2016 FORD FOCUS RS (MK3)

This Ford Focus RS is an enticingly specified example of the landmark hot hatch, benefiting from the warranty-approved Ford Mountune Performance (FPM) 375 pack and a strong maintenance history. Under the bonnet is a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, boosted to 375hp and up to 376lb-ft of torque, channelled to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The odometer reads 16,639 miles.

Initially registered on 19 July 2016, this car has been owned by the vendor from new. During this time, the RS has been comprehensively maintained, with the vendor also keeping the standard fitment parts removed during the Mountune upgrade.

The Mountune pack was fitted on 17 August 2017 at 7,964 miles. It includes a high-performance air filter, bespoke alloy crossover duct, FPM375 ECU calibration and an upgraded recirculation valve for reliable performance. During the vendor’s ownership, this car has been fastidiously maintained, and kept under an extended Ford warranty.

The eye-catching Nitrous Blue paintwork is in very good condition throughout. The vendor has meticulously reviewed the condition of the car to report even the slightest defects, which are as follows. There are three small stone chips on the bonnet, a chip on the top edge of the front bumper, and minor scratches on the edge of the driver’s door. A minor blemish is present on the quarter panel behind the offside rear door, and a very small ripple on the nearside rear wheel arch, both of which the vendor believes to have been there since delivery.

Riding on its original fitment 19-inch RS-specific alloys, these are in good order with a kerbing scuff visible only on the nearside rear wheel. Both rear wheels also have some slight blistering near the hubs. The vendor is keen to point out that he has drawn attention to any imperfection, however minor, but that overall the bodywork and aggressive RS styling are in genuinely excellent condition.

Inside, this hot hatch blends the familiarity of a Focus with some sophisticated and sporting touches. The RS-branded Recaro half-leather bucket seats are in excellent order, with only light signs of use visible on the driver’s seat backrest. The plastic shells on both front seats are slightly scratched, while the vendor also reports small marks near an interior door handle. There are no faults with any of the switchgear or electrics, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

This Focus is fresh from a top end engine overhaul at the vendor’s local Ford dealer, when it had a replacement cylinder head fitted after suffering from the common head gasket failure of this generation of RS, despite having the earlier recall campaign carried out.

Prior to this, its last service was in August 2020 at 16,498 miles by Kernahan Ford of Witney. This saw the replacement of the engine oil and filter, as well as replacement of the pollen filter and the use of petrol injector cleaner with an engine flush. Prior to this, the RS was serviced in July 2019 by the same dealer, when the spark plugs were also renewed, and in July 2018 at Hartwell Ford Kidlington.

The most recent MOT test was on 12 January 2021 at 16,639 miles, which it passed with absolutely no advisories or defects.

The RS wears matching Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres all round, with between 4-6mm of tread on the front axle and 5-7mm on the rear. The car sports an appropriate ‘RS’ age-related number plate, which is included in the sale, along with two keys, the Ford Performance document wallet and the original RS presentation pack comprising of a glass coaster and keychain. The Mountune installation certificate is also present, plus the box containing the original parts that were removed.

This Focus RS is an excellent example of the third-generation hot hatch optimised for European roads. Benefiting from an impressive specification, the recognised Mountune performance upgrade and a comprehensive service history, this car needs nothing to enjoy immediately on the road. It could be kept as a low-mileage car for occasional weekend use or road trips, or could be put into service as an exciting year-round daily driver – offering a good deal of everyday practicality as well as being a very entertaining steer on undulating B-roads.

Summary of maintenance history:

Service 21/07/2017 @ 7744 Miles.

• Mountune Pack fitted 17/08/2017 @ 7964 miles
• Service 12/07/2018 @ 10196 miles
• Head Gasket Recall 12/07/2018 @ 10196 miles
• Front Tyres 21/02/2019 Michelin Pilot Sport 4
• Service 13/07/2019 @ 13088 miles
• Rear Tyres 29/10/2019 Michelin Pilot Sport 4
• Service 15/08/2020 @ 16498 miles

Factory options:

• RS Exclusive Nitrous Blue Paint
• RS Recaro Shell Seats
• RS Lux Pack (Adds Electric Folding Mirrors, Cruise Control, Keyless Entry, Rear Privacy Glass, Satellite Navigation, SYNC2, Rear-View Camera, and upgraded Sony Sound system with Subwoofer)
• RS 19x8 Black Forged Alloy Wheels
• Door Edge Protectors
• Active City Stop
• RS Nitrous Blue Painted Brembo Brake Callipers

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.