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Behind the wheel, the Ford Focus is an enjoyable car. All models are fun to drive. The Focus is smooth and stable at high speeds with responsive steering and excellent brakes. The Focus feels softer and smoother than most compacts. It leans in corners, but the tires generate a lot of grip.
The 130-horsepower 2.0-liter Zetec engine that comes in most models starts instantly and rewards drivers with an almost imperceptible idle, smooth and quiet. Slam the gas pedal down and it responds with surprisingly rapid acceleration, a benefit of a lightweight car with well-developed torque characteristics. Torque is that force that propels you quickly away from an intersection and 80 percent of the Zetec's maximum torque is available from idle to 6,000 rpm. Torque peaks at 135 foot-pounds at 4,500 rpm.
Making the Focus 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 pup loves to run and doesn't complain about visiting the upper reaches of the tachometer. Ford revised the 130-hp Zetec for 2003. A new throttle body offers improved part-throttle response for improved drivability around town. Greater fuel efficiency comes from a new cylinder head, new valve springs, and a freer exhaust system.
Given a choice, we'd rather have the five-speed manual than the automatic. It's easy to shift. 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.
The four-speed automatic is slow off the line. Left in Drive, it operates like a conventional American automatic. That is to say it's as dependable as sunrise, but not as exciting. It features an overdrive-off button, plus D2 and D1 slots, but it lacks the sporty feel and effect of the manual gearbox.
The Ford Focus ZX5 does not 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. The standard 50-series (16-inch) tires sharpen handling response. The power rack-and-pinion steering is precise, with good road feel and little kick-back or torque-steer from the front-drive system.
Out on the interstate the ZX5 is a born cruiser. The engine is quiet and wind noise is absent even up to 75 mph. Speaking of cruising, the cruise control system holds a set speed even on the steepest Interstate grade; with Braille bumps on the steering-wheel hub, it's easy to use the cruise control even in the dark (it's not illuminated). Ordinary roads feel smooth, while well-maintained superhighways feel velvety. Some road noise does filter up through the cargo area.
Even more fun are the Ford Focus SVT models. The SVT Focus offers thrilling acceleration in the mid-speed ranges. It'll rocket out of an on-ramp. The SVT engine develops 170 hp and 145 lbs.-ft. of torque. It's an extensively modified version of the Zetec. SVT used high-compression pistons (10.2:1 vs. Zetec's 9.6:1). Breathing is improved through a high-flow aluminum cylinder head with bigger intake ports, stiffer valves, and variable cams. A dual-stage intake manifold improves low-speed torque. SVT's 4-into-2-into-1 headers and a big exhaust pipe reduce backpressure.
The SVT Focus is easy to shift and goes quickly through the gears. The standard six-speed manual transaxle was developed by the German manufacturer Getrag. It uses clever design to deliver the performance advantages of a close-ratio six-speed in a remarkably compact and lightweight package.
Handling is tauter, yet the Ford Focus SVT rides very nicely on bumpy roads around town. Around corners it feels well controlled yet compliant, allowing it to handle bumpy corners better, a result of stiffer springs, solid stabilizer bars (larger in front), and retuned shock absorbers with softened impact harshness and improved roll damping.
The SVT's impressive braking capabilities are the result of larger vented front brakes and solid rear discs. The wheels are fitted with Continental 215/45R17 ContiSportContact tires that provide a high level of grip and directional stability, making the braking system remarkably effective. This combination really adds to the overall performance of the Ford Focus SVT.
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