MK1 FOCUS RS
How long have you owned your Focus RS? “I’ve owned my Mk1 RS for 13 years now. I bought it back in 2007 when they were only a few years old.”
What was the car like when you bought it? “It was pretty much standard as you’d expect for a car of that age. It did have a few bits on it, though, like a Scorpion exhaust and a Pipercross induction kit. I’ve changed a few bits along the way, but the Scorpion exhaust is still on the car now.”
What made you buy this particular car? “Well, I wasn’t even looking for a Focus at first, to be honest. I actually wanted to buy a Sierra Cosworth RS500 – this was before the prices started going crazy and the price difference between one of those and a Mk1 FRS wasn’t actually that great back then – but I was swayed by the Focus because I wanted something that would be more reliable and something I could use more often. Also, I only have a small garage, and the Focus fits but the Sierra wouldn’t!”
What do you use the Focus RS for? “Mainly for shows and taking out for a good blast at weekends.”
Having owned various different fast Fords before, what was it about the Focus RS that appealed to you? “Three things, really. First, I like they way it looks. I think the Mk1 is the most aggressive of all the Focus RS models, and with a few cosmetic upgrades they can look really menacing. Secondly, the sound. I love the noise when it’s on boost. And thirdly, and possibly mot importantly, the reliability. This one has been tuned to circa 335bhp, it’s still on the factory internals and the stock turbo, and it’s been faultless. It gives great userfriendly power too.”
Did you consider the other Focus RS models? “No. Back in 2007 when I bought this the Mk2 and Mk3 didn’t exist. But I chose the FRS over other cars I was looking at because (as I previously mentioned) the Focus fits in my garage, and because the missus loves the noise it makes.”
What is your favourite thing about the Focus RS? “The noise. It’s awesome.”
Is there anything you dislike? “RS tax. Anything that is unique to the RS model costs a small fortune, and even regular Focus parts are often advertised as ‘RS’ parts to try and command more money.”
What are your future plans for the car? “Well this year has been a bit strange, so there’s certainly not any more plans for any further modifications or upgrades this year. For now, I think I’ll just use it and enjoy it as much as I can at shows and weekends.”
If Ford did decide to launch a Mk4 Focus RS, do you think it would interest you? “Possibly. I think I’d have to take a look.”