folded down.

Removing the headrest helps too ... what a bunch of idiots.
 
#3 ·
I appreciated his review. Yeah, he could have put the seats down properly, but your average idiot is going to do exactly what he did. It was an honest review from a guy that wasn't worshiping the car the whole time.

Am I still buying my RS? Absolutely. Is it the second coming of Jesus like the other reviews say? No. There are many perks and there are some very valid criticisms that this guy pointed out. We all know about the seating position, we all know about the things he didn't like. In the end, we're plunking down $40k on a Focus, a special one yes, but his points are valid. I'm nearly 40, and I'm sure I'll complain about tooth rattling rides at some point, and I'm certain I'll complain about other stuff on this car too, but I watched his review and I'm buying anyway. It's a great car. Just not great for him. We should celebrate all manner of reviews.
 
#4 ·
I wouldnt say ALL know about the seats. I dont understand. Im 6' and my son is 6'1" and neither of has any complaints about the seats. he also had some overly critical points almost like he was trying to get them to fit his prejudice before he ever set foot in the car. IMO
 
#6 ·
His knowledge about the AWD system seemed to be off too. Unless I've gathered inaccurate no on here. From everything I've read, the RS is actually rear wheel biased once you are running and driving aggressively. The reviewer made it sound like a Haldex system (or worse). He even mentioned it felt rear wheel biased, but he thought it was electronic trickery.


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#7 ·
This guy is so unbearable to watch that it's amusing. He just hates on everything- one thing after another!

It just seemed like his mind was made up about this car before he even drove it.

I will give him credit where it's due though, the review was very thorough.
 
#8 ·
Savagegeese has a reputation for being a straight talker, no BS. I liked his review and it really hit on everything about the car. He's not always the most educated on a car (his comments on the AWD system were only ~90% right) but he hit the nail on the head with the target market for the car. Someone that's willing to forgive the defects for the outright back road performance. Someone that will autocross it and do light-moderate track use... Essentially exactly why I bought the car :)

I don't agree with him on the interior, it doesn't really look dated, IMO. Nothing "special" but not dated.
 
#9 ·
I appreciate the review. He seems knowledgeable. This is a hot hatch made for the street (mostly). It is not a ground up motor sport car. It is a bunch of compromises put together to make a good all around fun sporty car. It is really nothing more than that.
He has some issues with attitude (a little know-it-all-ish and snarky). That makes it a little difficult to watch because of lack of charisma. He likely is better suited to the written word than video.
 
#14 ·
He's a grumpier old man than me. I'm curious what modern car he actually likes. The M2 is one of the most "pure" cars you can buy today (other than a Viper), yet it isn't pure enough for him. So, he wants a car that drives perfectly on the street, the track, and with no electronic intervention. Maybe the Miata? I don't know enough about the Miata to know if it would meet his needs. Clearly he would hate every Porsche (other than maybe a GT4), Ferrari, McLaren, Jaguar, Vette, BMW, Audi, etc. What is his benchmark good modern car?


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#12 ·
it didnt seem to me like a bad review or like he **** on it.

he made some good points
 
#13 · (Edited)
His channel is called Savage geese. I've seen what Savage geese do to fields where my son plays soccer
Some of his commentary goes inline with his user tag. This car was built more track weapon focused less
comfort/Interior focused. To me the ride is fine, when I get other people in the car I can see them wanting
a softer ride. The interior is good to me. Yes you can find better in both these regards but then you wouldn't
have a 36k base hoonigan/track machine. If I wanted a DD that pampers me and looks upscale I would not
buy an RS. This is for enthusiasts who can appreciate a RWD biased AWD, 350lb of torque, accurate communicative steering etc.

It certainly isn't for everyone. I've seen his other reviews, I won't be watching anymore. I'm a glass half full type.
When it comes down to it, so many things about cars is subjective. Ride quality and interior for what the owner wants
certainly is... Yes, I am biased towards this car because I love what it does on a track. I love the way it takes corners and brakes.
I love the attitude it conveys to the driver...Lets have fun. I rate my cars based on these things and judging by what others
write they do to. It's not for everyone, no car is. I guess someone has to be a contrarian. I watched a 488 review and he was complaining
about the price tag. YES its stupid expensive such that 99.9% would never buy one or could justify it.
That's not the point. I love Ferrari's whether or not I can afford one is what it is.. a dream machine
 
#15 ·
How can any of you appreciate this review... he's comparing it to the likes of SRT4's and the like! Sure it's Fords hottest hatch available, but it's not int he same league - that's what the ST is. His credibility also took a hit when he started to swear - albeit only the S word but still - any professional writer/reviewer can come up with more suitable words. You may have heard him 'compliment' the car, but it was all backhanded meaning it was followed by a negative aspect or putting a unfavourable spin on the compliment to make you think it's a compliment but in fact he's dogging it in the same breath.

Gotta be the worst review I've seen for this car. ...There have only been a couple out there so far, but at least those were more constructive.
 
#16 ·
You clearly don't get his shtick, lol. I'm not saying he's an amazingly funny dude or anything, but go watch some of his other reviews... He talks realistically about every car he drives and makes the same funny comments.

BTW, the R&T article that you linked to is literally just a page talking about a review that someone entirely unrelated posted. Savagegeese is in no way a "professional" with credibility lol
 
#21 ·
I have to admit HATE HATE HATE pushing buttons EVERY TIME to put the car how I like, and the over-rides, and the insurance cancelling datalog.

If they weren't so good in so many other aspect (and yes, I realise some come intrinsically with what I'm whining about) I wouldn't touch a modern car.

Where is the satisfaction when the machine does the judgement? Just have to go faster...and still no 'feeling'? He is absolutely right!

Slight segue..Test drove a new Passat All-Trac the other week with (no experience of) lane assist...flowed around a stopped bus over the solid white line (without indicating...don't bother flaming me, thanks) and the lane assist attempted to help me into the side of the bus... ABS, ESC on gravel. Great!?
 
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#23 ·
In that regard it sounds like the review serves a purpose. For those who focus more on interior/ride quality this car isn't the best choice.
I knew what this car was going to be going in;
A livable DD which is set up for track use and having fun. The somewhat rough ride only makes itself known
to me when I drive with other people in it (~5% of the time). I like the interior but other cars are better save
the dreaded B pillar rattle which will get fixed eventually :)

At the end of the day, unless you want more character,fun,speed and rawness in your car go with a Golf R,
used Audi/BMW etc. The RS 'focuses' on fun,speed,handling capability etc.
It was designed to 'make obsolete' the other cars in its class, which it does in these regards.
In order for that to happen at this price point some sacrifices needed to be made

I do the opposite, I find the above things that I praise everyday.

Caveat Emptor - The RS is not a golf R/BMW/Audi
(Thank god :)
 
#26 ·
I really don't understand why everybody is so upset about a review that calls out the car's weaknesses. Seriously, the car is awesome and an absolute riot... but it's not perfect. It's a $20k focus with $15k worth of drivetrain stuffed under it... The exact same problem as the Evo.
 
#27 · (Edited)
^
Nobody knows everything but everybody knows something..and, therefore:
Nobody likes everything but everybody likes something

The Great One says: There is no perfect car

The very best car reviews are those that completely describe all the faults and all the pluses. This is hard to find so one must read a variety of (car) reviews. This should be true for all subjects from shoes to politics to future spouses. It is up to the reader to infer what he wants but to know the source of the review has much to do with the individual reader's interpretation or conclusion. If, for instance, one has read Car & Driver mag for twenty years, one has the experience, then, to make relatively good conclusions from that particular source. But, hey, this is only my opinion.

There's Car & Driver, Road & Track, Motor Tend, Automobile, Jalopnik and, yes, even those yahoos who always wear sunglasses and T-shirts who do their U-tube spins. (no reflection on the C & D video)
 
#31 ·
Only VW Vortex or SRT4 forums could come up with a worse review. This car is in vein with how Evos and WRXs/STIs come to be. You should know full well what you're getting into with one of these. And most will. The interior and toys are well above par for this class of car. Fit and finish is solid. Ford even listened and put a button on the stalk and console to override presets at your digressions. Ride is absolutely, positively, acceptable.

I too want a car that has the ride of a lexus at the push of a button and the handling of a 918 at a second press, with the interior of a high end Audi. For $40k. I couldn't find one though, so I bought the RS.
 
#32 ·
^ nailed it!
 
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#33 ·
I just came across this review so I searched it here to see what everyone's thoughts were, and early on I was impressed with his production quality, but the way he kept referring to the car as a FWD made my blood boil. I'm pretty sure he kept hammering down "it's a FWD car" to just irritate people who like the RS, he knows it's not even close to a FWD car. I don't know, production value is good, but he seemed like he had an agenda to just **** on the car since he saw other reviewers praise it so much. This review just rubbed me the wrong way.
 
#34 ·
So I watched most of this a$$hat's review. I've never heard so many backhanded compliments in my life! I'm still trying to figure out why he has to say "sh!t" so many times - isn't he professional? Not using that standard! Does he have a couple valid points? Yes, and most of us would agree on those - as have most other reviews - but this guy is one after another.


Forget the Hype: Here's What Makes the Ford Focus RS Really Tick

Everyone's excited for the Ford Focus RS. But let's take a close look at this car's mechanicals to see what you really get for your money.

By Máté Petrány, 11 October 2016

After my first drive in the Focus RS both on road and track, I was highly positive about Ford's shoutiest product, although I didn't go so far as calling it "god in hatchback form."

Frankly, I'm not too fussy when it comes to stiff suspensions, and after driving a Euro-spec Honda Civic Type R, the Focus felt like a totally usable daily driver in slow traffic. My list of negatives included the cheap interior and the clearly underbuilt all-wheel drive system that is highly likely to overheat once you start pushing the car on track. I also know that Ford's upgraded 2.3 liter Ecoboost engine gets ridiculously thirsty once you step on it. But even with that in mind, it's hard to argue with what Ford gives you for less than $40,000—especially in America, where the only real competitor is the much softer Volkswagen Golf R.

Now, it's time to dig a bit deeper into Ford's engineering. How did they manage to convert a front-wheel drive platform into all-wheel drive? What changes were needed to keep the drivetrain from overheating, and what couldn't fit the bill for this price? It's fast, I can tell you that, but is that enough?


Well, it should be enough, because it's a lot of fun at a reasonable price, and that's what you've been asking for.

2017 Ford Focus RS - Engineering Ford's Hot Hatchback
Who dat?⬆
RS=
Image

All other cars=
Image