Focus Zetec needs more gusto

LAST week the Ford Focus estate, this week we’re in the ‘hot’ seat of the sporty Focus 2.0 Zetec 3dr which featured the optional ESP (electronic stability program). This provides an effective aid to safety in difficult driving conditions.

The system continuously checks 150 times per second whether the behaviour of the car is matching the driver’s intentions, using seven different vehicle sensors and two independent microprocessors.

As soon as it detects the first sign of any deviation, it intervenes to restore stability, minimising any risk that the driver might lose control. But more about that later. To the car itself...

I’m more of a traditional four-door saloon driver than a hatchback man but in the case of the Focus the brilliance of it’s ‘new edge’ design and package gives it an outstanding advantage, especially in the all-black sporty 2.0 Zetec 3dr version (£16,290 ex works) I had out on appraisal. It differs from other Zetec models by having larger 16-inch alloy wheels. This really is a very smart car and commanded a good deal of attention in the week I had it.

The striking Panther black exterior carries through to the high-tech interior which has a classy black fascia and stylish intruments and controls.

Standard features include high security anti-burst locks, anti-submarine seats, front electric windows, central locking, leather steering wheel, sports seats with front seat back stowage, remote tailgate release, power steering with wheel adjustable for height and reach, driver’s seat height adjustment and PATS safeguard immobiliser. Additionally, our test car (£20,085 ex works) included optional features like ESP including ABS and Traction Control, air conditioning, CD/radio, and driver and front passenger side airbags.

POWER: This is where I felt cheated. I had been expecting a really hot Focus...130bhp from this 2.0 litre 16v Zetec engine with an extra 16 bhp and 11lb ft of pull over the 1.8 version. But I was disappointed – it didn’t perform a lot more differently. Good, but I wanted more gusto. In fact, I still prefer the 1.8. It’ll hit 62mph in a touch over nine seconds and go on to a top speed, if you’ll let it, of 125mph. And not too thirstily either. I averaged 31.5mpg.

It rides and handles extremely well, of course, and corners sharply.

ESP (electronic stability program), optional on this model, is a development of ABS and the traction control system (TCS). Like TCS, ESP uses the engine management controls in the first instance to reduce power if there are signs that traction might be lost when entering a turn. It also has the capability of applying individual elements of the ABS braking system to initiate dynamic stabilising countermeasures before the car starts to deviate from the driver’s chosen line.