RS just place last in comparison test in the April 2017 issue. They praised the RS for the same reason you did and they killed it on the ride quality. The said it rides like a dump truck and said the RS is not a true drivers car, but its a tremendous performance car. And I totally agree

A lot of people don't know this, but the seats actually do fold flat and the front seats can be pretty far back. The trick is to lift bottom of the back seats up and take the headrests out. There's a spot for the headrests in the back seats where rear passenger feet go. Other than that, great video!

"The new civic type R looks like it was designed for a 12 year old." Fucking hilarious!!

The production value of these videos are off the charts. Thanks for making them!

I test drove a 17' STI, 17' Golf R and a 17' Focus RS and I bought the Focus RS! Was the most exciting to drive of the three to me and the interior isn't nearly as tragic as people say. But hey, different strokes for different folks; it tickles my fancy and that's all that matters! Cheers!

I know this is extremely out of the date/time continuum, but after watching this all I could think of were the issues that he brought up about the negatives were just about all resolved in the '17 model year cars with the RS2 package. Having owned said model and then reading up on all the goodies I took for granted over the original '16 cars like this one reviewed, I can agree to the detractions brought up in the video and happily say I never experienced them. So for whatever the non-binding two cents of a youtube commentor is worth, the RS is a great car and definite contender for this segment but only if you go '17 and later and RS2 package.

Hands down one of the highest quality car reviewers on KZfaq today.

Been daily my RS now for 3 years! I dont really get the bad ride talk (in soft mode), it's hard yes but i think this kind of car should be. I am european tho so we are used to a hard low ride on our hatchbacks and our regular sedan cars dont drive like a floating Buick yacht. Never had any problem with the car in 3 years! Only been in for regular services and that i can not say about any other car i have had. Well it is time for me to let it go soon but i will remember it as the most reliable car i ever had! And it's a FORD!?! to me thats amazing. I didnt think that when buying it thats for sure.

The geese were particularly savage in this video. They must know when the RS is near.

Thank you for the honest opinion in this review. I contacted TRI and donated $200 as I know all too well the issues Veterans face when they separate from the service, as I am one myself. Thank you for supporting a great cause and I will continue to tune in for future reviews.

Most professional, detailed review of any car I have ever watched. I look forward to watching more from savage geese.

why is he listening to a breastfeeding tutorial. rofl 29:54

Great review. You are one of the first reviewers that didn't just regurgitate facts and figures of the car's abilities. I loved how you gave the track perspective as well as on road use perspective. Keep up the great work

Great review, stunning cinematography and a beautiful message behind it all!

I was able to take an RS on an extended test drive, I put the car in sport mode, kept the suspension in sport and didn’t hit the suspension button and the car rode way smoother than my Focus ST. I felt it to be super comfortable. When hating the suspension button to put it in the more aggressive dampening, the ride is definitely more bouncy and not comfortable, but when in normal suspension setting, it honestly rides great and the quality is really comfortable.

Great review as always. The production quality is always exceptional. Thanks for sharing the information about the charity, it was my pleasure to make a donation to such a cause.

damn SG that intro was something that coulda been the commercial for the RS! love the cinematography and style of your videos, you got your own vibe going and I respect it. Will keep posted for more!

I just found your channel. I'm so glad that someone is doing honest, critical reviews. I think most cars are made with a target audience in mind and you seem to point that out and tell us if we aren't that audience then the car may not be for us. I applaud this treatment and you high quality production work. Keep up the awesomeness!

*Loved* the attention to tech details in this review and not just constant handies back and forth all day screaming about how life changing this car is.

I found your channel a few weeks ago and I'm making my way through all the reviews. You are brutality honest with the pros and cons to the point where the viewer has to make the decision. Great f'ing job!

Just wanted to say thanks for a great review!! It's fantastic to see a comprehensive review that is forthright about some of the very real shortcomings of this car, whilst acknowledging its many strengths. I did buy the car sight unseen, and to be honest, I'm glad I did. Because if I'd taken it for a test drive I would have baulked at how hard the car is. In Australia we have a lot of course chip rads, and on our first drive, my wife and I were actually talking about packing earplugs in the glove box. The engine felt tight as hell and didn't seem all that keen to rev. The car felt wooden, stiff and like it was on stilts. But you know what? I don't know whether it is just getting used to it, but after about 1000km, the whole thing loosens up. The car just seems to come together, and I am absolutely loving it. Oh, and I was one of the "lucky" ones that got the old Microsoft Sync 2 version. I guess it's probably a case of not knowing what you're missing, but I have found it to be user friendly and intuitive, if a little dated in appearance. But the seating position really is "shit"! Too high, although the optional Recaro racing seats don't seem to have the under thigh issues that the standard Recaros shown in the video have. I fact the seats are fantastic, but you do sit way too high. The sound system is absolutely dreadful. In Australia we don't get any options other than the forged rims (which are actually the ones shown in the video) which come with the Cup 2 tyres - more on this later. As a result of this lack of options, the standard issue in Australia does not have the sub-woofer installed in the boot (trunk to you Americans). This means that there is a completely pointless foam floor under the carpet in the rear that serves no purpose other than to waste boot space. Removing this floor liberates space, both in depth and front to back width, but means that the carpet no longer fully covers the boot floor. This is alleviated somewhat by buying a rear floor liner (and I'm glad I did after a growler of beer leaked all over the place) but it's still a disappointing and pointless oversight that wastes interior space for no good reason. The lack of subwoofer leaves the stereo system sounding extremely flat, and no amount of audio adjustment helps this most underwhelming part of the whole package. As mentioned, the forged alloy/Cup 2 wheel/tyre option is the only one available in Australia (other than colour) and I went for this option mainly because the black forged alloys look far superior than the standard wheels which are finished in silver. I must disagree that you don't want the Cup 2 tyres for the road, they are EPIC! The grip afforded by them in combination with the AWD and torque vectoring system is simply astounding, and I fully intend to replace them, like for like, once they wear out. This thing defies physics in tight turns and, frankly, anyone who fully exploits the handling of the car with these tyres on a public road has a death wish and ought to be locked up. The car sends drive rearwards right at the point that front end grip is running out, and you can feel drive simultaneously being sent to the outside rear wheel while the torque vectoring grabs the inside front brake, tightening your cornering line. It takes a little getting used to, but once you do, you can lean on this car through corners in a way that is hugely confidence inspiring and that is really communicative. I'm continually amazed that a gar with 60% weight overt the front axle feels so balanced and RWD. Torque steer is noticeable in straight lines but, counter intuitively, dissipates the harder and with more steering lock you go into a corner. I optioned the "Magnetic" grey metallic and it's a lovely colour. Paint application appears to be generous but there is a noticeable and disappointing "orange peel" in the finish. This is somewhat alleviated by the colour, metallic and the application of an aftermarket protectant coating. I'd agree that the car doesn't really "special" or different to a more prosaic Focus, and I reckon I have had exactly zero people take a second look at it in six weeks of ownership. All in all I'm really pleased with the purchase. Yes, a Golf R of similar price beats the RS hands down for fit, finish and presentation. But when you're up for a good time.... ... good god!

Savagegeese .. your videos are fantastic I have learned a lot listening to them. I had an RS and just sold it to buy a Golf R or an Audi S3 after test driving the golf and Audi I am thinking of buying another RS the ride is a bit harsh especially with the dampers in sport mode, however the residual values are always good on RS's.

You're the man. You are keeping it real. I can't thank you enough. New subscriber right here!

Great review! Thank you for helping me to cross this car off my want list. Not to mention my recent unpleasant experience at an Idaho Ford dealership where they refused to let me test drive a used (25,000 mile) 2017 Shelby GT350.

This video was well photographed, it has excellent audio and video content. Great job. I like your approach to the review (in the shop, with passengers, on track) Keep up the good work!

Why does this guy always sound pissed off?

I suspect that the muffler valve is to close off that port at low RPM to decrease pipe diameter and increase torque. At higher RPM it will open the valve. The idea is having two effective diameters for the exhaust system. Small diameter at low RPM and high diameter at high RPM.

I've seen a lot of reviews in my life, but this is the best style one. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the ok. I love how honest and direct you are. Kudos and keep them coming!

Let some light on the hype! I've always enjoyed your reviews and comments on everything you've made.

29:54 breastfeeding tutorial? lmao

Thanks for the vid and 'real world' edge and appreciate the tech/mechanics observations, too. Gotta say, though, even some of your praises have a tone of "I hate it" haha. I find the front seat awesome! The passenger is definitely too high though. I've a 2017 RS2 and really like it a lot. You said it's a negative thing that it's not "special" when just driving it in a non-spirited way, which is your bias. My bias is that it's a wolf in sheep's clothing and I like the design. ..well, the front end is no sleeper, though. However, I get several thumbs up from strangers every week...sometimes one a day or a few a day. My RS jumps when I say jump and no wheel-hop and it just sticks to the road. It's my daily driver. I do wish it had a better turning radius though and a smaller diameter steering wheel...I agree with you there. Regarding the stiff suspension, the down side is well, stiff and some might feel harsh and the upside is, a very competent handling that is solid and ready for the next bump without mushy softness. Is this car for everyone? Of course not. The Recaro seats don't really fit obese people, which the USA isn't all too lacking of. The RS has a lot and is a lotta bang for the buck. I test drove the Golf R and no available heated steering wheel, is also AWD but is front-wheel drive bias, which lends to oversteering into the corners vs the RS not. The exhaust is great and pops

By far the most comprehensive review I've seen. Thanks

I watched all your videos and I am grateful that someone who is doing car reviews is daring to do it honestly. So big respect to you! I hope you can continue it like this. I was waiting for this review, because I couldn't find myself in the reviews of the media. I've driven 3 different Focus RS to be sure of my explanation here below, so it is not a coincidence. I was shopping for a Focus RS myself but was hugely disappointed. Mainly because I want to compare it with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (and in lesser extend the Subaru WRX STi). I owned both a EVO VI RS2 and VIII MR RS and drove them for 5-6 years. You ticked the notes right on the suspension part, however I cannot agree on the drivetrain part. Here is where Ford fails big time. My main issues are: - as the car is mainly FWD, it pulls massively to the left/right. My last test was a bit better than the first two cars I've driven.. - when you try left foot braking, the RWD disconnects for a fraction of second, however if at that moment you're in the middle of a drift the car will push you immediately in understeer. Not fun! I'm trying to explain. Maybe you can compare it to your and Turboswki's findings. Haldex system as found on the Volkswagen products are no fun. Ford has taken it differently. The have a 100% limited slip differential at the rear with a different "transmission" than the front differential. With this system in place, Ford let's the rear differential run 20% faster than the front wheels. Normally that would be insane: your tires would wear like crazy because the rear end would push the front wheels. However on the Focus RS, the rear wheels are not connected to the diff, at least not as long the clutch doesn't operate. So if you're attacking the corners then the electronics are engaging and releasing the clutch all the time. Probably only for the outer-side wheel.. so on the moment when you are left foot braking and on the same time giving throttle, then the clutches would accelerate the wheel whilst you would slow down the wheel. As they would probably would wear out the clutch/brakes and driveshafts they've chosen to deactivate the differential clutches from when the moment you press the brake pedal. When drifting the car the car will be often 3wd instead of 4wd (unlike the permanent 4wd systems found on the Lancer Evolution / WRX STi), because only the outer side wheel is driven. This system has serious drawbacks. When you attack a corner hard first you'll have understeer, when you apply throttle from the apex you'll be trown into oversteer. This way you cannot be precise like an EVO/Sti. And it's not at all confidence inspiring. I tried to contact Ford to address and discuss this issues, but they haven't contacted me. Hopefully Ford will still take note of these finding and do something about it. I'm disappointed because I really wanted to buy a Focus RS, so Ford, please resolve this issues in the next Focus and I will be glad to publish my finding again.

Dude, you didn't fold that seat down properly. The seats fold flat.

I love this car review. I really want this car a lot, but you really pointed out key points I never would have checked before I bought it. Personally I don't mind about the bumpy ride or the exhaust sounds. But this was an amazing in depth review and really made me recognize certain things I would need to do if I owned this car.

You just won me over as a subscriber. Your reviews are the best I have seen on youtube. You cover all of the aspects that I personally think about and your straight forward analysis is greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot for your work.

You're my new favorite reviewer. You point out gripes no one else mentions but are all the things I would notice, and would bug me, if I drove it. Keep speaking your truth. Thank you.

You can turn off the sport mode suspension by pressing the left lever button in track mode! You receive the same performance boost and with a comfortable ride quality.

I just test drove a '17 on the 405 FWY last weekend & I thought the ride quality was just fine? Idk, maybe it's just me but I loved the car, however I don't love the prices on them.

you always give the best reviews! extremely thorough😊

Really good high quality review. Good Job, hope you do more of them

Good work on the review, I've been watching each one, and the honesty / "in the shoppe" are probably the best parts. There is one correction to be made on this vid: The back seats do fold flat, if you lift up the rear seat bottoms up, it craeates a flat cargo space, almost as good as the Fit.

ahhh I hated this car until this review. You mean I can fit half eaten roadkill and adult magazines in the boot. SOLD 👍

I have watched tons of car reviewers, but this guy is another level. Thanks man

Best reviewer ever! love the ''In the shoppe''! Continue great work. Subscribed

@29:54 lol. your videos keeping me on my toes as always.

Should we settle for the Focus RS, or wait for a revival of the Probe GT, designed by Mazda ? Of course for winter and family errands, I would have a GLC43.

This is the video I've been looking for. Very informative and thank you for your honest personal opinion savagegeese.

Savagegeese. My hat is off to you sir. I have been a sports car/70s era muscle car fan for most of my 39 year long life. In that time and space, I have never seen a more entertaining, intelligent, and unbiased review of automobiles. Everything you make is gold. If you have a Patreon account, I would be happy to pay a monthly prescription for extra content.

Thanks for the video! Something else to note is how crazy the overpricing of this car is in dealers. If you walk into any of them the cheapest you'll find ranges from 45k to even 60k(CRAZY) depending where you live... and for that amount of money I'd compromise on a GLA45 AMG...How I wish the A45 AMG or the RS3 hatch came to the US >.

Focus RS really wasn't meant for the track, they never were. There are very few cars in the world that can keep up with a Focus RS in the mountain twisties.

Great, balanced review. Very interesting to see a multitude of assessments including a look at the floorpan and the subtleties of the interior.

Good grief dude, this is the best Ford Focus RS review out there. Thanks for making it and taking the time to inform us on the real world everyday Ford Focus RS.

If the RS is "just a focus", then the STi is "just an impreza" and the evo is "just a lancer". I traded in a 2013 Focus ST for an RS and it feels (and sounds) like a very different car. (and I love it). That said, it is still a hatch, not a true sports car which is why I'm saving for a Lotus. :)

I test drove a 2017 Focus RS and the acceleration blew my mind. If you want a hatch/hot 4 that is faster you are entering AMG and Audi territory. The car handled like it was on rails. I have also read/watched multiple reviews praising the handling. I guess that is how subjective reviews of any type can be. In fact I liked the ride/handling and acceleration so much. I bought the car. :)

What an awesome review, so in depth and informing, loved it.

Watching these older reviews just can't believe how honest and non-ass licking they are. Happy new year and keep up the good work!

Awesome review like usual, letting the average buyer know the true details of what the car will be like. At one point I was very interested in getting one, but have moved on. It ended up being way over hyped and looks much better on paper than the road. I still love the styling and the fact that its a hot hatch. Most manufacturers are dragging their feet with them.

Got mine in July after waiting 3 months love it!

Great review and great quick review on the STI. Now you need to review the WRX! Keep it up!

Beautiful calm video and detailed , great job!

I find the review a bit odd, the ride is slated, however you go on to say its great on track and unbelievable on the road. Thats why it is firm. Then you say you feel nothing driving it, after saying the drive is unbelievable...feel nothing as built on an economy platform, what does the platform matter? If it performs well it is good and it does perform well. I own a 2017 RS and dont mind the ride....in normal mode at least. I used to have a 2009 Audi S3 and that really did have a brittle ride, but you got nothing back in return that had poor handling. In comparison the RS is pin sharp.

A first time to the channel here. Howdy. For a guy who was interested in the car to begin with, I was not hearing anything new in the video. Is it an economy car with go-fast bolt ons? Yes. Were there compromises made? Of course. Is this a race car? No. Are pizzas awesome? Absolutely! What I was hoping, though, I'd hear something from the mechanic dude of his insight. I was all excited to see the mechanic dude..., then he said about, 20 words, maybe. The rest of the video was filled with a soothing spoken word performance, which I'm not too big on, with no new information. Neither a CONCISE driver's opinion, who will get this car for what it is. How's the pedal spacing to you - can you heel-and-toe on it? How's the seating position to you? How's the steering feel/steering ratio to you? How does the brake/brake pedal feel to you? I haven't heard. Thanks for supporting a good cause.

Your videos have always been quality. Yet you doing the fundraising shout out made me donate to help. Dunno if it's that I'm just getting older but that's a nice thing you did there to help. please keep up the great reviews and edits.

The Golf R is too refined but this RS is too econobox for you. Maybe you should fly over to Europe to test drive a Renault Megane RS.

I feel like most of these issues could be corrected by not being 300 years old.

i love your reviews....I saw a lot of Ford RS reviews videos / written reviews. I thought to myself I think most of they were "paid" for their reactions. I happy to see you doing this review like your past reviews and go deep down to things about the cars that you review. Thank you for being so honest and not being "paid" to make it seem this is the Car of the Year for Ford.

Absolutely fantastic review! The production quality keeps improving with every single video. Attention to details is exceptional. It had the right amount of time allotted to each segment of the review. Maybe you could've added a couple more lines in the final thoughts section just to compare it with cars like Golf R etc.

About to pick up a low miles 2017- they were a value for money when new at 40k, but now that the hype has died they're a steal for mid 20's! Also for some of us an understated drivers car is waaaaay better than looking like we belong in the "flashy Camaro or mustang that I rev but never actually drive" club.

Tyres. After using the Michelin Sport 4s at the UK tyre setting of 41 psi front and 38 psi rear I suffer less bouncy suspension. Edit - I've added a LSD on the front and now have great front end control when accelerating. Edit2: the recommended tyre pressure for the street is not 46PSI!!! It is 41psi front and 38psi rear. If you use 46psi, it'll be very bouncy

The quality of your video production is savage. So is the goose, of course.

I have said this before, but this is by far the most real and honest review channel out there. The amazing cinematography helps too!

What's up with the horror movie background music though?

I thought I had moved on, but this review really awoke my passion for this car again. I've driven a Focus ST for two years, yet this car was always the "goal for me"... but now idk. So much time has passed. I'm finally in a place to purchase an RS, but it doesn't seem worth it anymore. Compared to newer cars, it seems dated. Idk if having a car payment for the same platform for 2 more wheels spinning and 100+ hp is worth it anymore payment wise. Emotionally, I feel like I'm missing out tho

Thank you Mr. Goose for another great review

I'm looking at buying one and I really appreciate the review. Not hyping it, this is what is good at and what it's bad at. Liked and subscribed

haha wow, if you rip the rs interior like that, i'd love to see a review of the subaru sti interior. that would be really savage.

Bought myself an ST, first actual car purchase after my 2003 Mustang which I got for a whopping grand as a first car. That being said, coming from an old mustang the ST/RS is a really big treat, especially to a young driver. I did actually work for a dealership for some time, and had many opportunities to drive everything from Mustang GTs, Raptors, a GT350 (once) as well as the various other ST cars such as the Fiesta, Edge, and Explorer before I found my new job. I found the ST series very appealing for the same reasons Savage disliked it. It doesn't look like a $25,000 car (not what I paid for mine), but handles very nicely. With minor modifications, I was able to take my ST and turn it into a street-pounding little sleeper. And that feeling of pride and ownership of something so seemingly innocuous that will take the wind out of many sails is my #1 turn on about these cars. That being said, I really disliked the overall presentation of the video. Narration was outright dour and the only reason I almost finished the video was hoping something would perk this guy's attitude up. This was my first time watching videos from this channel, and likely the last. Which sucks, because this guy knows what he's doing but he can't do it in a way that's satisfying to watch. If Jeremy Clarkson can say the RS200 handles like shit and within 30 seconds lose his ever-loving mind when the boost kicks in, there's no reason this guy can't either. Maybe it has something to do with living in Shitcago.

Thank you for the honest review. I had considered this car for a daily driver but the seats & suspension are a deal killer...

Another amazing review. Honest and very good production quality. Keep up the good work. Us gear heads appreciate it.

Thanks for keeping it real... another great review... i think ill keep my FiST

6:20 When he said neon SRT4 I got so much nostalgia. Just gave mine away to a good home as I bought a new car a few weeks ago. Needed something a little more reliable, but man do I gotta say, I loved my old SRT4, Hell of a first car :) Thanks for the nostalgia, subbed :)

I really enjoyed this video. It's important to remind prospective buyer's of some of the pitfalls in buying a factory "tuner" car while enjoying some of the nice things about it. Given the massive dealer markup, reported overheating of the rear drive unit (dare not call it a diff) and some of the minor issues with driving position I am very glad there are some reviewers who didn't jump on the bandwagon.

Can you do a review on a 2018 final edition RS? I've been told improvements were made to the ride quality & would love to here your points-of-view on the 2018s?

Idk man. I’ve just bought the 2018 model and I love it. Before that I’ve owned an 03 Celica, a 2015 fiesta ST, and a 2015 STi. The RS is definitely my favourite so far. About the stif ride, I don’t really mind. All my cars have been pretty stiff and I haven’t noticed that much difference with this one. Really standard for me.

Where was this video when I was gaga over this car in 2016? Only seeing this now. Got to test drive one just a few years ago. As I watch this now I'm laughing out loud at all the negative points. 100% accurate and my sentiments exactly. Love the channel. Cheers!

Just noticed the roads you were driving on, live right by me. New owner of a Focus ST. Keep up the great videos! Let me know if you ever need any drone video help.

If RS is that bad which other car is better in this price range?

Let's Focus on what this car is really all about.

It's not what most people are thinking about when commenting on your video review, but as a small youtuber myself (under another account), I really like your video intro for the Focus RS.

Now that is a full fledged proper review. Thanks much! Assume you are in Northern Illinois? What are your favorite back roads around here?

The ride is only bad in track mode, otherwise it is fine.

3:50 You will need to first pull the seat padding up, then fold the seat down to make it flat.

Very good review I am driving frs after I drove my friend 's rs that heel and toe problem just kill me ! Search from the KZfaq to mention that problem , u r the only one ! One more thing i would like to add (the shift position is way close to the centre dish . When I down shift from 5 to 4 or 3 to 2 often scratch the panel

Great video man. Youve thought about some aspects that I wouldnt have myself.

Yeah... it's a $40k car for a reason, not for the interior. Sad to see you comment like this because it's pretty common sense with any history of cars derived from lessers like your WRX/STI, Evos, etc. You are paying for that performance and handling. Yeah, gas pedal, you got it, i'm with you on that, and yes aftermarket fixed it already. Not sure what type of ride you're looking for as things only get crazy in Track mode. Car is perfectly livable to "most" people who buy these cars I'd imagine, no reason to scare away people for no reason. You are falling into the same trap the big names in reviews do. You're asking for a lot more for unnecessary things like an even better interior, thus driving the cost up even more. You can't price this thing up in the $50K mark, driving this level of performance away from another set of people. And the regular focus interior feels better than a $20k car out of the box. The interior is super quiet, especially when you take the whole literally 2 seconds to disable the fake noises. If anything, the exhaust is too quiet overall on the car. Interior doesn't make a performance car "feel" special. It's driving that does, and this car delivers that in spades. The Recaro seats are great, i'm over 6' tall. The steering wheel feels great, and has great feedback. Shifter and clutch, great. Perhaps you're too jaded driving cars far more expensive than this. But you need to realign your baselines and perspectives. Don't be afraid to give credit where it's due, and sit back and think about things more for establishing a proper and realistic baseline where things should be compared to. The car lives to the hype, and to many of it's owners, beyond. It is what it is, and Ford gave a great product. There are not many cars as usable as this everyday that has the level of performance it has. I'll agree with others that there are few, if any cars that are faster than this thing on your common backroad.

Hey man, you need to review the Golf R soon as well.

I just came across this video , and I am awe struck... This vid captured the ambiance of fall all the while showing the full on feel of what it's like to drive a "special" car out in the world!

At last, a totally honest review of this car. Bravo.

I love my MK3 RS FPM375, and that includes the ride. I couldn't care less about the interior, I really couldn't. None of the other cars I drove before buying it delivered as many smiles per gallon. I've never cared what other people think about the cars I like, buy and enjoy. The fact that so many people do, will hurt us all in the end. Never listen to a magazine or other review. Go and drive the cars you like yourselves, and buy them for you ;)