If you look at the metrics, it's marginally faster than the STI and Golf R while riding on near racing slicks. I acknowledge it won on pure driving feel and involvement--and that counts for a lot--but to say it renders the STI (or Golf R) irrelevant is a huge stretch. It's also worth noting that long-term ownership tests have numerous troubling complaints, namely:arsenalrocks wrote: ↑ the RS has won very single reputable car comparisons tests against its rivals. that should tell you a lot.
there is truly no better AWD hot hatch than the RS. STI is so yesterday and EVO stopped production.
1. The Focus RS has serious issues with chunking tires (not enough camber adjustment);
2. Frequently goes into FWD-only limp mode on technical tracks;
3. Already a blown stock engine (coolant in the cylinders);
4. Build quality issues (B-pillar rattling and liner falling off);
5. Over damped even in Normal mode;
A lot of the initial Barcelona press review sheen has worn off. Consider C&Ds closing comment on the 10 Best Assessment and why they excluded the Focus RS: "The truly great cars, the 10Best winners, are of a piece. The Focus RS gives you no peace. But hey, it’s not like Ford tried to build a holistic driving machine or sweat the nuances. What it set out to do was inflate the Focus with nitromethane vapors until it was within a millimeter of popping. Mission accomplished. That approach makes for an interesting car, and a special one. But not one of the 10Best."