Background: Ford Motor Co. adds a nifty ZX5, to its Focus lineup of compact cars for 2002. The four-door, ZX5 hatchback joins the already existing two-door ZX3 hatchback, four-door sedan and station wagon bodystyles. Focus is the world’s second-largest automaker’s entry-level offering that debuted in Europe in 1999 and in the United States a year later. The front-wheel-drive Focus line eventually will stake claim to the spot previously the domain of the popular Escort compact line that first arrived in 1982. The 2002 model year marks the end of Escort, which is only available in a two-door coupe bodystyle its final year.
Ford kept the Escort around a couple of extra years because of its popularity with consumers and dealers. But once the Focus arrived on the scene, it quickly overshadowed the venerable but aging Escort. Focus takes aim at the youth market and those young at heart with a cutting-edge style not usually found in lower-priced, entry-level offerings. Besides Focus and Escort, the 2002 Ford car lineup features the Thunderbird convertible, Taurus family sedan, full-size Crown Victoria sedan, and the sporty Mustang. The Focus sedan and wagon are assembled in Wayne, Mich., while the ZX5 and ZX3 are built in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Engine/trim levels: The all-new Focus ZX5 comes in one trim level, powered by a 2.0-liter, double overhead cam in-line four-cylinder engine cranking out 130 horsepower. Manual transmission is standard in ZX5. Other Focus bodystyles offer more choices. The ZX3, the smallest of the bunch also comes in one trim level, but does offer an optional power package. Focus sedans include three trim offerings: LX, SE and up-level ZTS. Wagons come in SE and new-for 2002 ZTW trim levels.
This same engine powering the ZX5 comes standard in the ZX3, ZTS sedan and station wagons while optional in the Focus SE sedan. Focus LX and SE sedans come standard with a less potent single overhead cam, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 110 horsepower. For those opting for the next level up, a limited number of 2002 Focus SVT (Special Vehicle Team) models debut in March. Ford began the SVT experiment in 1992 by introducing low-volume, high performance, factory-produced derivatives of existing models. The SVT Focus four-cylinder engine increases horsepower output to 170. Other products in Ford’s SVT lineup include the 2002F-150 Lightning pickup and arriving later this year, the 2003 Mustang Cobra SVT.
Standard equipment: The Focus ZX5 includes as standard fare: six-disc in-dash compact disc player, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, power rack-and-pinion steering, tilt steering wheel, rear window defroster, rear wiper, intermittent front wipers, power side-view mirrors and cruise control. The 2002 model year marks the arrival of moonroofs, now a $595 option in all Focus bodystyles. Four-speed automatic transmission adds $815 while leather seating costs $695.
Price: Our ZX5 test car included a starting price of $15,615. With dealer options, optional side-impact air bags and $490 destination charge, the bottom line ended up at $18,080. The lowest-priced Focus, a ZX3 hatchback starts at $12,985. Sedans start at $13,360 for a LX edition and an SE wagon lists at $17,155. All prices reflect vehicles with five-speed manual transmissions. Rivals in the compact segment check in with prices in the same neighborhood. A Dodge Neon sedan starts at $12,805 while a four-door Toyota Corolla checks in at $13,855. Both Neon and Corolla are sedan-exclusive bodystyles. The lowest-priced Chevrolet Cavalier, a two-door coupe, starts at $14,450.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 103 inches
Overall length: 168.1 inches
Overall width: 66.9 inches
Overall height: 56.3 inches
Curb weight: 2,600 pounds
Seating comfort: One of the first traits you’ll notice when slipping behind the wheel is the height of the seats. Compacts through the years have been constructed with rather low seating positions, adding to the calisthenic-type movements necessary when entering and exiting. Focus raises seating positions to a comfortable level while still providing ample headroom so it’s easier to slip in and out of and comfortable once the driving begins. Ceiling handles are found above all side windows and the two front doors feature map pockets. In back, seats fold with a 60/40 split. When more cargo room is desired, the seat bottoms flip forward and seatbacks fold down. With seats up, three adults can fit, but two would be desirable during long treks.
Interior: Like all Focus interiors, the ZX5 is smartly laid out with functions and controls within easy reach of the driver in charge. Four oval air vents are interspersed on the dashboard. Below the far left vent is a dial activating the front headlights, although high-intensity bright lights shine by pulling forward the turn signal stalk. A right hand-side stalk activates front and rear windshield wipers. The ignition cylinder is located below this stalk. A dial activating the power side mirrors is found on the inside A-pillar.
All four power window control, which face the driver at a slight angle, reside on the door directly in front of the door handle. Power lock controls are in back of the door handle. The mostly analog instrument panel incorporates a heart-shaped center area with right-side speedometer and left-side tachometer. A smaller temperature gauge flanks the left side with a fuel gauge residing to the right. A button releasing the back hatch door is just to the left of the instrument panel. Immediately to the right is a small storage area. Cruise control functions are integrated onto the steering wheel. The dashboard swoops down in the center. At the top is the hazard light button situated directly above the black, rectangular stereo system.
To the left of the stereo is a power outlet for portable, electronic devices. Below there are three easy-to-grab dials monitoring fan speed, direction and temperature. Air conditioning and rear window buttons are on the bottom side of the swooping middle. Between the cloth bucket seats are the hand-operated parking brake, a thin, long, oval shaped arm rest- storage bin than folds up and away when not in use and two stand-alone beverage holders in front of the transmission shifter. The size of these cup holders has been increased in all 2002 Focus editions to accommodate the biggest of big gulps.
Exterior: Ford engineers designed Focus’ exterior cues to appease the under 30 crowd, but the compact’s good looks have crossed over, appealing to many demographic audiences. The European styling cues certainly set it apart from its two closest domestic competitors: the Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon and Asian counterparts including the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda Protégé. The rear hatch, hinged at the top, opens as one unit. Brake lights are mounted high atop the rear adorning both sides of the window. The radio antenna is placed on the roof at an angle a-la Volkswagen.
Black, strap-like handles open all four doors. Sideview mirrors share the same black hue, but unfortunately do not bend in when brushed against larger objects; so take heed when navigating the fast-food drive-thru. The circular, non-locking fuel tank door is on the right rear fender. In front, the familiar Ford blue oval adorns the small front grille while a large, triangular-shaped headlight housing extends up the front of the hood. Sixteen-inch, six-spoke wheels are the largest tires offered in the Focus lineup and a ZX5 staple. A temporary spare tire is stowed under the cargo floor.
Fuel economy: The in-line, four-cylinder powertrain delivers better-than average gas mileage for those seeking some comfort in the ever-fluctuating world of fuel prices. When mated to a five-speed manual transmission, fuel economy checks in at 28 miles per gallon city and 36 m.p.g. highway. When coupled with the optional four-speed automatic transmission, those numbers slip a bit to 26 m.p.g. city and 32 m.p.g. highway. The tank holds 13.2 gallons of regular, 87-octane unleaded fuel.
Safety features: Dual reduced-force front air bags, remote keyless entry, rear door child safety locks, anti-theft system come with the price of admission. Also standard is Ford’s Belt-minder system, emitting chiming sounds every minute or so for five minutes if the driver is not buckled in with a seat belt. Options include side air bags ($350), anti-lock brakes ($400) or $1,625 when ABS is combined with electronic traction and stability control.
Warranty: All Focus editions come with a basic three-year or 36,000 mile (which ever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty. Roadside assistance is also good for three years or 36,000 miles.
Final thoughts: The four-door ZX5 gives potential customers one more reason to stop at Ford dealerships. For those entry-level shoppers seeking more styling than a box on wheels, the ZX5 should make the top of the list. It’s the styling winner and freshest offering when compared to its two main domestic rivals, the Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon. The higher seating position is also a welcome nuance. |