Ford Focus RS MR375 Clubsport | Noticed

A Focus RS with an in depth checklist of modifications would not usually catch our eye. It is all properly and good to throw efficiency elements at one thing within the title of lowering lap occasions and annoying neighbors, however as a possible purchaser you haven’t any concept if mentioned mods have been put in correctly or if, you already know, they really work.

In addition to, it takes a courageous soul to begin arguing with Ford’s work. The Mk2 Focus RS was a landmark automobile when it arrived in 2009, proving that it was potential to blast over 300bhp by means of the entrance wheels with out tyre-melting torque-steering handles. However that is as a result of a staff of engineers spent lots of money and time making it work. Anybody who claims to have achieved higher armed solely with a Halfords host package and a few enthusiasm might be kidding themselves.

This, nevertheless, isn’t any unusual Focus. That is the unpredictable ballistic MR375 Clubsport, essentially the most highly effective improve bundle Mountune has to supply for the Mk2, and presumably the one iteration to carry a candle to the uncommon however excellent RS500. Definitely, it is the model to assuage fears of awkward aftermarket installations. if it was ok for Ford’s seal of approval again then, it is in all probability ok for you now.

As you’ll be able to think about, the primary benefit of the MR375 package is energy. Particularly, an improve from 305 horsepower to 375 horsepower from the usual automobile’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine. That is courtesy of an engine remap, Miltek exhaust and an upgraded bypass valve, plus all of the goodies that include the MP350 bundle, equivalent to the brand new intercooler, airbox and gas provide unit from the RS500. Consequently, automobiles with the total MR375 may hit 62mph from a standstill in 5 seconds – 0.9 seconds quicker than the bottom mannequin – earlier than hitting 165mph. Agreed, four-wheel drive Mk3 RS will proceed to be on the prime, however the Mountune upgrades nonetheless put the Mk2 forward in energy towards newer scorching hatches just like the newest Civic Sort R. So, yeah, it is in all probability efficient.

That is an terrible lot of energy going by means of the entrance wheels, although. It is a good factor, then, that this automobile is the Clubsport model, which will get a tasteful Alcon brake package and sportier suspension to assist handle the bounce in efficiency. It additionally means you get some questionable visible touches, together with appropriate yellow badges, muddled fenders and carbon decals that make the Clubsport appear to be it is simply been plowed by means of Mountune’s visitor present store. However the Mk2 RS (particularly these completed in Final Inexperienced) stick out like a sore thumb anyway – what distinction do just a few subtleties make?

Though a good quantity of labor has gone into this construct of the Focus RS, the automobile itself hasn’t seen a lot motion – the odometer has solely reached 22,625 – and it boasts a full service historical past in addition. That will not make the £40,595 asking worth any simpler to abdomen, particularly with this customary mannequin it is about half of that. After all, alternatively, every so often an RS500 pops up shut to 6 figures. So not solely will you save a piece of change for that MR375, however you will additionally get extra energy. And presumably extra consideration to a set of visitors lights.

Motor: 5-cylinder 2,521 cc, turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed guide, front-wheel drive
Energy (hp): 375@5,750 rpm
Torque (lb ft): 405@3,500 rpm
MPG: 30.5 (common automobile)
CO2: 225 g/km (common automobile)
Registration 12 months: 2010
Kilometers recorded: 22,625
Worth new: £24,995 (common automobile)
Yours for: £40,595