Nasher, what do you drive?
Okay, to clear up a few points that some like to make a band wagon of to jump on and push on the forums.
In my view the many for sale are potential people who tried to speculate and make a quick buck, dealers included ordered early for stock to mark up prices. Some will be just people had to have the latest thing and move on to the next quickly. Yes there are cancelled orders as well, so perhaps a way to get one as you can try before you buy.
I think some people bought just because it was all over the press and didn't know what they were buying, so for sure it's not for everyone, they can always buy a SUV or something.
Engine failures:- There are a few reported cases around the world, highest profile is Fezza, chap in Spain who does blogs on youtube, well worth watching them (He loves it btw) It seems the block has cracked, potential on a few early cars. Nothing is confirmed by Ford and they have been replaced under warranty. Not good, but they are not all blowing up.
If you buy new, get the extended warranty purchased BEFORE IT'S REGISTERED, can't be bought after 1st registration, this will give you 5 years cover.
It's a hot hatch, not a limo, it's suspension is firm, not crash at all. (you won't need sport setting on the road, which some bloggers tried just to make a story about) My Z4 is crashy, an Audi S-Line is crashy. I would assume someone looking at a hot hatch is expecting that. It doesn't get thrown off line over bumps and dips, stays very composed.
It's absolutely fine as an every day car, but it does like a bit of petrol and has small tank. Around 28 is typical, you can drive like miss daisy on a run and get high 30's.
Some complain about high seating position, again newer, 2017MY cars are said to be 12-15mm lower, only applies to the optional Recaro Shell seats. There is a company offering a seat lowering kit. Personally I'm not touching it as they can't/won't confirm to me what testing has been done. (None I assume then) As it's a primary safety devise (and I a seating Engineer) I need convincing.
Also reported is Steering issues. This is hardest to understand, it seems on some cars it pulls left and right under WOT, maybe torque steer, but seems more like the rear torque vectoring is little to eager to chip in and steers a bit more than people expected from the rear. It's hard to quantity as not everyone has this or feels it's an issue. Plus there is people driving styles to factor in. It doesn't and you don't drive like a "normal" FWD car, which is the fun and point of the system. (It's nothing like a crappy Halex system either). One advantage of picking up a car already at a dealer.
It is a great car, even better once the Mountune 375 warranty approved intake and remap kit is fitted. The grip is outstanding, the steering excellent and the balance and handling great, you can steer it with the throttle, power into bends and tighten it's line as the back pushes you around. It's intoxicating and addictive.
Sign up to the RSOC and the MK3focusRS club websites for loads of info, parts and discussions.
I've had mine for over 6 months now and done 7K miles, no regrets.
