Previous Vlog: • Focus RS with Cup 2 Ty... The Ford Focus RS is a truly incredible car...but there is now aspect in particular which is tough to live with.
Actually the reason for the terrible turning radius has nothing to do with the width of tires. The RS uses the engine out of the 4-cylinder Mustang which - in the Mustang - is mounted front to back as it is a Rear-Wheel-Drive car, but the RS is a Front-Wheel-Drive car with an All-Wheel-Drive coupling so the engine is mounted left to right (transversely) and uses up all the space between the wheel wells - to the point where Ford had to reduce the travel of the front wheels in order for the engine to fit. Unfortunately, the result is the horrible turning radius. However, Ford has realized this issue and for the next Focus model in 2018 (and Focus RS in 2021-ish) the car will be wider, ready to take larger engines with little to no effect on the steering radius.
I also own an RS so I feel your pain :-) Btw, really enjoy your opinions and reviews of the car, you made my 13 month wait (just got it 3 weeks ago) more bearable!
Sons of Speed your explanation makes no sense as the ST has the same turning issues with the 2.0 engine, it's because of the steering system and not because of space issues.
I really enjoy this video series, thanks. I've never driven the RS, but I understand that the suspension is very heavy and heavily over-damped even on the lightest setting I suspect that I couldn't live with that. I have Focus ST and it too has a rubbish turning circle and a too small fuel tank. I found a temporary solution to the fuel tank size, I carry a 12L jerry can on longer trips, works great. I swear that someone could make a small fortune fitting bigger tanks in the RS and then taking those RS tanks and putting them in the ST - everybody wins and only one fuel tank get chucked out. Great series, thanks for making.
I didn't notice the turning radius until I watched this video, interesting. I assume Ford engineers were aware of the turning radius when designing the vehicle, the reason behind the long radius I would like to know. One thing I do know is my RS handles better than my previous Sti, Evo X and modded wrx, nothing against my other cars, I loved them and I respect the Golf R too, the Golf is a great car but its funny how VW guys really hate on the RS...
You are 100% correct on the turning cycle. I do not no why Ford have not sorted this problem out. I have a Focus ST 2006 and the turning cycle is seriously bad. You would of thought since that came out they would of sorted the problem wouldn't you? Still would not put me off this car though but annoyed at Ford.
I'm glad you did this video on the top five issues with the car. As Ford owners, or prospective owners, we need to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly of each car. we're all adults and can make our own decisions. it is certainly helpful to know the negative aspects in advance. Sometimes a test drive will not reveal everything. Thank you!
Hey, another great video... Surprised you didn't mention the 'too cool' plates I commented on in a previous video! Keep up the good work, I always long for your next episode!
Had a 2014 Focus ST, which has the same issues with the turning circle BUT that is no problem if you don't drive around in little spanish towns with ridiculous narrow roads. On the other side you get one of the best steerings on the market and for sure the best steering in this price class when it comes to sporty driving outside of town. Hit one of those winding mountain roads and the RS/ST steering will shine like a star! I'm with you considering the Sound System, SATnav and the small fuel tank as rubbish.
It kinda annoys me too. In my city when i search for a parking spot and and want to parkt backwards on a busy road, its a pain in the butt. People think you're a terrible drive because you take more time even tho you drive such a sporty car.
YES! I drift on tight u-turns here in the states in my 2005 Infiniti G35 sedan (stick). If you don't get your tires to break loose though you're in trouble. Wish you had actually shown us a drift around one..
I agree on every single little issue you raised, as well as the turning radius being the big gripe with the car, but I can't comment on oil consumption (I only have 2200km on it). I also have to add the odd behaviour of auto start/stop while in sport mode as a minor drawback.
The turning radius is terrible...pretty similar to the ST. Sometimes you have to do a 3 point turn where normally you'd just do a u-turn. Most of the time it's not an issue.
what the heck are those small roundabouts? they arent 'roundabouts' they are a regular intersection with a sign in the middle saying you can go around in circles and do you a U-turn if need be. That road was never intended for that use, i'm not blaming the RS for it. Don't get me wrong, the turning radius is shite in the RS, but so is blaming the RS for that. Also... how quickly are you turning the wheel? the slower you turn it, the less likely you are to make a right hand turn for example.
The turning circle is a function of the quick steering rack that it has to make it better to steer on the track ie you only need small steering inputs to go around a track. My Evo 8 and X has the exact same issue. I've just got used to it. I'd rather better track steering at the cost of road steering.
Here in Canada we only have full sized roundabouts (or traffic circles as we call them) so I haven't noticed much of an issue with the turning radius in my RS. Gets a little tight when I have to turn around in my culdesac though. Keep up the videos! I wish we had those seats here in Canada but we only get the other Recaro's :(
*Hi Fezza, I feel that even though it's a vlog, there are better ways to do it. Not all vlogs need to just run on in one take. Maybe vlogs creatively use cuts so that only the more interesting things that get to the point make it in the footage. Unless you have a lot of practice, it can tend to sound like you're running on and not getting to the point. Since your channel is still young, and it seems many people are saying the same thing (that this video doesn't get to the point quickly enough), take that as constructive criticism in something you can work on to make the viewer experience better in the future. After all, if viewers aren't happy, your channel won't grow. Cheers!*
Richmond Estes *To be honest, I didn't even watch the whole thing the first time, so I didn't really notice all the cuts. But he's a new RUclipsr, so I kindly gave some constructive advice and going to cut him some slack.*
Maybe the camera mounted on the nose would have helped, from the rear left side where the camera is mounted on your car it looks like you'll make it just fine. Myself I've had no issues making U-turns here in Las Vegas even into a two lane street, that's fairly tight.
Everyone always says that interior isn't that good, but it actually surprised me by how good it was. Maybe I expected less after hearing everyone mention it, but I actually really like being in the thing. The seating position is perfect for me too, but I don't have the bucket seats and I heard those are one of the causes. I've noticed the turning radius once so far, and yeah it was not good. I do live in the states though and like you said I haven't had an issue with it yet. When time comes to make a u-turn I may be sorry, lol.
I'm ok with the interior, I think they possibly could have just done something a little extra with it to make it feel a bit more special and different to a standard Focus.
Yeah, that definitely would've been nice. Like the atmosphere lights even, they coulda made em blue or at least let you change the color like in some prior focus's lol.
I can definitely see how it would be annoying in Europe. You're right though, it's not really an issue in the states but I do agree it is the most annoying part about the whole car. I can still live with it. Just glad they brought ANY RS to the states even if it was only for a couple years. SMH.
Its not the cars inability to negotiate tight roundabouts. The problem is the outdated roads in Europe. Those roads suited cars from the1960's and 70's that had narrower wheel tracks and narrower wheels. Like ford escorts little fiats and datsuns. Roads in New Zealand are updated and more conducive to current cars on the road.Yes, thats where I'm from.
Your Ford has a turning circle of 11.9m. You're lucky. My Alfa GT 3.2 V6 has a turning circle of 12.2m. It does 23 mpg but other than that, it's a dream and it's appreciating in value.
I had this with my old Mégane R26. This cars are (normaly) designed as a normal Hatchback. And then they put some (relatively) big wheels and rubber aaaand had to minimized the steering angle. But you'll have a right handbrack and the drift mode to corrected that! :-)
Worst thing. I agree with you in 100%. I also have RS and I thing the best way to make a tight turn is to put your gas pedal down and use a hand brake :) :P
Totally agree. I have mine facelifted Focus 2 and as you said - all the stuff like seating position and interior are ok to live with....but WHAAAT? 12m ? Mine is 11 and I have problems already.....thats so sad
I have a fiesta ST-Line X and absolutely love it. It has Adapted Cruise Control and an amazing B&O speaker system. Really loud and good quality. What are the speakers like on the RS and does it only have cruise control or does it also have ACC like my ST-Line?
Worse than mini-roundabouts I have problems at T junctions, there are a couple near me where you end up on the wrong side of the road when you turn left, scary until you get used to looking both ways for a gap in the traffic. In my opinion its not as bad as the harsh ride though.
I have a Focus SE(2014) and in the US, at least, the turning radius is not an issue. In fact I find it to be typical for cars here. But, I can full understand that if you don't have all of the room to park, etc, that it would become somewhat of an issue.
+Jeff Farkas it's not a huge issue Jeff, you do soon start compensating for it but everyone who drives the car comments on it and it just makes one look at little silly sometimes not being able perform a simple manoeuvre ;)
Nice one Justin! With the draconian road laws we have here in Australia the police will confiscate your car if you are caught sliding a car on a public road! Our roads are not as narrow as yours so we have not encountered a situation of having to do a 3 point turn to get around a roundabout ... well not yet at least ... lol
ok, here in the states there are no "mini roundabouts"...but plenty of U Turns at traffic lites, which you have to navigate smartly to make it through,..there's no way you'd have time for that "ten point" turn. Plus parking garages are getting tighter and tighter. That enormous turning radius would be a deal breaker for me; what's the use of a super fast car that can't even get in and out of the underground parking at the hospital while your wife's having a baby in the passenger seat?
as always great honest review, thank you for sharing. Have you driven the BMW M140i or M240i? I would like to hear your views on these in comparison to your RS.
thanks Edward. I did actually approach BMW recently to compare one of their cars and they basically said p**** off. I will get hold of one though as I'm just curious to see anyway!
I have EP3 and turning circle is about the same, can be a pain sometimes. And yes it does make you look like a bad driver when you try and do a u-turn on dual carriage ways for example lol
I totally agree with you! I have the exact same problems and I agree on absolutely every single thing you said in this video. I always try to think positive but the way this car turns is just awful. The bad thing is that in the city center there isn’t a street that I can turn like normal people do. I don’t use the car anymore when I go there… There are some corners where I have to do not two but three maneuvers and everyone are watching you and are thinking “Oh what an idiot he has an RS and he can’t even make the turn…” And when it comes to U turns... OMG…
Yeah :) mine is the same color. The police stopped me once while I was trying to do a U turn and just couldn’t do it in one go. They didn’t see me starting the turn but when they stopped me they told me that I can’t make the turn because of the speed… And I was in the car with my nine months pregnant wife… What speed man? The baby is going to pop out any moment… :D
+Josef Antoni I have never tried the standard seats but I love the Recaros on mine, even if they are a tad high. Very comfortable and great for track days. I track my car quite a bit
I always joke to my friends that turning my mk2 ST is like turning a super tanker lol I imagine the RS with its slightly bigger wheels suffers with it a bit more
This even happened on my 2012 Titanium with handling package. You can thank the turn limiter installed to prevent the 18" wheels from scraping the wheel wells.
Great video, nice little drift at the end there! Not sure how I've not found your videos before but I liked this one so I'm gonna sub :-) looking forward to more!
Fezza, can you please do a quick vlog on the auto stop start feature? I hear it is on by default each time you start the car, so you gotta disable it every trip :-(
+Fezza yippee! looking forward to it! it'll be the only RS vid on YT that actually touches on the feature! (from my findings while searching anyway!). Thank you for all the time and effort you have put in to these VLOGS matey! I love your vids and enjoy the extra mile you go in creating your content :-) Happy Hols and a Happy New Year mate! wishing you and yours all the best :-)
mini rounabouts and giant trucks don't work well! though a smart4-2 can't tow a bulldozer :) Would an e-brake slide around the mini roundabout be rude?
+Hot Tweeker093 I'm afraid not. Maybe it doesn't come across well on camera but it's impossible...and I'm far from the only person to have brought this up.
My sister borrowed my Mk1 SVT Focus in Spain for a while, she thought the turning circle was awful, ‘really?’ I said. Actually I never really noticed before, but she may have a point, it’s not that good I admit..... whatever
Yeah there's only really one thing wrong with this car and that's the short block. I mean you can nitpick all the other features I suppose but I was considering getting one of these until I saw the engine design. If someone is going to keep one of these for the long-term and aftermarket block is going to be in their future and or a sleeved stock block if any of the major companies have started doing that
I have this problem, in this car, in parking lots in the states. My previous car had the same problem. Its really bad considering how useful the car is in every other situation.
Jeez if thats all i had to worry about whilst driving a Focus RS I would consider myself lucky, its an RS, just put your foot down and enjoy it, mate ...
I agree! Everything else is liveable (especially with Sync 3), but the turning circle is a real PITA. Especially if you have to parallel park on the street like me - it's very tricky!
If you have really clever diffs on a 4x4 the turning circle will be defined by that. Subaru WRX is the same. If the turning circle is a big deal then but a 4x2 and put spoilers on it!
Same problem with my SEAT Leon Cupra R, does my head in, I live in Spain too. Luckily I don't see many mini roundabouts, but tight parking lots with big concrete columns can be a nightmare.
You took forever to get the point which was something EVERYBODY already knows. The great thing you did was show the turning circle. The drift mode was humerus.
Your exactly right we do not have that issue in the states!! You guys road engineers are interesting. I guess it's because your cars are so tiny there. It takes us two full side lanes just to make a simple u turn in our Trucks and Full size SUV's.
I recently got my mk3 RS 4 days ago and I love it but I also noticed in my 4 days it's turning circle is almost just short, also been thinking about making videos like yours on my RS but just can't pull the trigger on doing them
Got my RS 2 months ago and i saw you coming with the turning radius from a mile away, that struggle when you see a tight spot and you know you're gonna make everyone wait and looking like a moron :'( They should have go with 18 inch wheels, would have been perfect and less a burden . 19's on a hatchback who tought that was a great idea :x Keep those Focus videos going, great job ;) ( Your videos set me up on that car so thank you ^^ )
Another fantastic video Justin. For the whole thing I was thinking about drift mode to make up for the poor turning circle and you did us proud at the end there.
Well duh, thats's what Drift Mode is for. lol The TR of My Mazdaspeed 3 is not the best either but boost makes me forget about that slight annoyance. I'd still rather have the AWD RS boost and drift mode though.
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He hates the turning radius, YOU'RE WELCOME.
rezneba101 you're the real VIP
You champ
saved my day
thanks! i hate being bored AND not knowing his point
cheers man i didnt even get 5 seconds into the ad lol
skip to 4:43 if you actually wanna hear what he hates lol
Thanks very much!
Scott Lechner he didn't say hate
Hallelujah
Actually the reason for the terrible turning radius has nothing to do with the width of tires. The RS uses the engine out of the 4-cylinder Mustang which - in the Mustang - is mounted front to back as it is a Rear-Wheel-Drive car, but the RS is a Front-Wheel-Drive car with an All-Wheel-Drive coupling so the engine is mounted left to right (transversely) and uses up all the space between the wheel wells - to the point where Ford had to reduce the travel of the front wheels in order for the engine to fit. Unfortunately, the result is the horrible turning radius. However, Ford has realized this issue and for the next Focus model in 2018 (and Focus RS in 2021-ish) the car will be wider, ready to take larger engines with little to no effect on the steering radius.
+Sons of Speed thanks for the detailed explanation. Makes sense :)
I also own an RS so I feel your pain :-) Btw, really enjoy your opinions and reviews of the car, you made my 13 month wait (just got it 3 weeks ago) more bearable!
Sons of Speed your explanation makes no sense as the ST has the same turning issues with the 2.0 engine, it's because of the steering system and not because of space issues.
Well that IS strange as the ST uses a variable ratio steering rack and the RS uses a standard ratio rack from the Ford Transit van.
Ok, sorry, thaught the RS had the same variable steering as the ST.
I really enjoy this video series, thanks. I've never driven the RS, but I understand that the suspension is very heavy and heavily over-damped even on the lightest setting I suspect that I couldn't live with that. I have Focus ST and it too has a rubbish turning circle and a too small fuel tank. I found a temporary solution to the fuel tank size, I carry a 12L jerry can on longer trips, works great.
I swear that someone could make a small fortune fitting bigger tanks in the RS and then taking those RS tanks and putting them in the ST - everybody wins and only one fuel tank get chucked out. Great series, thanks for making.
jesus, almost 5 minutes to get to the point...
yep
I absolutely love this car and I love the drift mode solution to the turning circle problem.
Ahahah !....true...thats why they add this drift mode,ur right!
I have a MkIII Focus and compared to my MkI ZX3 Focus...the turning radius is measured in orbits around the sun.
I have the mkII Focus RS and that comment cracked me up!
My Sedan Focus turning radius is horrendous, it takes me entire 4 lanes to do a u-turn
I didn't notice the turning radius until I watched this video, interesting. I assume Ford engineers were aware of the turning radius when designing the vehicle, the reason behind the long radius I would like to know. One thing I do know is my RS handles better than my previous Sti, Evo X and modded wrx, nothing against my other cars, I loved them and I respect the Golf R too, the Golf is a great car but its funny how VW guys really hate on the RS...
You are 100% correct on the turning cycle. I do not no why Ford have not sorted this problem out. I have a Focus ST 2006 and the turning cycle is seriously bad. You would of thought since that came out they would of sorted the problem wouldn't you? Still would not put me off this car though but annoyed at Ford.
The people in the states have big stomachs too.
I'm glad you did this video on the top five issues with the car. As Ford owners, or prospective owners, we need to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly of each car. we're all adults and can make our own decisions. it is certainly helpful to know the negative aspects in advance. Sometimes a test drive will not reveal everything. Thank you!
thanks! Glad you found the video helpful.
He came prepared for a long boring video with the cup of coffee :)
it was tea
Fezza
Tea, I like tea. So in summary was the turning circle the issue. I couldnt filter much else from the video?
Hey, another great video... Surprised you didn't mention the 'too cool' plates I commented on in a previous video!
Keep up the good work, I always long for your next episode!
hey mate, yes, forgot to mention that! I am going to mention it in an up coming video.
Had a 2014 Focus ST, which has the same issues with the turning circle BUT that is no problem if you don't drive around in little spanish towns with ridiculous narrow roads.
On the other side you get one of the best steerings on the market and for sure the best steering in this price class when it comes to sporty driving outside of town.
Hit one of those winding mountain roads and the RS/ST steering will shine like a star!
I'm with you considering the Sound System, SATnav and the small fuel tank as rubbish.
you're right Stefan, the steering is just sublime, so much feel and perfect weighting.
It kinda annoys me too. In my city when i search for a parking spot and and want to parkt backwards on a busy road, its a pain in the butt. People think you're a terrible drive because you take more time even tho you drive such a sporty car.
YES! I drift on tight u-turns here in the states in my 2005 Infiniti G35 sedan (stick). If you don't get your tires to break loose though you're in trouble. Wish you had actually shown us a drift around one..
*Can you show us how to go around the small round about in drift mode? You mentioned it, but I was hoping you were going to demonstrate it.*
Jesus...the build up to what you don't like was agonizing.
yes, it was
Hi Justin, it was nice seeing you in Swansea! ;)
Hey George! Thanks for saying hi and great to chat with you. Hope your RS arrives soon :)
I agree on every single little issue you raised, as well as the turning radius being the big gripe with the car, but I can't comment on oil consumption (I only have 2200km on it). I also have to add the odd behaviour of auto start/stop while in sport mode as a minor drawback.
The turning radius is terrible...pretty similar to the ST. Sometimes you have to do a 3 point turn where normally you'd just do a u-turn. Most of the time it's not an issue.
yes, you're right, most of the time it's not an issue which is why I originally couldn't decide if it's really an issue!
Well the problem is not in the RS's turning radius, it is in the country you live in with those small roundabouts...
I drive the st in the states and to make a U-turn I have to turn out wide than do my U-turn or I have to back up and go. Super annoying
Started watching your content about a week ago and I have to say that it is very good.
thanks mate, appreciate the support :)
So now its been 6 months, and I bet you still are waiting for him to get to the point of the video...
Don’t need a good turning circle in a Rally car 😂
what the heck are those small roundabouts? they arent 'roundabouts' they are a regular intersection with a sign in the middle saying you can go around in circles and do you a U-turn if need be. That road was never intended for that use, i'm not blaming the RS for it. Don't get me wrong, the turning radius is shite in the RS, but so is blaming the RS for that. Also... how quickly are you turning the wheel? the slower you turn it, the less likely you are to make a right hand turn for example.
The turning circle is a function of the quick steering rack that it has to make it better to steer on the track ie you only need small steering inputs to go around a track. My Evo 8 and X has the exact same issue. I've just got used to it. I'd rather better track steering at the cost of road steering.
Here in Canada we only have full sized roundabouts (or traffic circles as we call them) so I haven't noticed much of an issue with the turning radius in my RS. Gets a little tight when I have to turn around in my culdesac though. Keep up the videos! I wish we had those seats here in Canada but we only get the other Recaro's :(
well it's only fair that if you have only have full sized roundabouts that we should be able to have the Recaro shell seats ;)
If you want to turn around just use the drift mode
The Evo also has a bad turning radius but people love those as well! Enjoy your RS! =)
Yes officer that is how I was instructed to make sharp turns, not sure if the police will buy that? LOL, thanks for the RS update
lol!
dennis hoffman if you live in Britain that's quite dangerous too
*Hi Fezza, I feel that even though it's a vlog, there are better ways to do it. Not all vlogs need to just run on in one take. Maybe vlogs creatively use cuts so that only the more interesting things that get to the point make it in the footage. Unless you have a lot of practice, it can tend to sound like you're running on and not getting to the point. Since your channel is still young, and it seems many people are saying the same thing (that this video doesn't get to the point quickly enough), take that as constructive criticism in something you can work on to make the viewer experience better in the future. After all, if viewers aren't happy, your channel won't grow. Cheers!*
+AzNightmare hi mate. Thanks for the comment. I have taken note! Cheers.
AzNightmare if you can bear another watch, you'll notice many edits - he really felt this was 11 minutes worthy
Richmond Estes *To be honest, I didn't even watch the whole thing the first time, so I didn't really notice all the cuts. But he's a new RUclipsr, so I kindly gave some constructive advice and going to cut him some slack.*
Maybe the camera mounted on the nose would have helped, from the rear left side where the camera is mounted on your car it looks like you'll make it just fine. Myself I've had no issues making U-turns here in Las Vegas even into a two lane street, that's fairly tight.
Everyone always says that interior isn't that good, but it actually surprised me by how good it was. Maybe I expected less after hearing everyone mention it, but I actually really like being in the thing. The seating position is perfect for me too, but I don't have the bucket seats and I heard those are one of the causes. I've noticed the turning radius once so far, and yeah it was not good. I do live in the states though and like you said I haven't had an issue with it yet. When time comes to make a u-turn I may be sorry, lol.
I'm ok with the interior, I think they possibly could have just done something a little extra with it to make it feel a bit more special and different to a standard Focus.
Yeah, that definitely would've been nice. Like the atmosphere lights even, they coulda made em blue or at least let you change the color like in some prior focus's lol.
The WORST thing about the Ford Focus RS. It's not an Evo? Actually joking aside, if the RS turning circle is worse than an Evo - you know it's shit.
Pull the freaking ebrake to turn sharp, works in my SE lol
Here is a solution. Forget the drift mode and just crank the ebrake and you have the best turning radius in a car.
I can definitely see how it would be annoying in Europe. You're right though, it's not really an issue in the states but I do agree it is the most annoying part about the whole car. I can still live with it. Just glad they brought ANY RS to the states even if it was only for a couple years. SMH.
this dude is exactly right haha my focus st can't make a circle to save it's life!
In my experience, I haven't noticed too much the terrible turning radius, but that example is pretty embarrassing.
That is crazy. like other commenter said , explaininv to cops late at night who stop you for driving like a drunk won't go well.
Its not the cars inability to negotiate tight roundabouts. The problem is the outdated roads in Europe. Those roads suited cars from the1960's and 70's that had narrower wheel tracks and narrower wheels. Like ford escorts little fiats and datsuns. Roads in New Zealand are updated and more conducive to current cars on the road.Yes, thats where I'm from.
Your Ford has a turning circle of 11.9m. You're lucky. My Alfa GT 3.2 V6 has a turning circle of 12.2m. It does 23 mpg but other than that, it's a dream and it's appreciating in value.
I love the Alfa GT...and the V6 is such a lovely engine!
I had this with my old Mégane R26.
This cars are (normaly) designed as a normal Hatchback. And then they put some (relatively) big wheels and rubber aaaand had to minimized the steering angle.
But you'll have a right handbrack and the drift mode to corrected that! :-)
I call my car "Neptune going around the sun" when I need to flip a U.
Worst thing. I agree with you in 100%. I also have RS and I thing the best way to make a tight turn is to put your gas pedal down and use a hand brake :) :P
Totally agree. I have mine facelifted Focus 2 and as you said - all the stuff like seating position and interior are ok to live with....but WHAAAT? 12m ? Mine is 11 and I have problems already.....thats so sad
What's the point of a round about where there's no traffic and cars do about 10ks ?
I have a fiesta ST-Line X and absolutely love it. It has Adapted Cruise Control and an amazing B&O speaker system. Really loud and good quality. What are the speakers like on the RS and does it only have cruise control or does it also have ACC like my ST-Line?
Worse than mini-roundabouts I have problems at T junctions, there are a couple near me where you end up on the wrong side of the road when you turn left, scary until you get used to looking both ways for a gap in the traffic. In my opinion its not as bad as the harsh ride though.
I have a Focus SE(2014) and in the US, at least, the turning radius is not an issue. In fact I find it to be typical for cars here. But, I can full understand that if you don't have all of the room to park, etc, that it would become somewhat of an issue.
+Jeff Farkas it's not a huge issue Jeff, you do soon start compensating for it but everyone who drives the car comments on it and it just makes one look at little silly sometimes not being able perform a simple manoeuvre ;)
Nice one Justin! With the draconian road laws we have here in Australia the police will confiscate your car if you are caught sliding a car on a public road! Our roads are not as narrow as yours so we have not encountered a situation of having to do a 3 point turn to get around a roundabout ... well not yet at least ... lol
I'm sure we're not supposed to do power slides on Spanish roads either ;)
Love your videos, cant wait until i have my RS!! keep the vids coming!
thanks and will do!
ok, here in the states there are no "mini roundabouts"...but plenty of U Turns at traffic lites, which you have to navigate smartly to make it through,..there's no way you'd have time for that "ten point" turn. Plus parking garages are getting tighter and tighter. That enormous turning radius would be a deal breaker for me; what's the use of a super fast car that can't even get in and out of the underground parking at the hospital while your wife's having a baby in the passenger seat?
jeez, does your wife have a lot of babies?
as always great honest review, thank you for sharing. Have you driven the BMW M140i or M240i? I would like to hear your views on these in comparison to your RS.
thanks Edward. I did actually approach BMW recently to compare one of their cars and they basically said p**** off. I will get hold of one though as I'm just curious to see anyway!
I have EP3 and turning circle is about the same, can be a pain sometimes. And yes it does make you look like a bad driver when you try and do a u-turn on dual carriage ways for example lol
1/3 of the way through watching and listening to this and still not stated what you don't like about the car. I'm off.
thanks for the advice! i will be drifting around the roundabouts from now on ✌
How blessed you are, when the turning circle of your car is your biggest problem in life.
Ronald de Rooij it's a vídeo about my car but my life!
I totally agree with you! I have the exact same problems and I agree on absolutely every single
thing you said in this video. I always try to think positive but the way this
car turns is just awful. The bad thing is that in the city center there isn’t a
street that I can turn like normal people do. I don’t use the car anymore when I
go there… There are some corners where I have to do not two but three maneuvers
and everyone are watching you and are thinking “Oh what an idiot he has an RS
and he can’t even make the turn…” And when it comes to U turns... OMG…
LOL! It doesn't help when the car is Nitrous Blue either as it generally attracts even more attention!
Yeah :) mine is the same color. The police stopped me once while I was trying to do a U turn
and just couldn’t do it in one go. They didn’t see me starting the turn but
when they stopped me they told me that I can’t make the turn because of the
speed… And I was in the car with my nine months pregnant wife… What speed man?
The baby is going to pop out any moment… :D
Titanium mk3 radius sucks with 15"snow and 18 " summers.. My sante fe turns tighter. Amazing that the auto park features work
Bloody hell that is quite embarrassing... I didn't quite believe you until you demonstrated it
I will go to test drive before I get one, turning circle sounds bad if can't take a mini round about.
the bad turns is because of AWD, correct?
Hi.... some dude once reviewed his RS with this Recaro seats and he said that are crap and standards are way better.... what are your impressions?
+Josef Antoni I have never tried the standard seats but I love the Recaros on mine, even if they are a tad high. Very comfortable and great for track days. I track my car quite a bit
biggest turn off for me is the steering wheel. It has the big FORD logo which is quite off putting.
Ken block seams to be able to turn that RS around.
i thank we have a driver problem.--- push the right side pedal a bit more mate.
;)
I always joke to my friends that turning my mk2 ST is like turning a super tanker lol I imagine the RS with its slightly bigger wheels suffers with it a bit more
This even happened on my 2012 Titanium with handling package. You can thank the turn limiter installed to prevent the 18" wheels from scraping the wheel wells.
Great video, nice little drift at the end there!
Not sure how I've not found your videos before but I liked this one so I'm gonna sub :-) looking forward to more!
+Matt Rosell thanks for the support Matt. Much appreciated!
Fezza, can you please do a quick vlog on the auto stop start feature? I hear it is on by default each time you start the car, so you gotta disable it every trip :-(
ok mate, will do.
+Fezza yippee! looking forward to it! it'll be the only RS vid on YT that actually touches on the feature! (from my findings while searching anyway!).
Thank you for all the time and effort you have put in to these VLOGS matey! I love your vids and enjoy the extra mile you go in creating your content :-)
Happy Hols and a Happy New Year mate! wishing you and yours all the best :-)
mini rounabouts and giant trucks don't work well! though a smart4-2 can't tow a bulldozer :) Would an e-brake slide around the mini roundabout be rude?
I really love this car it s not a car we scould sell until zhe new rs is on a horizon, what do u think.?
My 03 Altima had that. U-turns ended up being very dramatic e-brake turns. Which is just as dumb as having to 3 point.
Hatin on turning radius is very bad when clearly your video shows that you have space to complete you turns
+Hot Tweeker093 I'm afraid not. Maybe it doesn't come across well on camera but it's impossible...and I'm far from the only person to have brought this up.
My sister borrowed my Mk1 SVT Focus in Spain for a while, she thought the turning circle was awful, ‘really?’ I said.
Actually I never really noticed before, but she may have a point, it’s not that good I admit..... whatever
Yeah there's only really one thing wrong with this car and that's the short block. I mean you can nitpick all the other features I suppose but I was considering getting one of these until I saw the engine design. If someone is going to keep one of these for the long-term and aftermarket block is going to be in their future and or a sleeved stock block if any of the major companies have started doing that
Refreshing to watch a more balanced approach. As you say all the others are minor points, I totally agree on the turning circle.
thanks mate!
I have this problem, in this car, in parking lots in the states. My previous car had the same problem.
Its really bad considering how useful the car is in every other situation.
Jeez if thats all i had to worry about whilst driving a Focus RS I would consider myself lucky, its an RS, just put your foot down and enjoy it, mate ...
+xetexuk12 my point exactly
I agree! Everything else is liveable (especially with Sync 3), but the turning circle is a real PITA. Especially if you have to parallel park on the street like me - it's very tricky!
Since its all wheel drive the turning radius sucks. If it was rear wheel drive it would be better. Just e-brake or drift it around the u-turn.
If you have really clever diffs on a 4x4 the turning circle will be defined by that. Subaru WRX is the same. If the turning circle is a big deal then but a 4x2 and put spoilers on it!
+Scott Howard what do you mean by but a 4x2? I don't think I've ever tried butting a car before
I knew! I knew that! I knew that your solution would be drifting mode!
+Artem Lokhovitskiy lol!
Same problem with my SEAT Leon Cupra R, does my head in, I live in Spain too. Luckily I don't see many mini roundabouts, but tight parking lots with big concrete columns can be a nightmare.
and suddenly my image of this car went down the crapper....
You took forever to get the point which was something EVERYBODY already knows. The great thing you did was show the turning circle. The drift mode was humerus.
4:40 is the actual worst thing
Your exactly right we do not have that issue in the states!! You guys road engineers are interesting. I guess it's because your cars are so tiny there. It takes us two full side lanes just to make a simple u turn in our Trucks and Full size SUV's.
I recently got my mk3 RS 4 days ago and I love it but I also noticed in my 4 days it's turning circle is almost just short, also been thinking about making videos like yours on my RS but just can't pull the trigger on doing them
give it a go mate! I struggle for time to do the videos but it's good fun when you get into the swing of it! Congrats on getting your car :)
My Evo X was the same it was a nightmare around town and going up the Stelvio Pass, Ive got a new Civic Type R now which is better
Got my RS 2 months ago and i saw you coming with the turning radius from a mile away, that struggle when you see a tight spot and you know you're gonna make everyone wait and looking like a moron :'( They should have go with 18 inch wheels, would have been perfect and less a burden . 19's on a hatchback who tought that was a great idea :x Keep those Focus videos going, great job ;) ( Your videos set me up on that car so thank you ^^ )
hehe! Thanks for the kind words :)
my mk2 rs has the same turning issue :-) like ya drift :-) cheers steve :-)
thanks Steve. My drifts are coming along nicely ;)
My RS has a better turning circle than my S60R, now that is a pain to turn round.
Another fantastic video Justin. For the whole thing I was thinking about drift mode to make up for the poor turning circle and you did us proud at the end there.
thanks Jason, glad you enjoyed it!
Coming from a 2011 WRX, it's so similar. I live in the states so I don't see as a bother with the rs I got two months ago.
Well duh, thats's what Drift Mode is for. lol The TR of My Mazdaspeed 3 is not the best either but boost makes me forget about that slight annoyance. I'd still rather have the AWD RS boost and drift mode though.
give it some beans on 3rd, drop 2nd and pull the handbrake do a 180..sorted
turning circle... it's 4 wheel drive..
Kobe Wild my awd audi a4 could out turn most vehicles. If it'd riding on 18s that can also be some of the problem.