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 left you in no doubt about its intentions.

This 2009 Focus RS Mk 2 is finished in the iconic launch colour of Ultimate Green and is in outstanding condition. As standard, it comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, eight speakers, a heated windscreen, and auto-levelling Xenon headlights with jet wash. This example was specified as the very desirable Lux Pack 1, equipping the car with dual-zone air conditioning, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, keyless start, rear parking sensors, and auto lights/wipers. 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 ‘as new’ condition.

The car has lived a life of luxury in a heated garage and remained completely standard all its life, as it left the factory. The current indicated mileage is 357 and the service records have been stamped by Jermyn & Sons Seaford, Ford Main Dealers with the most recent being recorded at 328 miles. 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 2009 example with its single ownership, high specification and borderline unrepeatable low mileage is perfectly suited to being nestled into a collection, enthusiastically driven, or ideally a combination of the two.