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It’s been a rough few years for fast Ford fans. Try saying that three times in a row. Last month, the car giant announced that the Fiesta, one of the best-selling cars in the UK, would be phased out, bringing in the mighty ST. And it wasn’t that long ago that Ford announced that the Mk3 Focus RS would be the last of its kind due to increasingly strict emissions laws. A familiar story, but it never gets any easier to hear.
Luckily for us, the final Focus RS is arguably one of the all-time great hot hatches. With the first two models coming in front-wheel drive format, Ford finally bit the bullet and made the switch to sending power to both axles. That always seemed like a more accurate representation of the car’s rally heritage, even though the Mk3 Focus never set foot on a WRC stage. Coupled with the new Drift Mode – a big thing in 2017, let’s not forget – and you can four-wheel skid until the tires can’t handle it anymore. All for over £32k. Unbelievable.
Shortly after the car’s launch, the RS Edition arrived. It comes with standard gear you’d expect in a top-of-the-line model, such as Recaro seats, a ‘Luxury Package’ for the cabin and colour-matching brake callipers, but, mechanically, it’s pretty much the same of regular RS. Well, apart from the addition of a Quaife limited-slip differential at the front, which has a noticeable effect on the car’s handling. That means dialing in a corner for a more focused drive. We drove one back in the day, noting that the difference allows you to switch back to electric sooner without reducing the car’s signature hooliganism too much. If shaving tenths off your lap time is high on your priority list, then the Edition upgrade is a must.
No changes have been made to the power output, but unlike the standard RS it lacks power. You get 350hp and 350lb ft of torque from a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The five-pot motor doesn’t feature much on its predecessor, but that’s irrelevant when the 0-62mph dash is achieved in 4.6 seconds. This car, however, has more kick. It’s been upgraded to Mountune’s FPM375 spec, which does what it says on the tin by increasing power to 375hp courtesy of a high-performance air filter, new recirculation valve, crossover duct and tweaks in the ECU.
Inside, it’s short on frills, but, importantly, it comes with stunning black and blue Recaro sports seats. On top of that, you get a carbon fiber finish on the handbrake (lucky devils), and there’s the usual trio of gauges on the dashboard so you can show your friends when you’re on boost. And for those looking to run it as a daily driver, this example has Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system which, if memory serves correctly, includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Add all that, as well as a tidy 12,000 miles on the clock and just one previous owner, and it’s hard to think of a more complete Focus RS out there. You’ll need £37,000 tucked away to call it your own, though – which, let’s not forget, is almost £10k cheaper than a new Honda Civic Type R. Just for a bit of context. And remember that’s for the Focus RS. We’re not getting another one. Ever.
SPECIFICATION | FORD FOCUS RS EDITION FPM375
Engine: 2,261cc four cylinder
Infection: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 350@6,000rpm (375 with FPM375 pack)
Torque (lb ft): 350@2,000rpm (376 with FPM375 pack)
MPG: 36.7
CO2: 175g/km
Year registered: 2018
Recorded mileage: 12,000
new price: £36,295 (plus £899 for FPM375 upgrade)
Yours for: £37,000
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