New Car/Review

Ford Focus ZTS Sedan (2001)

By Tom Hagin

SPECIFICATIONS

     Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price              $ 15,260
     Price As Tested                                    $ 17,300
     Engine Type              DOHC 16-valve 2.0 Liter I4 w/SMFI*
     Engine Size                                 121 cid/1988 cc
     Horsepower                                   130 @ 5300 RPM
     Torque (lb-ft)                               135 @ 4500 RPM
     Wheelbase/Width/Length                  103.0"/66.9"/174.9"
     Transmission                           Five-speed automatic
     Curb Weight                                     2739 pounds
     Fuel Capacity                                  13.2 gallons
     Tires  (F/R)                           205/50R16 all-season
     Brakes (F/R)                          Disc (ABS)/drum (ABS)
     Drive Train                  Front-engine/front-wheel-drive
     Vehicle Type                       Five-passenger/four-door
     Domestic Content                                 75 percent         

     Coefficient of Drag (Cd.)                               N/A

PERFORMANCE

     EPA Economy, miles per gallon
        city/highway/average                            25/33/28
     0-60 MPH                                        9.5 seconds
     1/4 (E.T.)                          17.0 seconds @ 81.0 mph
     Top-speed                                           105 mph
                 * Sequential multi-port fuel injection

The small car market, considered all but dead just a few years ago, is heating up again and gasoline costs are to blame. Ford, always on the move to build cars of substance at affordable prices, has done just that with its new Focus family of subcompacts. The Focus is the replacement for the Ford Escort and is available in three body styles: the three-door ZX3 hatchback, a wagon and a sedan in either LX or SE trim, or as our tester this week, the top-line ZTS four-door.

OUTSIDE - The Focus is three inches taller than the Escort, and just a bit longer, though its higher roof Line gives it an awkward appearance. The car uses what Ford calls its "New Edge" styling theme with crisp lines mixed with flat planes, moderately flared wheel arches and jeweled headlamps that give it a distinctive look to help it stand out from other subcompacts in its class. Black trim surrounds the windows and covers the C and D-pillars, while the door handles are black as well. Its curved, arcing shape, along with special undercarriage shielding and aerodynamic mirrors, all contribute to a wind-cheating 0.32 coefficient of drag. Our ZTS test vehicle wore handsome six-spoke alloy wheels and performance tires.

INSIDE - Focus's tall body and raised roof delivers a large, airy feel to the cockpit. This also allows a commanding view of the outside world, while large front door openings make it easy to climb inside. Bucket seats are the only choice up front, though they're firm and supportive and can be adjustable up and down as well as fore and aft. Add this feature to the ZTS model's standard tilt and telescoping steering column, and drivers of virtually any size will be able to find a perfect driving position. The rear seats are roomy and comfortable for two, three in a pinch, and they're raised theater-style for a better view. The seat cushion also folds up and the backrest folds down, which dramatically increasing cargo space from the trunk. The swooping dashboard features unique cut lines and organic shapes, and the controls and switches all fall easily into place. Standard ZTS features include speed control, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player, remote keyless entry, power windows, mirrors and door locks, fog lights, rear window defroster and variable-speed intermittent wipers.

ON THE ROAD - While entry-level Focus models have a 110-horse four cylinder engine under their hoods, Focus ZTS is powered by a 2.0-liter four that uses dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder to produce 130 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. It delivers ample performance and around 28 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. It pulls strongly and quietly into its higher rpm ranges, and there's no sense of strain at the limit. Expect to see a plethora of aftermarket add-ons available to boost the cosmetic demands of younger buyers, the target market of this car. A smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard while a four-speed automatic is optional as is traction control.

BEHIND THE WHEEL - The Focus platform, a unit-steel design, is stiff and feels substantial. At first glance, the suspension doesn't seem too sophisticated, with MacPherson struts, coil springs, tube shocks and an anti roll bar. But the rear suspension, called "control blade" by Ford, uses a special multilink layout and together, they make for a great-handling small car that is truly fun to drive. It remains controlled and predictable during quick maneuvers, and stays stable, forgiving and well-balanced. Steering feel from the power rack and pinion system is crisp and linear, and Ford was able to reduce friction in the system by stiffening the rack's mounting points and optimizing tolerances from the entire steering system. Braking is handled by front disc and rear drum brakes with a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS), though we'd like to see discs offered on the rear, even if it means adding another optional package.

SAFETY - Dual dashboard airbags, ABS and side-impact door beams are standard; side-impact airbags and traction control are optional.

OPTIONS - Traction control, $1225; side-impact airbags, $350.