‘ I BOUGHT ONE’

‘ I’d owned a Fiesta RS Turbo since 1997, but I was in the middle of restoring it and I really wanted an RS to use. So I bought my Focus RS new in June 2009. I went for Ultimate Green with the Lux1 package but also the upgraded half- leather Recaro seats, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Basically everything apart from satnav and the reversing camera.

‘ The car now has over 42,000 miles on the clock and is more of a sunny day/ show car these days. Over the last eight years there have been one or two modifications: a full stainless steel Mongoose exhaust, a JW Racing/autotech 120 remap, an Airtec Stage 2 intercooler, 650cc multi- port injectors, a K& N air filter, an Auto Specialists cast plenum, H& R springs with Koni dampers, and Rota GTR wheels wrapped around a big set of AP Racing brakes to tame the 420bhp and 400lb ft that it’s been running since 2012.

‘ Contrary to the preconceptions about front- wheel drive, the Focus handles that power and torque well, although decent tyres are required. I’m currently running Michelin Super Sports, which so far have lasted around 6000 miles – better than the original Continentals, which died after 5000 miles.

‘ Other running costs aren’t as bad as you might think, though you don’t count mpg when you buy a Focus RS. The engine hardly uses a drop of oil, servicing is once a year, and the original clutch is still managing to take the 400lb ft. The only issue for me has been rust. I’ve had to get the rear arches and the mesh in the front bumper refurbished.

‘ With its colour and the superb sound of that five- pot engine, my car still gets a lot of good attention, even beside cars with posher badges! It ticks all the boxes for me and I hope to keep it for many years to come.’