Quick styling recommendations
- Easy first modification: Maxton Design V1 or V2 spoiler cap.
- More aggressive front end: Choose the V2, V3 or V4 front splitter based on the design you prefer.
- Most aggressive styling: Choose one of the Aero, Racing or Racing Durability designs.
- Balanced complete look: Combine a front splitter, side skirts, rear side splitters and spoiler cap.
- Rear diffuser upgrade: Fit the Racing Durability diffuser beneath the original rear valance.
- Standard or RS Edition: The styling parts in this collection use the same relevant fitment.
Best styling upgrades for the MK3 Focus RS
The MK3 Ford Focus RS already has aggressive factory styling, but carefully selected exterior parts can make the car look lower, wider and more distinctive.
You do not need to fit every available component at once. A spoiler cap provides a straightforward first modification, while a front splitter, side skirts and rear styling parts create a much more complete appearance around the car.
The different Maxton Design versions are primarily visual choices. V1, V2, V3 and V4 do not represent increasingly better products; they simply use different shapes and styling details.
Best first modification: Focus RS spoiler cap
A Maxton Design spoiler cap is one of the easiest styling modifications for the MK3 Focus RS.
The cap fits on top of the existing factory rear spoiler, extending its profile and making the rear of the car appear more pronounced without replacing the complete spoiler.
Two main designs are available:
Neither version is technically better. Choose the one that best suits the overall appearance you want for the car.
How is the spoiler cap fitted?
The spoiler caps do not require drilling. They are bonded to the existing spoiler using the supplied 3M tape.
The fitting process involves:
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying the factory spoiler.
- Using the supplied cleaning or degreasing wipe.
- Test-positioning the spoiler cap and checking the alignment.
- Applying the supplied 3M tape as instructed.
- Pressing the cap firmly into place and allowing the adhesive sufficient time to bond.
Take time to achieve the correct position before allowing the adhesive to make full contact. Repeatedly removing and repositioning the cap can weaken the bond.
Focus RS front splitter options
A front splitter produces a much more noticeable change than a spoiler cap. It extends the lower edge of the original RS bumper and makes the car appear lower and more aggressive from the front.
The standard gloss-black designs include:
The different versions are purely alternative visual designs. The best option comes down to personal preference rather than one offering a meaningful performance advantage over another.
Aero, Racing and Racing Durability styling
The Aero and Racing products use more aggressive shapes than the standard gloss-black Maxton range. They also generally have a more purposeful matte or textured black finish rather than the smoother gloss-black appearance.
The Maxton Design Aero front splitter is suited to owners who want a more track-inspired appearance.
The Racing Durability range combines aggressive styling with thicker, more substantial material designed for demanding use.
Examples include:
Do Focus RS front splitters require drilling?
Yes. The front splitters require drilling and must be mechanically secured to the original bumper using the supplied mounting hardware.
The splitter should be correctly positioned, drilled and securely fixed with suitable nuts and bolts. It must not be fitted using adhesive alone.
A front splitter experiences considerable airflow and pressure at motorway speeds. If it is not installed correctly, it can detach from the car.
Each product is supplied with the relevant mounting hardware and fitting instructions. Professional installation is recommended if you are not confident correctly positioning and drilling the original bumper.
Focus RS side skirts
Side-skirt extensions continue the lower styling line between the front and rear of the car and make the RS appear lower along its complete side profile.
The standard Maxton Design Focus RS side-skirt extensions use the familiar gloss-black finish and work well with the standard V2, V3 and V4 front splitters.
More aggressive Racing Durability versions are also available for owners who prefer the thicker material and matte track-inspired finish.
Do the side skirts require drilling?
Yes. The side-skirt extensions must be mechanically fitted to the car and require drilling.
They are supplied with the required fixtures, fittings and fitting instructions. Both sides should be carefully aligned before any holes are drilled so that the finished position is even.
Rear side splitters and central rear splitters
Rear side splitters fit around the outer lower edges of the rear bumper. They help connect the side-skirt styling with the rear of the vehicle.
The Maxton Design Focus RS rear side splitters are a useful finishing modification when a front splitter and side skirts are already fitted.
The Maxton Design central rear splitter adds further definition to the centre of the original rear valance.
Most central and rear side splitter products require drilling and mechanical fixings. Some designs fit over an existing section and may also use adhesive.
Always follow the exact instructions supplied with the individual product rather than assuming every rear component uses the same fitting method.
Focus RS Racing Durability rear diffuser
The Racing Durability rear diffuser is an add-on fitted underneath the original Focus RS rear valance.
It does not replace the complete factory diffuser or rear bumper. Instead, it extends the lower section and creates a more pronounced track-inspired appearance.
The diffuser works with:
- The standard Focus RS exhaust
- Cobra Sport exhaust systems
- Scorpion exhaust systems
- Milltek exhaust systems
- Most other correctly positioned aftermarket RS exhausts
Owners with a custom-made exhaust should still check the tailpipe position and clearance before fitting the diffuser.
Which Maxton Design finish should you choose?
Gloss-black parts
The standard Maxton Design splitters and side skirts generally use a gloss-black finish.
These parts work well for owners who want a clean appearance that matches other gloss-black exterior trim.
Aero and Racing parts
The Aero and Racing products have a more aggressive track-inspired design and generally use a more matte or textured black finish.
These are better suited to owners who want a more purposeful motorsport-style appearance rather than a smooth gloss-black finish.
Racing Durability parts
The Racing Durability range uses thicker material and is designed to offer a more substantial construction alongside the aggressive styling.
When combining multiple products, it is worth choosing parts from the same range where possible so that the material, finish and styling remain consistent around the car.
Which styling combination should you choose?
Simple first modification
Choose either the V1 or V2 spoiler cap. It adds definition to the rear of the car without drilling or changing the complete factory spoiler.
More aggressive front end
Choose a V2, V3 or V4 front splitter based on the design you prefer.
If you want a more track-focused appearance, choose an Aero, Racing or Racing Durability front splitter.
Balanced road-car styling package
For a consistent appearance around the complete car, combine:
- Standard gloss-black front splitter
- Matching gloss-black side skirts
- Rear side splitters
- Spoiler cap
Aggressive track-inspired styling package
For a more substantial visual change, combine:
- Racing Durability or Aero front splitter
- Racing Durability side skirts
- Racing Durability rear side splitters
- Racing Durability rear diffuser
- Spoiler cap
Using products from the same range helps maintain a consistent finish across the front, sides and rear.
Fitting Maxton Design parts correctly
Always test-fit every component before drilling, removing protective film or applying adhesive.
Drilled components
- Position the part evenly before marking any holes.
- Follow the supplied fitting instructions.
- Use all required mounting hardware.
- Secure front splitters using suitable nuts and bolts.
- Do not rely on adhesive where mechanical fittings are specified.
- Check that the component is secure before driving at speed.
Adhesive spoiler caps
- Ensure the original spoiler is clean, dry and free from wax.
- Use the supplied cleaning wipe.
- Test the position before exposing the adhesive.
- Apply firm, even pressure across the spoiler cap.
- Allow the 3M tape enough time to bond before driving the car.
Standard Focus RS and RS Edition fitment
The styling products in this collection use the same relevant fitment across standard UK MK3 Focus RS and RS Edition models.
The Edition model does not require a separate front splitter, side-skirt or spoiler-cap design.
Customers should still check the fitment notes and product photographs on each listing before ordering, particularly where a component is shared with another MK3 Focus model.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest styling modification for an MK3 Focus RS?
A Maxton Design spoiler cap is one of the easiest first modifications. It bonds to the existing spoiler using the supplied 3M tape and does not require drilling.
What is the difference between the V1 and V2 spoiler caps?
They are different visual designs. Neither is technically better, so choose the version you prefer the appearance of.
Which Focus RS front splitter is best?
The V2, V3 and V4 splitters are alternative designs. The best choice comes down to personal preference.
What is different about the Aero and Racing splitters?
They use a more aggressive design and generally have a more matte, track-inspired finish than the standard gloss-black range.
Do Focus RS front splitters require drilling?
Yes. They must be mechanically secured to the original bumper using the supplied mounting hardware.
Can I stick the front splitter on without drilling?
No. Adhesive alone is not suitable. The splitter must be securely bolted to the bumper so that it cannot detach at speed.
Do the side skirts require drilling?
Yes. The side-skirt extensions require drilling and mechanical mounting.
Do the rear splitters require drilling?
Most do, although some designs also fit over the original component using adhesive. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact product.
Does the spoiler cap require drilling?
No. It is cleaned, aligned and bonded to the existing spoiler using the supplied 3M tape.
Does the rear diffuser replace the factory diffuser?
No. The Racing Durability rear diffuser is an add-on fitted underneath the original rear valance.
Will the rear diffuser fit the standard exhaust?
Yes. It fits with the factory RS exhaust and the correctly positioned aftermarket exhaust systems we sell.
Do these parts fit the Focus RS Edition?
Yes. The relevant styling fitment is the same across standard MK3 Focus RS and RS Edition models.
More MK3 Focus RS parts and tuning advice
Browse our complete range of MK3 Ford Focus RS performance parts, or read our MK3 Focus RS tuning guide for power figures, tuning stages and supporting hardware advice.