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 four-wheel drive rivals, 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, the decision was made to never build another Focus RS, however, 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 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 whilst 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 301bhp and a massive 324lb.ft on tap, the RS could hit 60mph in under 6.0 seconds and topped 160mph, 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, offering plenty of boot space 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 left you in no doubt about its intentions.

The Frozen White example seen here has covered only 958 miles, during the ownership of the its three registered keepers. It was supplied new by Lookers Ford of Sheffield in May 2010 to a client in Northern Ireland and subsequently transferred to its long-term keeper in August 2010, remaining in Northern Ireland until 2021. Fastidiously maintained by local Ford Dealers almost every year, it shows eleven stamps; the last of which was in August 2021. Importantly, it also states that the timing belt and water pump were replaced in 2020 at 956 miles. The car then came back to the mainland, retaining its dateless registration number and is now offered for sale by our vendor.

Accompanied by its original Owners Bookpack, including the DVD Sat Nav, lots of invoices, MOTs, SORN records etc, the car has three keys and essentially presents almost as a new car. It was fitted from new with Lux Packs 1 and 2, that includes Climate Control, upgraded CD Player and touchscreen Sat Nav.

At a mileage of just 958, this fabulous RS is barely run-in and offers an incredible opportunity today to own yet another Ford performance icon.