DRIVEN M520 FOCUS RS

Jamie gets to try out mountune’s lairy new power upgrade for the Mk3 Focus RS; the 513bhp m520 MRX version…

- Jamie

I ’ve driven this very car numerous times over the last three years or so, from when it was sporting the m380 kit in October 2016, through the m400 upgrades (and a change to a matt black wrap) in 2018, and here I am again, about to jump in M666 FRS once more. Only this time I’m more excited than ever… Why? Because the guys at mountune have unleashed a bit of an animal with their latest upgrade, the new big-turbo m520 MRX…

Before I even set foot in the car, I’m bombarded with enthusiastic reports from all of the mountune team who have been lucky enough to drive it. Their reactions all portraying a real sense of excitement and genuine fondness for this fast Focus. So, is it really that good…?

It’s even better! Let’s not beat about the bush here, the m520 is truly awesome. It’s without doubt the best tuning package for the Mk3 RS I’ve driven to date. And it’s already up there as one my personal favourite fast Fords.

It delivers everything an RS should. It’s fun, frantic, and handles brilliantly (more on that in a second), but crucially it now also has that added ingredient that’s been missing in some modern fast Fords – the fear factor. Make no mistake, the m520 MRX is a savage beast, and if you take your eye off the ball it will try to kill you! One of the biggest criticisms I hear about modern fast Fords is that they aren’t as exciting as the older retro models were (which, personally I think is a load of rubbish anyway!) but I challenge any old-school Cossie or RST owner to have a drive in the m520 and not enjoy it. You can’t help but be impressed.