Golf R Observations and Questions

[HPSOV]

I find the paddles a little small and difficult to get to.

[dave_r]

I know I'm sick of waiting but I wonder how many people are thinking of grabbing a Focus RS now that a limited run is coming? I think they're been well specified and priced but after a previous experience with Ford, I'll never buy one of their products ever again.

I find the paddles a little small and difficult to get to.

Hmm maybe that is why I hardly used them on the test drive? Not sure if I'd bother changing them though.

[Prodigy]

I know I'm sick of waiting but I wonder how many people are thinking of grabbing a Focus RS now that a limited run is coming? I think they're been well specified and priced but after a previous experience with Ford, I'll never buy one of their products ever again.

Was always under the impression these would never make it to OZ, still won't be here any sooner than my 'R' and at the end of the day it's still only a Ford..

[dave_r]

Was always under the impression these would never make it to OZ, still won't be here any sooner than my 'R' and at the end of the day it's still only a Ford..

True but it might tempt some people as its a known quantity performance wise and priced ok. But you're right, it is still a Ford. And I can tell you that no one hates them (especially aussie muppet made ones) more than I!

[G-rig]

True but it might tempt some people as its a known quantity performance wise and priced ok. But you're right, it is still a Ford. And I can tell you that no one hates them (especially aussie muppet made ones) more than I!

Glad they are coming out, but can't say i'd get one over an R.. although would be tempting.

Could just be the natural hype associated with the announcement but they would be a fairly rare item (hopefully), and should go alright. But like you, not sure if i could bring myself to buy a Ford haha.

Some might say the R is too plain or boring but it may be the better day to day choice without looking like a boy racer.

[xrayshaggy]

Okays - I'll contact S2TPP and find out the details and I'll start a thread about it when I have the details (probably a few days).

Champion! Spoke to my dealer today (car dealer that is!) and he has agreed to fit them for me prior to delivery at no charge. That and removing the front number plate holder and replacing it with new brackets and covers (Probably from Lakin plates).

Once agin thanks for your time and effort Coreying!

[MattD]

That and removing the front number plate holder and replacing it with new brackets and covers (Probably from Lakin plates).

Hi xrayshaggy - quick question, when the dealer removes the front plate holder, it will expose holes in the bumber.. I dont think the Lakin Plate will cover these, will they?

Also, I was thinking of telling the dealer of ensuring that the cover is not put on in the first place (when being built) does anyone think that will work?

[Prodigy]

Also, I was thinking of telling the dealer of ensuring that the cover is not put on in the first place (when being built) does anyone think that will work?

I guess there's no harm in asking although i don't like your chances. Let us know how you go as there would be a number of us i'm sure who would love to get our cars delivered with no plate holder.

[xrayshaggy]

Hi xrayshaggy - quick question, when the dealer removes the front plate holder, it will expose holes in the bumber.. I dont think the Lakin Plate will cover these, will they?

Also, I was thinking of telling the dealer of ensuring that the cover is not put on in the first place (when being built) does anyone think that will work?

I tried a few dealers with regards to ordering the car without the number plate holder. They either brushed off the question or said it couldn't be done. A few people on her have managed to get it done apparently so I guess it's up to the dealer or their contacts. Not sure.

As far as the holes go, I emailed Lakin Plates and he rang me back the next day. He recons that they can make a holder that attaches via the factory holes once the holder is removed. I'm still yet to confirm this though, and have order Euro plates anyway which will straight onto the OEM holder just incase.

[Corey_R]

Okays, so numerous topics to reply to:

Standard DSG paddles vs S2TPP paddles.
The standard paddles are rather small and sit directly behind the "9 & 3 spokes" of the steering wheel. This is fine for 99% of the time as when you are driving "spiritedly" 9 and 3 is the only correct hand position anyway, and you should never move your hand position on the wheel when steering. However, unlike on the race track, on the street there are certain corners which it is not possible to get around without moving your hand position - for example, turning left into a street. In this case, having the S2TPP paddles will make it far easier to reach the paddle to shift up coming out of one of these really tight corners...

It's completely unnecessary, but they also look cool

Ford Focus RS.
You guys should probably start another thread on this, rather than discussing it here.
They are $60k + onroads though. Being that they are strickly limited to 315 and there is only a single spec, I doubt there'd be discounts. By the time you add LCT etc, they're like $12k more than the 3 door Golf R. You'd have to really the RS over the VW to give up all the reasons you're buying a VW over one of the other competitors which were already available offering a similar style of car to the RS.

Front Numberplate Holder.
Lakin Plates offers a front plate mount and cover which uses the standard VW factory holes to attach. It allows you to have a slimline front plate and covers the left over holes....
You can see the pictures care of moonblade87 over here