Quick recommendations
- Easiest first styling modification: Maxton Design spoiler extension.
- Front-end upgrade: Choose V1 or V2 purely according to which design you prefer.
- More complete look: Combine a front splitter with the side skirt extensions and rear side splitters.
- Front splitter fitting: Must be properly drilled and mechanically secured using suitable nuts and bolts.
- Side skirts: Screw securely to the vehicle rather than relying on adhesive.
- Rear side splitters: Drill and mechanically secure using the supplied fitting hardware.
- Finish: All of the current Maxton Design parts are supplied finished in gloss black.
- Aerodynamics: Treat these primarily as styling upgrades rather than meaningful performance aero.
Best styling upgrades for the MK2 Focus RS
The MK2 Focus RS already has one of Ford's most distinctive factory body kits, so styling upgrades tend to work best when they complement the original design rather than completely changing it.
Our current range focuses on Maxton Design exterior parts including:
- Front splitters
- Side skirt extensions
- Rear side splitters
- Spoiler extensions
These are primarily cosmetic upgrades designed to give the RS a lower, wider and more aggressive appearance.
They should not be treated as major aerodynamic performance modifications for a normal road car.
Best first styling modification
The Maxton Design MK2 Focus RS spoiler extension is one of the easiest ways to change the appearance of the car without carrying out any major fitting work.
It sits on the edge of the existing factory RS spoiler and makes the rear profile look slightly longer and more aggressive.
Unlike the splitter and skirt components, the spoiler extension does not require drilling.
The existing spoiler simply needs to be thoroughly cleaned and degreased before the extension is aligned and bonded into position using the supplied 3M tape.
How to fit the MK2 Focus RS spoiler extension
Good surface preparation is the most important part of fitting the spoiler extension.
We recommend:
- Thoroughly cleaning the original spoiler.
- Removing any wax, polish, sealant or contamination from the bonding surface.
- Using the supplied degreasing cloth.
- Test-fitting and aligning the extension before exposing the adhesive.
- Applying firm and even pressure once correctly positioned.
A poorly prepared surface can prevent the adhesive from bonding properly, so do not simply stick the extension onto a waxed or dirty spoiler.
MK2 Focus RS Front Splitter V1 versus V2
Maxton offers two front splitter designs for the MK2 Focus RS:
There is no meaningful functional difference between the V1 and V2 versions for a road-driven car.
The decision is simply down to whichever design you prefer visually.
Choose V1 if:
You prefer the shape and styling of the V1 design.
Choose V2 if:
You prefer the appearance of the V2 design.
Neither option should be considered inherently better from a handling or performance point of view.
Do MK2 Focus RS front splitters require drilling?
Yes.
The front splitter must be properly attached to the underside of the front bumper using mechanical fixings.
We recommend drilling and securing the splitter using suitable nuts and bolts in accordance with the supplied fitting instructions.
This is not an area where we would rely on double-sided tape or adhesive alone.
Why does a front splitter need to be bolted on?
A front splitter is exposed to considerable airflow at motorway speeds.
If it is not securely mechanically fixed to the bumper, the force acting on the splitter can pull it away from the vehicle.
An incorrectly fitted splitter can therefore:
- Detach from the bumper
- Damage the splitter
- Damage the bumper
- Create a hazard for other road users
For this reason, we always recommend properly drilling and fastening the splitter rather than trying to avoid making holes in the underside of the bumper.
Maxton Design side skirt extensions
The Maxton Design side skirt extensions run beneath the original RS side skirts and visually lower the side profile of the car.
They work particularly well when combined with a front splitter because they continue the gloss-black line along the length of the vehicle.
The side skirt extensions should be mechanically fixed rather than simply bonded into place.
Do the side skirts need drilling?
Yes. The side skirt extensions need to be screwed securely to the vehicle.
There is considerable airflow and force acting on a long styling component at motorway speeds, so adhesive alone is not something we would rely on.
The important points are:
- Align both sides carefully before drilling.
- Make sure the skirt sits straight along the vehicle.
- Use sufficient mechanical fixings along its length.
- Follow the supplied fitting instructions.
MK2 Focus RS rear side splitters
The Maxton Design rear side splitters fit to the lower outer edges of the rear bumper.
They are a relatively subtle modification on their own but work particularly well when the car already has a front splitter and side skirt extensions fitted.
This creates a consistent gloss-black styling line around the lower edge of the car.
Do the rear side splitters require drilling?
Yes.
Like the front splitter, the rear side splitters should be drilled and mechanically secured using the appropriate fixings.
We would not rely solely on adhesive because the components are exposed to significant airflow when the car is travelling at speed.
Are Maxton splitters aerodynamic upgrades?
For a normal road-going MK2 Focus RS, we would treat these as styling modifications.
They certainly change the shape of the bodywork and the way air passes around the vehicle, but we would not claim a meaningful performance improvement in terms of:
- Downforce
- High-speed grip
- Cornering performance
- Lap times
Unless an aerodynamic component has been properly developed and tested for a specific measurable effect, we prefer not to make exaggerated aerodynamic claims.
Buy these parts because you like the way they make the RS look.
Gloss black finish
The current Maxton Design parts for the MK2 Focus RS are supplied finished in gloss black.
For most cars, we would simply leave them in the supplied finish.
Gloss black works particularly well against the factory RS colours and also allows several separate styling components to visually tie together.
A typical complete setup might therefore use:
- Gloss-black front splitter
- Gloss-black side skirt extensions
- Gloss-black rear side splitters
- Gloss-black spoiler extension
Should Maxton parts be painted?
There is normally no need to paint these particular gloss-black parts unless you specifically want a different finish.
The supplied gloss-black finish is designed to be fitted as it arrives once the protective film has been removed.
If you do want a body-coloured or custom finish, preparation and paint requirements should be discussed with a professional body shop before installation.
Test-fit before drilling
Always test-fit styling components before drilling any holes.
This is particularly important with:
- Front splitters
- Side skirt extensions
- Rear side splitters
Hold the component in its intended position and check:
- Left-to-right alignment
- How far the splitter protrudes
- Clearance around the bumper
- That both sides sit evenly
- Where the mounting holes will be positioned
Once holes have been drilled, repositioning the component becomes considerably more difficult.
Leave the protective film on during test fitting
We also recommend leaving the protective film in place until you have confirmed that the part is correct for the car and you are happy with its positioning.
This helps protect the gloss surface from scratches during handling and test fitting.
Only remove the film once you are confident the component is correct and ready for final installation.
Best complete styling setup
For an owner wanting a complete but relatively subtle styling package, we would combine:
- V1 or V2 front splitter
- Side skirt extensions
- Rear side splitters
- Spoiler extension
The matching gloss-black finish makes the separate components look like part of one complete package.
The choice between V1 and V2 at the front remains entirely personal preference.
Can I fit just one styling part?
Absolutely.
There is no requirement to install the complete package.
The spoiler extension is particularly suitable as a standalone upgrade because it makes a noticeable difference to the rear of the car without changing the lower bodywork.
A front splitter also works well by itself if you mainly want to make the front bumper appear lower and more aggressive.
Professional fitting versus DIY
Whether these parts can be fitted at home depends on your confidence and available tools.
Spoiler extension
This is the easiest DIY installation because it is bonded rather than drilled.
The main challenge is careful cleaning, alignment and application of the adhesive.
Front splitter
This requires accurate positioning, drilling and secure mechanical fixing.
Side skirts and rear splitters
These also require careful alignment and mechanical fixing.
If you are not comfortable drilling bodywork or working underneath the vehicle, professional installation is worthwhile.
Do these parts fit every MK2 Focus RS?
Yes. The parts in this collection use the same fitment across the MK2 Focus RS model years.
There is no separate body-kit fitment required for different years of the MK2 RS.
Always make sure you are ordering the specific Focus RS version of a product rather than assuming a styling part designed for an ordinary MK2 Focus or Focus ST225 will fit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest MK2 Focus RS styling modification?
The Maxton Design spoiler extension is one of the simplest. Clean and degrease the factory spoiler, align the extension and secure it with the supplied 3M tape.
Which is better, the V1 or V2 front splitter?
Neither is functionally better. The difference is purely styling, so choose whichever design you prefer.
Do Maxton front splitters need drilling?
Yes. We strongly recommend mechanically securing the front splitter with suitable nuts and bolts.
Can I stick the front splitter on with tape?
No. We would not rely on adhesive alone for a component exposed to the airflow and loads experienced at motorway speeds.
Do the side skirt extensions need drilling?
Yes. They should be mechanically secured rather than simply bonded to the car.
Do the rear side splitters need drilling?
Yes. They should also be drilled and securely fastened.
Do the splitters improve downforce?
We would treat them as styling modifications rather than meaningful aerodynamic performance upgrades.
What colour do the Maxton parts arrive?
The current products in this collection are supplied finished in gloss black.
Do they need painting?
No. They can normally be fitted in their supplied gloss-black finish.
Should I remove the protective film before fitting?
Test-fit the part first. Leave the protective film on while checking fitment and alignment, then remove it when you are confident the component is correct and ready for final installation.
Are the parts the same across all MK2 Focus RS years?
Yes. The relevant body and styling fitment is the same across MK2 Focus RS model years.
More MK2 Focus RS performance parts
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Vendor:MAXTON® DESIGN
Vendor:MAXTON® DESIGN
Vendor:MAXTON® DESIGN
Vendor:MAXTON® DESIGN
Vendor:MAXTON® DESIGN
