[MBK]

I drove this glorious ribbon of road (far left) earlier today, near Machynlleth (that's Ma-c*nt-lick-ed for you non- Welshies), sadly though I was not in the RS3 but rather possibly the worlds dullest car, competent & safe it may be, slow and deathly dull it certainly is. Yes this is works latest wheeze, low emission hire cars.

 

 

Economy:

 

Lies. Ford claim 83.1mpg and they are having a laugh!  Way too much traffic to get a move on over the past 2 days so lots of steady driving and a grand total of just 48.5 mpg!  

 

Tank Range:

 

Claimed 1006 miles.  Actual: 477.  

 

Overtaking:

 

No you can't.

 

Launch control:

 

Pulling out of junctions is scary experience.  Floor throttle, wait for delayed response, lots of extraneous noise and eventually you creep forward, 1st gear lasts from 0-5 mph, grab second and the engine revs dip massively, wait and eventually, about a day later you hit 30mph.

 

0-60:

 

Claimed 10.8s, with 105 bhp this seems a reasonable claim, so why does it take almost 14 seconds in reality!

 

Speedometer:

 

A crafty trick, when the speedo says 30 you're actually doing 26 just to make sure you annoy other traffic properly, you think you're sticking to the speed limit but the GPS and roadside speed sign show you are well under it.  No wonder people think these cars are economical 70 on the speedo = 60 real world speed,

 

VMax:

 

Claimed 120mph.  Reality, even downhill with a following wind they've added 14, just like the magical MPG claims.

 

Handling:

 

It's like the steering is connected to the wheels by elastic bands, you turn in and then wait for a reaction, every corner requires a correction after initial turn in.  The suspension wallows away too, just to make sure your passengers feel properly sick.  

 

Ride quality:

 

Comfy like your first and only fat bird and, given any choice, not one you repeat in a hurry.

 

Boredom:

 

I'm glad to report you can't actually die of it.

 

Verdict:

 

The Focus 1.6 TDCi Econetic is the antithesis of driving fun.  To drive one of these you seriously need to take pleasure in saving the planet, slowing long lines of following traffic and generally feeling sanctimonious righteousness toward ever other road user.

 

Other than that I quite liked it...

[Mr_Freeze]

Hello Mr Clarkson, and welcome to the Forum. Wonderful review 

 

Unfortunately Mark once you drive a RS3 it just ruins you for most other cars you are likely to drive!

 

Me for my sins now drive an Astra estate/van with a massive 1.4 power plant, just paste your review in after this and add the annoying rattles and you're there.

 

My analogy would be my Superking bed. Once i bought that, it ruined me forever for staying in Hotels or visiting friends etc as i can never get comfortable like i can when i'm in my trusty bed!

[MBK]

Thanks Neil, I agree at least it makes us appreciate the RS3 all the more.

And you're right this could be any generic Eco / low power car review!

[MacD]

Not going to rush out and chop in the RS3 for one then?

I should write a review on the S4 courtesy.

[MBK]

Do it Steve, we quite liked the S4 we looked at, thought it was a bit dark inside with the black headlining but definitely a car I'd consider with a cheeky remap. It would be good to hear about vs the benchmark of the RS3.