Hi from the Riviera

[Jam Jar]

Hi Guys,

I don’t have an RS yet, but giving it some serious thought – must get a test drive organised.  When I was in the UK I had an Evo Makinen, but I’ve a Golf 7 GTI at the mo.

So I’m quite liking the comforts and practicality of the GTI (except the electronic handbrake and steering) but am missing the handling and silliness of the Evo.  I don’t think there’s any doubt about the RS’ sport credentials but I’m a little worried it’s at the expense of day-to-day practicalities and also whether it’ll feel a bit cheaply put together and have reliability issues.

Please would you extol the RS doing all the boring family stuff like school runs, shopping, holidays. Also what options to go for/avoid … eg I’m thinking not the Recaro shell seats as they aren’t adjustable AFAIK, and yes to a sunroof?

Also I’m quite tempted by the mod options like the FPM375 … is it wise to get these on a new car or only after it’s been well run in?

And finally do you guys get your cars serviced at regular Ford garages … normally I wouldn’t dare, I always took the Evo to some rally specialists?

TIA

[Dr. RS]

Bon Soir Confiture,

I think you are our first French member so a very special warm welcome. It will be nice to have some Gallic sophistication in here. I don’t think you would be disappointed with the performance, grip and handling of the RS over the GTi, and it is definitely sillier than the Golf. The interior of the RS is not as high quality than other german-built cars. Rather than reliability issues, a small (3% guesstimate?) minority have had engine issues which may or may not have been diagnosed to a faulty head gasket design. Some cars suffer from unpredictable handling, a phenomenon dubbed “veering steering”. In some cases this is a real safety issue but again, Ford appear to be in denial, making no clear statement on either fault. The problem can be solved by fitting a Quaife differential according to some, or different springs, according to others. IN my case, turning of Pull Drift Compensation (PDC) helped solve the problem. The handling is idiosyncratic and maybe in a lot of cases, owners have just needed time to get used to the power delivery. Some owners have been critical of the Ford sales experience, I personally was very disappointed. The car is very capable doing mundane tasks and will return an average MPG in the mid-twenties. I love the shell seats, try both out, the regular seats are height adjustable and can come with the winter pack: heated seats and steering wheel. I had FPM375 fitted a couple of weeks ago. The car really benefits from it and it is the only choice if you want to be confident of keeping your warranty in tact. I am very satisfied with the dealer I use for servicing. I would strongly recommend buying a 5 year warranty which must be done pre-registration, and the 3 year service deal is good value. If you are ordering a new car, think about a limited edition as it includes the Quaife diff. If you know anyone who qualifies for Ford discount that is available now on the RS. Alternatively, you could find a used low mileage car at a substantial discount. Standard security is inadequate. The Ghost and Tracker group buy on here has proven very popular but the price is rising soon so if you are going to buy an RS and fancy that security solution, you need to act quickly. I am sure Chris will fit on the Riviera!

Hope that helps, Keith.

[Philb65]

Can’t offer any pearls of wisdom as I’m waiting for delivery, but nothing in the price segment( or +£10k) excited me as much as the RS so it was a ‘no brainer’. If you like it buy it. Welcome to the site!

[Dr. RS]

Can’t comment on sunroofs, I don’t have one.

[9designs]

Sunroof is very nice,  adds plenty of extra light to lift the dark cabin, obviously you can open it was well 😉   If budget needs to balanced the FPM375 kit would take priority, haven’t added the LSD yet but I plan too.  So would recommend a Special Edition if you can get one.   I would add the 375 after a 1500 mile check and oil change, so you get to feel the difference once you’ve started to open it up.  Short shift kit is nice as well.

Very easy to drive gently around, it’s more comfortable with 4 in than 1 or 2 people.

I look out the windows not at the trim when I’m driving 😉

---

Magnetic Grey with all the best bits

FPM375/COBB/MSD-  Quaife LSD,  DSC+Tractive  Suspension,  HJS200 cell sports cat and MT Cooler. Sync3 upgrade.

Was UK seller for DSC & Tractive  Active suspension !!!

    

[71-bda]

oui, mange tout, mange tout, bonnet de douche etc etc, all I can add is, its easy to get average 30mpg or 11km/ litre, the sunroof is great, you can pop it up and get draught free ventilation without having to have the fan on all the time, but its not an option with the ltd edition. Other opinions and general stuff you can read on this forum, there’s plenty !!

---

No nothing.

No Mods. No rockers. Just a chunky knob, thats now been replaced by an RS knob innit.

No tackiness.

Std as Ford intended, but with a space saver wheel and jack and nuts and wheel brace. oh.. and flaps, a man has got to have flaps.

Innit?

 

[Jam Jar]

Merci beaucoup tout le monde,

Well the cunning plan is to buy one through TC Harrison FordStore Peterborough get my old plate I had on the Evo put on it, then drive it on down to the Riviera and pootle around till endish of 2018 when we all return to Blighty.  What are the chances of negotiating on the price, price of options etc?

Whilst down on the Riviera it will enjoy blasting about in the mountains but mostly being stuck in traffic jams on the coast whist doing the school run and getting to/from work … thus I’m hoping it’s a breeze to drive in bumper to bumper traffic and at navigating the terrible and tight road layouts and carparks … I heard the turning circle sucks?

Having just spoken to TCH Ford to arrange a test drive they said that getting a new one is becoming a challenge as they’ll shortly stop making them in prep for the launch of the new model even if it won’t become available for sale for another 2 years!!

Right must pop out, a bientôt.

[Philb65]

Just been posted on the other forum that dealers have been told no more new orders as of yesterday. Might be worth checking with TCH.

[Jam Jar]

Yikes.  When I spoke to them yesterday they weren’t letting on if they knew there could be no more factory orders?

Hmm, would I want one from the last batch to come from the factory … I’m already nervous enough with quality of assembly … these Germans are no longer all they’re cracked up to be – my GTI isn’t blemish free!

[Author]

Posts