Ford Focus

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Ford Focus Models

Ford Focus comes in three body styles: three-door hatchback, four-door sedan and five-door wagon.

Two 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines are available (a 110-horsepower single overhead-cam and a 130-horsepower double overhead-cam Zetec). There's also a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

The sedan comprises the bulk of Focus sales and is available in three trim levels, an entry level LX, an upgrade SE, and the fully-equipped ZTS. ZTS comes with the more powerful twin-cam Zetec engine.

The hatchback is available as one model, the ZX3. This is a sport compact, and comes with all the requisite hardware: a more powerful 130-horsepower twin-cam engine, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and fog lights. Its wild styling makes the hatchback look sportier and even more distinctive than the sedan. Power windows, mirrors and locks, and keyless entry are now available, along with optional cruise control.

The wagon is available only in the SE trim level and offers the largest cargo capacity in its class. It comes standard with the 130-horsepower dohc Zetec engine. Also new, is the availability of the 5-speed manual transmission in addition to the automatic.

Ford has added its AdvanceTrac vehicle dynamics system to the option list. Described below, AdvanceTrac includes rear disc brakes and traction control, but requires ordering the optional anti-lock brakes.

Other optional safety equipment includes side-impact air bags. Cruise control, which was not available last year, has been added to the options list.

Driving the Ford Focus

Like an eager puppy, the Focus ZX3 begs to go for a ride and you're just as happy to comply.

The 2.0-liter 16-valve double overhead-cam four-cylinder engine starts instantly and rewards drivers with an almost imperceptible idle, it's so smooth and quiet. The 130-horsepower engine answers a heavy foot with surprisingly rapid acceleration, a benefit of a lightweight car with well-developed torque characteristics. Fully 80 percent of the engine's maximum torque is available from idle to 6000 rpm; peak torque of 135 foot-pounds comes at 4500 rpm. Making the ZX3 even more satisfying to drive is Ford's excellent control of noise, vibration and harshness in this engine. Forget the usual inexpensive four-cylinder harshness; this puppy loves to run and doesn't complain about visiting the upper reaches of the tachometer.

Clutch take-up is good and easy to modulate. Shifting into first gear reveals a rubbery feel to the linkage of the long-shafted shifter. It feels like a Saab shifter; it's precise but not inviting.

ZX3 doesn't act like an economy car. It accelerates and turns much more quickly, making this one of the most enjoyable cars in its class to drive. Response through the rack-and-pinion steering is quick and precise, and feedback is excellent. The car feels like it is leaning in corners more than it actually is because the driver is sitting higher in the saddle. Optional 50-series (16-inch) tires sharpen handling response.

The ZX3 cruises easily on the Interstate. The engine is quiet and wind noise is subdued. Ordinary roads feel smooth, while well-maintained superhighways feel velvety.

Optional AdvanceTrac monitors the car's behavior while cornering, checking the steering angle, lateral acceleration and yaw rate, then helps maintain stability. If it senses you're in trouble it reduces power and selectively applies to brakes to individual wheels to keep the vehicle on course; it uses the ABS and traction control system to help it accomplish this. The system intervenes progressively so that the drier is hardly aware that AdvanceTrac has been activated. It may be turned off by pressing a button on the instrument panel, but comes back on whenever the vehicle is started.