Focus XR5 - comments and modifying

ELAUBA · 24-07-2006, 10:04 AM

I'm thinking about getting one - any owners here got any comments?

Also, have many people modified them - to increase power output, mainly. Being the volvo engine there must be a lot of knowledge out there, but it's all probably overseas. Are there any recognised experts in Australia? How does hte drivetrain hold up to increased pwoer?

Seano · 24-07-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parsnip

I'm thinking about getting one - any owners here got any comments?

Also, have many people modified them - to increase power output, mainly. Being the volvo engine there must be a lot of knowledge out there, but it's all probably overseas. Are there any recognised experts in Australia? How does hte drivetrain hold up to increased pwoer?

You can get plenty of info regarding the XR5 on http://www.fordxr5turbo.com ;)

zetec · 24-07-2006, 12:50 PM

In brief...

There is next to bugger all knowledge about them beyond the owner and their own countless hours of research. The average bogan garage here oeuldn't give a toss if it didn't either cost $100,000 or drove the rear wheels.

The Volvo engine is a stunner and there are Bluefin flash tuners available from the UK very easily. Some are considering importing them, but to be honest, the first guy who does will probably charge you WAY too much so you might as well import your own from the UK.

Went on a cruise on the weekend and there were 9 XR%'s and a few other cars along the Great Ocean Road. Sensational and I can assure you, the XR5 with the Bluefin installed SERIOUSLY moved it's butt along!

The easiest mods are intercooler, Bluefin and filter, beyond that, you leave the exhaust which I believe is pretty good until you're hunting serious power. Hope it helps.

pertuan · 24-07-2006, 06:29 PM

From what I read at I think FocusSTOC.com, the intercooler is not the bottleneck. But I dont have a Turbo car let alone an XR5 so I wouldnt really know.

zetec · 24-07-2006, 07:15 PM

The intake is the bir restriction according to owners locally. Makes sense, the exhaust farts more than an 80 year old on prunes.

MeestaNob! · 26-07-2006, 11:05 AM

It's great.

Downshift->Grrrrrowwwwwwllll->140kph->Holy crap!

pb02 · 28-07-2006, 12:31 PM

I think the X5 is awesome! I was talking to my mate who works at a Ford dealership and he said they have a 3 month wait on new ones as they are selling so fast!

Would love to test drive one!

Miyagi · 28-07-2006, 02:38 PM

keep your eyes peeled on the website i'm doing up some info on current modifications available for the XR5T.

BleedBlue · 08-08-2006, 01:15 PM

I spent an few hours or so in my mates new panther black XR5 and even drove it for over an hour. Now while I was nervous, as the owner was sitting right next to me, I did give a bit and I was incredibly impressed. My only issue was the clutch, I just couldn't feel it as it was so soft. This was only an issue when I was trying to shift into 2nd under hard acceleration but with a bit of practice wouldn't be a big deal.
What amazed me the most was how smooth the little monster was, this extended beyond the acceleration into the ride. While you could still throw it around corners, at a rate that scared me, it didn't throw you around like a ragdoll over bumps. All in all for the money it is a steal...now Ford OZ just needs to get it's hands on more than 40 a month!
I also believe that there is a CAPA (?) flash available that up's the KW to over 180..but don't quote me on that!

amlohac · 08-08-2006, 08:11 PM

Wouldnt supprise me if CAPAA had a flash upgrade already. Even if they dont have one, if you have the cash you could take your car to them and they would design one for you, then re-sell it to everyone else for less lol. The joys of being a test car.

rodderz · 01-09-2006, 09:13 PM

Went for a drive in one of these little banger's tonight, I was impressed!

The engine performs very well, the gearshift is very close and the brakes have huge stopping power. And the note, is very nice, particularly for a stocker

Those wanting a new grunty car but without the fuel bills of a V8 should have no shame going to an XR5, these things are excellent. Would love to punt one around a track with some mods, the handle as if on rails too!

Marshy79 · 02-09-2006, 02:32 AM

The Flash ugrades (chips) are just coming out now in Australia for these cars.
There have been OS ones available of course already though.

I've driven V8's and other friends buzzboxes that handle like crazy in the past. And I have to say I love my XR5.

The exhaust note makes you smile. It pulls like a V8 and yet ripping around the great ocean road... ive never had a car grip in the wet so well. Corners can be taken so fast its not funny.

Im not one to like smaller cars (i can see their worth though) and I proudly love my lil girly machine!

melbzetec · 02-09-2006, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshy79

Im not one to like smaller cars (i can see their worth though) and I proudly love my lil girly machine!

mmmm. So are you actively trying to stir up reaction and get a whack in the nose? Or you just like making stupid comments?

Marshy79 · 02-09-2006, 08:56 AM

That would just be a stupid comment.
Grew up with my bogan mobiles.

Must admit though the focus is sort of on the large side for a small car. Doesnt look like a small car at all.

I'll shut up though eh?

melbzetec · 02-09-2006, 06:01 PM

As long as we are all having a laugh!!!

Miyagi · 06-09-2006, 10:51 PM

haha Marshy always startin ****...

Talldude · 23-09-2006, 12:48 PM

Autospeed magazine reviews the Xr5 and they like it.

good review aswell.

http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/A_3052/article.html