Review of the new Ford Focus Zetec-S Range

Ford's Zetec-S Focus might be just a Zetec in a bodykit but that's exactly what some buyers want. With the looks of a high-performance ST or RS model and dramatically lower costs, the Zetec-S should find a ready market.

Zetec has become part of the Ford scenery. Starting out as the name for a series of four-cylinder petrol engines and even cropping up on a Ford Formula 1 powerplant developed by Cosworth, the name has since been subsumed into the marque's model designation parlance as a trim level. In current usage, it tends to mean 'affordable and a bit sporty' informing customers who are about to sign on the dotted line for a Fiesta Zetec, C-MAX Zetec or Mondeo Zetec broadly what they're in for. There's a further twist, however, because from time to time, Ford will also launch cars badged 'Zetec-S'. These cars up the anti from 'affordable and a bit sporty' to 'more expensive and very sporty'. If you've got the general idea, you're halfway to understanding the Ford Focus Zetec-S.

In the main, Ford's hierarchy of sporty models kicks off with Zetec and progresses through Zetec-S and ST before reaching its zenith with the RS designation. We've already been treated to Zetec and ST versions of the current Focus and seen an RS version. You could say then that the Zetec-S completes the set.

Ford's cars tend to respond so well to sportification because the basics are so right. The Blue Oval seems to routinely take top honours for driving dynamics in every market sector it deems to enter. The Focus is the model in the vanguard of this trend and the current car definitely has the chassis, the steering and the fun factor that the other family hatchbacks try to emulate. The Zetec-S comes with a full range of engines. Petrol customers can get a 123bhp 1.8, 143bhp 2.0-litre or Ford's clever 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine with 113bhp. On the diesel side, there's a 2.0-litre TDCi that develops 135bhp. These are stock Ford engines and performance is generally good but it means that the Zetec-S doesn't give any additional oomph compared to the Zetec derivative. At least it inherits the Zetec's sports suspension.

"Ford's cars tend to respond so well to sportification because the basics are so right.."

Ford of Europe ploughed an enormous investment into the original Focus and the MK2 model continues to live off the benefits, even though many rivals have clawed back much of the ground they lost to this car in this respect in the early years of this century. The suspension system is much the same as that used in the 1998 model and the lessons learned in packaging are still as relevant as ever. This sublime handling competency means you can get the most in terms of driving enjoyment from any of the given engines on offer, so drive a Focus before opting for an apparently faster rival: more power doesn't necessarily equal more real world speed. In terms of driving comfort, there are softer-riding rivals, certainly, but you'd be less likely to want to be in one of them on a twisting B-Road.

The real advantage of the Focus Zetec-S comes in the form of upgrades to its styling and whether or not you view these as an advantage will be central to whether or not you'll like the car. A full sports styling kit is bolted on including front and rear spoilers and sill extensions. This administers a big dose of testosterone to the car's appearance and is sure to find favour with those who'd love an ST or and RS Focus but whose bank balance has conspired against them. Inside, there are further modifications including an aluminium pedal set and hand brake cover.

The compact control-blade rear suspension helps the five-door Focus model achieve a hefty 385-litre carrying capacity as the load bay is completely flat and unencumbered by suspension intrusion. The build quality is of a high standard with the neat stereo design with its chunky buttons standing out in particular. There's also a decent amount of head and legroom in the rear, plenty to carry a pair of adult passengers.

If the Focus Zetec-S isn't quite extrovert enough, Ford have made a collection of extras available with which you're certain to become the doyen of the local McDonalds Drive-Thru. The Sport pack adds 18" alloy wheels in place of the standard 17" items and darkened privacy glass for £500. The WRC pack, meanwhile, costs £200 adds a World Rally Championship chequered flag decal on the car's flank and special WRC scuff plates. Overall, the standard Zetec-S Focus is just £750 more than the Zetec model and that looks like decent business for such a wide collection of styling extras. Three and five-door models are available.

Basic equipment features on the Focus run to most of what you would now expect on a car of this type (twin front airbags, air conditioning, ABS etc) but there are some nice extra touches. In addition to a movable armrest and a four-litre-capacity storage compartment, there are storage areas for back-seat passengers or the facility to add optional items such as a 230 volt socket or the USB audio connection box.

The Zetec-S is certainly a more cost-effective option than an ST or RS Focus but not being offered with the smaller engines in the range, it still comes at a price. The 1.8-litre engine can return 40mpg and the 2.0-litre manages fractionally less, with the two units emitting 167 and 169g/km or CO2 respectively. The 1.6 Ti-VCT engine is a better bet for keeping costs down, as is the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel with its 51mpg and 144g/km.

Insurance groupings are in the 6 to 10 bracket - far cheaper, in other words, than a thoroughbred hot hatchback. Depreciation on a Ford Focus is never going to be stellar: Simply take it into account and balance the difference to something like a Volkswagen Golf with the extra discount you're likely to be able to negotiate upfront. Most of the time, the sums add up.

Ford models carrying the Zetec badge are nothing new but few could hold a candle to the aggressive looks of the latest Zetec-S models. With its muscular bodykit enhancing the styling, the car looks a serious piece of work with the attitude of a high performance ST model or even the mighty RS. Under the surface, it's simply a conventional Zetec Focus but that will be music to the ears of buyers who are kept out of the market for proper fast Fords by financial constraints.

Lots of manufacturers attach a heap of sporty styling accessories to their mainstream cars and the result amounts to little more than a sheep in wolf's clothing. If anyone can get away with the tactic, Ford can, for the simple reason that its base model Focus is very nearly as rewarding to drive as its performance derivatives. The Focus chassis is so good that fun at the wheel is always on the cards and while its looks won't be for everyone, the Zetec-S does a thorough job of underlining that fact.

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