2010 Ford Focus RS

Ford has been a major player in motorsport ever since they blasted onto the scene with the iconic GT40 that shook the racing world in the 60s. Since then, they have focussed their abilities on countless factions of motorsport including the BTCC, endurance racing at Le Mans and of course, the World Rally Championship. This racing pedigree is exceptionally strong which has steadily built a well-earned following, and their ability to translate their motorsport genius into their road cars has been crafted over the years, culminating in some impressive motorsport-derived examples such as the Sierra RS Cosworth, Escort Cosworth, and in more recent times, the Focus RS. When the Mk1 Focus RS was released, it was met with a mixed reception from those who drove them. The unanimous decision was that the torque-steer was very aggressive, the ride was harsh and with over 200bhp going to the front wheels only, unlike its 4 wheel drive rivals, the Impreza and the Evo, it didn’t seem to hit the spot at that moment in time. However, the Mk1 aged very well and is now seen as the modern classic that populates the majority of ‘appreciating modern classics’ lists.

As a result of the ‘interesting’ launch of the Mk1 Focus RS, the decision was made to never build another Focus RS. Thankfully, Ford went back on their word and the second generation Focus RS was released in 2009. The car they built was a limited run, 300bhp 'super-hatch' and they did not hold back one bit. With its huge twin-blade spoiler at the back, aggressive body kit, and ballistic performance from the turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine, the car was launched with a hugely vibrant ‘Ultimate Green’ paint scheme. 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 stayed true to its lineage and opted to remain front wheel drive over four-wheel drive, but with a combination of Ford’s trick Revo-Knuckle front suspension, a Quaife limited-slip diff, and well-judged ESP, the Mk2 did a great job of laying the power down and managing the torque-steer while still providing plenty of involvement. The chassis was stiffened by around 30% and featured bigger driveshafts, a wider track, lower ride-height, and a faster steering rack translating into remarkably civilised road manners with a fabulous bite when you wound it up. With 301bhp and a massive 324lb.ft on tap, the RS could hit 60 mph in under 6.0 seconds and topped 160 mph, all accompanied by the throaty five-cylinder warble, plenty of turbo flutter, and even the occasional pop and bang from the exhausts. When you weren’t on a charge, the RS was a polite and practical hatchback capable of returning 25-30mpg, easy to park, offered plenty of boot space, and was reasonably quiet at a constant speed. However, 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.

This 2010 Focus RS Mk 2 is finished in a seldom seen Performance Blue and is in fabulous condition. Following an unsuccessful hunt for a suitable Sierra Cosworth, our Ford enthusiast vendor opted to buy the brand-new Focus RS instead,  assigning the personalised 'RS' registration number on 1st March 2010 and ,pleasingly, that will remain on the car. As standard, it comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, 8 speakers, a heated windscreen, and auto-levelling Xenon headlights with jet wash. This example was specified as the all singing, all dancing Lux Pack 2 car, featuring all the Lux Pack 1 benefits such as dual-zone air conditioning, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, keyless start, rear parking sensors, and auto lights/wipers, with the Lux Pack 2 adding a DVD Sat-Nav system that boasted a 7-inch touchscreen, as well as a rear-view camera. The interior is finished in black with Dynamica partial-leather Recaro seats which appear unmarked, as do the carpets, presenting the whole of the interior in virtually 'showroom' condition.

The car has lived in a heated garage, and remained totally standard all its life, whilst being enjoyed for local trips. The current indicated mileage is around 8,050 and the service records have been stamped by Ford Main Dealers with the most recent being recorded at 7,987 miles.. All the electronics function as Ford intended and the stereo codes and paperwork are present in the original handbook wallet. The car's comprehensive history file alongside previous MOTs and service invoices stands this car apart from others. With the prices of performance Fords continuing to rise across the board, particularly the modern classics such as the Mk1 Focus RS and Mk2 Focus RS500, this 2010 example with its single ownership, high specification and exceptionally low mileage is perfectly suited to being nestled into a collection, enthusiastically driven, or ideally a combination of the two.