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All-new Ford Focus RS spotted in the UK

19 November 2008

by Adrian Hearn

A Ford Focus RS has been spotted testing in the UK months ahead of the eagerly-anticipated hot hatch’s summer 2009 launch.

Missing an RS badge on the grille and on German registration plates, this blue Ford Focus RS was snapped in a Hertfordshire car park by Ford fan John Allder.

The photos show the aggressive Ford Focus RS featuring flared wheel arches, roof spoiler, huge grille and Recaro seats which still have the RS branding.

Speaking to Auto Trader, Mr Allder said: “I was watching my son playing football and then I clocked the Ford Focus RS in the car park.

“I think it’s stunning looking; it really stood out. It’s early days but it looks like it could really challenge some of the greats to be one of the best Fords ever.”

(View our Focus RS slideshow below)

The Ford Focus RS was spotted in Tring, Hertfordshire around 50 miles from Ford’s UK headquarters in Essex.

This is the second Ford Focus RS exclusive in a week which Auto Trader has revealed following news of the order book for the mega-hot hatch hitting 1,600 last week.

Financial pressures and the credit crunch haven’t dented demand with customers buying themselves a place on the waiting list to get their hands on one of the first deliveries.

The 2009 Ford Focus RS made its world debut in July at the British Motor Show and will feature a tuned version of the Focus ST’s 2.5-litre turbocharged engine which will develop 300bhp.

To keep it more affordable, Ford has shunned the idea of employing four-wheel drive opting for front-wheel drive but fitting a limited slip differential developed by leading company Quaife.

More details on the Focus RS will be released before Christmas so don’t forget to come back to Auto Trader for all the big news as it happens.