Ford adds Focus Zetec S model in Europe... they can keep this one
We're still ga-ga over the C1 Focus, but this one's moving the needle on the "meh"-o-meter. The Focus Zetec S is badged up and body-kitted, but otherwise a standard-issue Focus Zetec. Actually, while it's no RS, the Zetec and Zetec S are fine little cars offering a wide choice of powertrains in three- or five-door body styles that we'd be plenty pleased to cruise around in. Maybe we'd skip the optional WRC Pack that adds checkered flag decals to the rear quarter panels, but the 18-inch wheels in the Sport Pack might get our dollar...er, Euro. The S package is a pretty good deal, bundling a bunch of optional stuff together for less than half the price of selecting each item separately. While the Focus Zetec S is mostly a poseur, it's a far more attractive option, albeit one we cannot choose, than our solid-but-aged (not to mention strange looking) U.S. Focus. Follow the jump for Ford UK's press release and check out more angles in the gallery below.
Gallery: Ford Focus Zetec S
[Source: Ford]
FORD ADDS NEW SPORTY ZETEC S TO FOCUS RANGE
- Sports body styling
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Aluminium foot pedals
- On sale now
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 23 October, 2008 – Ford is to introduce the sporty Zetec S badge to its acclaimed Focus line-up for the first time.
This new addition to the UK's best selling car range is now available in Ford dealerships and is based on the existing Zetec model but with the addition of a full sports styling kit, of front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions, 17in alloy wheels, aluminium-style foot pedals and hand brake cover, and an exclusive
"S" badge on the front fender.
The Ford Focus Zetec S is available in three-door and five-door versions and is offered with the same wide choice of engines as the existing Focus Zetec with the addition of a 1.6 Ti-VCT 115PS petrol unit. Other available engines are the 1.8 125PS and 2.0 145PS petrol units and the diesel 1.8 TDCi 115 PS, 2.0 TDCi 136PS, and 2.0 TDCi 136PS with diesel particulate filter (DPF) which can also be specified with Ford's acclaimed six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.
The Ford Focus Zetec S is priced just £750 above the equivalent Zetec derivative, which represents outstanding value, as separately, the additional features are worth over £1,600.
Two optional styling packs are additionally available. The Sport pack (£500) includes 18in alloy wheels and privacy glass, and the WRC pack (£200) includes World Rally Championship 'chequered flag' decals and WRC scuff plates.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
fixitfixitstop 11:10AM (10/24/2008)
Wrong. They can bring that one too. A 1.6L would actually approximate 30mpg in the city.
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hatchbacks are cool 11:40AM (10/24/2008)
is Zetec s the model name or the option name ?
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Avinash machado 11:47AM (10/24/2008)
Zetec is the name of the engine. S I guess is a trim level.
fixitfixitstop 11:52AM (10/24/2008)
It's a model level: UK Foci come in Studio, Style, ECOnetic, Zetec, Zetec S, Titanium, and ST varieties. You can visit ford.co.uk....
brainy435 11:45AM (10/24/2008)
I despise my own 2002 Focus. I will never, ever, EVER buy another Ford.
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fixitfixitstop 11:48AM (10/24/2008)
Right. Because all Fords are the same and always will be. Your comment reminds me of people who won't buy one because their Pinto was a lemon. What was your point?
Timsvtgen1 11:52AM (10/24/2008)
I had a 2002 Focus, had it for 100k miles. Only prob I had was the 6 disc In dash Choked on a Cd and died and replaced under warranty. Thats all.. in 100 K I dunno....
JD 11:52AM (10/24/2008)
I don't think the fact that the Pinto was a lemon was the problem most people had, I think it had to do with the fact that Ford weighed out the cost of recalling and repairing it (at about $10-20 each, if I remember) or letting people die and paying the lawsuits for the deaths. And they chose the second option because it was cheaper.
That said, I agree with your sentiment about him being close-minded; companies actually can make better products over time, and this one is the Euro spec that they will be bringing over here.... I'd give it a chance before you dismiss it.
brainy435 2:02PM (10/24/2008)
Well considering my dad used to drive a Mustang in the 70s, bought a Grenada that caused him to completely write off Ford in the 80s, I owned a Mustang in the '90s and, against all better judgement, believed the reports that Ford had fixed its crap quality problems and bought my POS Focus as my first new car, I'd say I've been more that fair to that ridiculous company. I've had my car for 110k miles and while the engine has proven reliable, the ignition, suspension, exhaust, air box, seats, interior trim, alternator, electrical system, oil pan, wheel bearings, wheels, clutch master cylinder and transmission shifter mount have not. By a long shot. I would have gotten rid of it years ago if I could afford to. Unfortunately its marginally cheaper to replace the things that fail quarterly with quality after-market parts than it is to pay for a car I don't want monthly.
The worst aspect of it is that the car seems well designed (except for the jaw-droppingly stupid folding rear seats) but the beancounters forced the company to use crap materials to execute those designs. The ignition failed because they used inferior chinese metal internals, for the most egegious example... then tried to charge me to fix their screw-up. And who the hell thought of using a plastic shifter mount? Idiotic.
Cardude 12:29PM (10/24/2008)
Yet another ultra cool Euro Focus!
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Chase 12:46PM (10/24/2008)
I had a stop in a French Ford dealer last month and took my first in-person look at a lot of the newest euro market fords. The updated Focus was nice, but what really stole the show was the new Fiesta, and man the new Fiesta is NICE.
-- If they manage to bring it over with few changes, its simply going to steal the show away from the Fit and others. The interior is awesome, and the exterior is completely amazing in person. They had the 90 hp diesel on the lot, which manages something like 60 mpg highway. A 90 hp diesel in a 2700 lb car is pretty peppy too.
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ItGuy 12:58PM (10/24/2008)
"I don't think the fact that the Pinto was a lemon was the problem most people had, I think it had to do with the fact that Ford weighed out the cost of recalling and repairing it (at about $10-20 each, if I remember) or letting people die and paying the lawsuits for the deaths. And they chose the second option because it was cheaper."
If you don't think every company does this with just about every product, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
As gruesome and inhumane as it may be, these types of decisions happen every day for every product.
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Darren 9:34AM (12/11/2008)
Yes, all companies are evil. Need proof? Let's work within the context. As for the car and headline, there is no "meh" for me. I've owned three Foci since 2001, great cars for the money, but this Euro Focus is so far ahead of the lame duck that is currently marketed that I would take any UK version, including this one. Too bad I can't import it directly. When Ford does finally bring it and the Fiesta here, expect typical heartbreaking decontenting to appeal to middle America. The springs will be softer, the mirrors won't fold or be body colour, the seat materials will be cheaper, there won't be a wagon, the grille will be the horrific three-bar monstrosity from the Fusion... In short, all the little details that make it so terrific in it's European form will be pried off with a crowbar on it's trip across the Atlantic. How sad.
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