Originally Posted By: wemay
Originally Posted By: Olas
The focus ST and focus RS have been available since the focus was available - has anybody tried to import one? I have a sneaking suspicion the US RS will be slower, heavier, more prone to under steer and less reliable.
There isn't a current fiesta RS, although there was in years gone by, currently we have the fiesta st.
A couple things...
The current Focus doesn't have an RS version. The ST is the highest level of performance offered from Ford, anywhere in the world.
Torque steer would be eliminated by the AWD setup. The previous RS was FWD and fitted with a Revoknuckle to help lessen that aspect of a high horsepower FWD vehicle...with arguable success.
Revoknuckle explained (previous Focus RS images and discussion):
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ford-revoknuckle-suspension-and-quaife-lsd-explained-48037.html
I bet they can make it AWD. I don't believe there was anything AWD on the platform at the time. Now the Escape/Kuga is available as AWD, has the same 2.3L ecoboost engine (On Lincoln MKC) and a PDU/rear diff that can hold up to it.
Seems like they'd be able to grab the PDU and rear diff from the Escape, MKC and put that in the Focus RS (Escape is just a big focus).
Originally Posted By: Trav
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Ford ONLY offers the 1.0L fiesta with a 5 speed manual! That has to count for something!
Absolutely. Ford has taken a slightly different direction with its small car and thats a good thing.
The trick the most manufacturers have missed is offering lower content cars without using low grade components like interiors and suspension.
The vehicle doesn't have to be no content, functional things like A/C, PS, ABS, PW, a decent radio, RW defroster and such are appreciated.
I like the Versa, but the Fiesta interior quality is much better. And still cheap - but you can get the good fuel econ and still have a decent interior.
Originally Posted By: Trav
That takes us down another road of people buying cars they cant afford because they feel entitled to it because they have been convinced they have a right to live fat on McDonalds wages (i see this with my nephew who just got his car repo'd).
Just ranting but i think you know where i'm coming from.
I know where you are coming from! I'd be perfectly content with a $13000 car, however!