2016 Ford Focus RS (Mk3) Mountune

Highlights

• Outstanding suite of Mountune upgrades
• Full service history
• Desirable Magnetic Grey metallic paint
• Lower than average mileage
• Fabulous spec makes for fabulous performance

Overview

Ever since the launch of the ‘New Edge’ Mk1 back in 1998, the Ford Focus name has been synonymous with engaging handling and superior chassis balletics. Even a base model 1.6 offers hysterical thrills on the right road. And the arrival of the hardcore RS model in 2002 turned all the dials up to eleven; this was further amplified with the brutal Mk2 RS of 2009, and when Ford’s North American Special Vehicle Team, Europe’s TeamRS and Australia’s FPV worked together to unleash the RS variant of the Mk3 Focus in 2015, all bets were off.

This outlandish bruiser featured the same 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine found in the Mustang, chucking its 350bhp through all four wheels; boasting launch control and the industry-first addition of ‘Drift Mode’, it delivered a 0-62mph run in under 5 seconds and endless thrills coupled with impressive practicality. As it subsequently turned out, the Mk3 Focus was the swansong for the RS badge (there’s no Mk4 RS, the highest you can reach with the current model is an ST spec) – and what a way to go out. Truly a heroic machine, one of the all-time great hot hatches.

The one we have here is particularly special. Not only is it an extraordinarily tidy example with a great history, but it’s got all the Mountune upgrades a fast Ford fan could desire. The current owner (who bought the car back in August 2021) took the car to Mountune in July 2023 and spent £2683 on getting it kitted out with a Quaife LSD, uprated recirc valve and the M380 power upgrade kit – taking power to 380PS/ 375 bhp and controlled via the Cobb/Mountune handset. A month later he was back to spend a further £1919 on a set of grooved discs and fast road pads, uprated charge pipe, PTU brace, roll restrictor, secondary intake kit and billet short-shift. All of which turns a great hot hatch into a dazzling one…

History and documentation

• Registered 29 Nov 2016
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Full Ford Performance document pack with original owner’s manuals
• Service book with stamps for services as follows: Nov 2017 @4351 miles, Nov 2018 (mileage not noted), Nov 2019 @10,130 miles, Nov 2020 @13,592 miles, Oct 2021 @19,962 miles, Jun 2022 @24,970 miles, Aug 2023 @37,232 miles
• 2023 – Mountune invoice for £2683 – Quaife diff, recirc valve, M380 power upgrade
• 2023 – Mountune invoice for £1919 – uprated discs and pads, charge pipe, PTU brace, roll restrictor, secondary intake kit, billet short-shift
• 2023 – invoice for £589 – service plus CV boot
• 2018 – invoice for £2285
• Assorted invoices for maintenance
• Sheaf of old MOT certificates
• Current MOT expires 30 Nov 2024

Interior

• RS-branded Recaro interior offers impressive comfort as well as plenty of lateral support
• Trim is in very good condition throughout with no bolster wear
• Carpets are tidy through the car and inside the boot
• SYNC audio system with OEM Sony speakers
• Electric sunroof, electric windows, electrically adjustable seats
• No warning lights illuminated on the dash
• Electronic climate control – air-con blows nice and cold

Exterior

• Magnetic Grey metallic paint really sparkles in the sun
• Light lenses and window glass all in good order, save for one cracked front foglight
• OEM RS spec includes impressive rear spoiler with embossed logos
• Matte black 19” alloys look great, and are shod with 235/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres
• Blue Brembo calipers complement the blue interior details
• No notable scuffs or scratches, body is very tidy with perfect panel gaps
• Ford Performance mudflaps for that hardcore motorsport aesthetic!

Mechanical

• 2.3-litre EcoBoost mated to a 6-speed manual (with short-shift) and Mountune LSD makes for a vivid and engaging drive
• Mountune M380 package amps things up to 380PS (375bhp) – switchable with Cobb handset
• Lower than average mileage with full service history to back it up
• Brakes upgraded with grooved discs and fast road pads
• Effervescent performance with superlative reliability – equally happy to trundle to the shops, tear up a track or scamper up a mountain pass
• Seller reports no mechanical issues – a well-specced car that’s ready to enjoy

Summary

The shifting sands of car-buying habits are making the hot hatch a bit of a relic today; something that everybody kinda wants, but they’re all busy buying SUVs. We’ve already lost the Fiesta, the RS badge has been knocked on the head… but there’s still a thirst for these cars among right-minded people.

A hot hatch has always represented the best of all worlds: everyday practicality coupled with eye-watering speed and delectable handling prowess – and to those who know their automotive onions, the Mk3 Focus RS will always represent a high water mark. Arguably the ultimate evolution of the entire hot hatch oeuvre.

We need to cherish these fabulous machines and celebrate them for what they are. And what better way to do so than with this delicious example? With its suite of Mountune upgrades and reassuring history it certainly makes a strong case for itself – whether you drive it every day from now until the end of time, or wrap it up in cotton wool and roll it out for the occasional show, or anything in between, this is a car with seemingly no downsides. A stellar example of a modern icon.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. The seller is located in Redbourne Common near St Albans, Hertfordshire.