2009 Ford Focus RS Mk2 'Mountune MR375'

The second-generation Focus RS is the Focus that Ford originally claimed they would never build - a limited run 300bhp 'super-hatch'. But we're delighted they did and make no apology for being enthusiastic about this remarkable little car, with its huge twin-blade spoiler at the back, aggressive body kit and ballistic performance from the turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine. Only 11,500 examples were built in a production run that lasted a little over three years, with just 4,000 finding homes in the UK.

The RS may not have had four-wheel drive, but a combination of Ford's trick Revo-Knuckle front suspension, a Quaife limited-slip diff, and well-judged ESP did a great job of putting the power down and managing the torque-steer while still providing plenty of involvement. The chassis was stiffened by about 30% and bigger drive shafts, a wider track, lower ride height and a faster steering rack translated into remarkably civilised road manners.

With 301bhp and a massive 324lbs/ft available, the RS could hit 60mph in under six seconds and topped 160mph, all accompanied by a distinctive five-cylinder warble, plenty of turbo chatter and even the occasional pop and bang from the exhausts. And when you weren't on a charge, the RS was a polite and practical hatchback capable of returning 25-30mpg, easy to park, offering plenty of boot space and reasonably quiet at a constant speed. However, with its gaping grille, 19'' wheels, flared arches, deep diffuser and a wing that would embarrass a Porsche Turbo, the RS left you in no doubt about its intentions.

For those after even more performance, the Ford-approved tuners Mountune did an upgrade called the MP350 which adds 45bhp and 15lb/ft in torque from a larger intercooler, bigger air filter box, larger diameter exhaust downpipe, an uprated fuel pump and modified engine management software, which matches the performance of the RS500.

In late 2011, Mountune also made available the MR375 upgrade, which included a larger EC-approved 3" downpipe, anti-loosen bolts, 200-cell EC Sports catalyst, 3" cat-back exhaust system, Mountune cast inlet plenum, Mountune re-circulating bypass valve, revised engine calibration, mTune handset and a Mountune Racing Badge. Power increased to 375PS at 6700rpm and torque was raised to 550Nm at 3,500rpm. The MR375 also produced performance returns of 0-60mph in five seconds, a nine second improvement over the standard RS, and 0-100mph in 11.3 seconds, continuing on to a top speed of 165mph.

The car presented here is a 2009 Ford Focus Mk2 RS Turbo (LUX Pack 1, along with partial-leather black Recaro shell-sports seats and Bluetooth/USB) fitted with the Mountune MR375 performance package. Finished in Metallic Performance Blue, it has covered just 35,000 miles (at time of cataloguing), corroborated by its service invoices and the full-service history with ten stamps in the book - the majority from Ford main dealers. It was recently serviced again at Ford, around 50 miles ago, complete with a new cambelt (timing belt) and water-pump. It's accompanied by its spare remote key, all Handbooks, service booklet and Ford wallet.

The car has always been owned by Ford enthusiasts, some of whom were members of the RS Owners Club, renowned for the condition in which they keep their treasured cars. The Mountune MR375 package was fitted at Mountune, Essex in April 2017 at 29,820 miles and all Mountune paperwork, certification and COBB mTune handset with dashboard mount are included.

A rare opportunity to own a high-specification, enthusiast-owned, Mountune-upgraded example of a future-modern-classic, subtly improved by its marque-approved tuner, making the most of its inherent attributes and wonderfully vocal five-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbocharged engine. With performance Fords enjoying their day in the sun eternally and Ford having confirmed that there will not be another Focus RS in the future, this example is in extremely good condition for its age and mileage, and ready to be enjoyed by its next lucky keeper.