2010 Ford Focus RS

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 5-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 the 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 60 mph in under 6.0 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, was easy to park, has plenty of boot space and is reasonably quiet at a constant speed. No wonder it is so revered.

In the raw, the RS looks a bit of a 'beastie'. With its gaping grille, 19-inch wheels, flared arches, deep diffuser, and a wing that would embarrass a Porsche Turbo, the RS leaves you in no doubt about its intentions.

Coming from a very special private Ford collection this 2010 Focus RS (#8889 denoted by a plaque) is finished in seriously cool Frozen White and is in simply immaculate condition. It was bought new by a doctor, but soon after was acquired by our very discerning vendor to join his collection, where it has been carefully stored and meticulously maintained. Now with only 19,835 verifiable miles and a complete annual servicing history (all documented in the service booklet), this modern-classic could make a very shrewd purchase. The overall condition of the car belies its mileage and it presents both mechanically and cosmetically like a car that has covered a tenth of the indicated mileage.

The car is fitted with the "Luxury Pack 1" option, which includes Dual Zone Climate Control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dim rear view mirror, rear parking distance sensors, tyre deflation detection system, Ford 'Keyless-go' system, Sony 6 disc CD-Player, and a DAB radio.

This is a comparatively new vehicle for a classic car auction house but the demand for sporting Fords, no matter what vintage, seems to continue unabated and with this impressively low mileage and history of care, be sure not to miss out on this really superb example.