Car Reviews > Ford > Focus Zetec > Ford Focus Zetec S 1.6 EcoBoost Car Review
Prices: £20,495
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder
Gearbox: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power/torque: 177 bhp/ 204 Nm
0-62 mph: 7.9 seconds
Top Speed: 138 miles per hour
Emissions: 139g per kilometre
Equipment: Stop-start system, DAB radio, body kit, heated windscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels
The Zetec S is the hottest new Focus on the market right now, and comes with a petrol engine capable of a bhp rating of 177.
The Zetec S is the sportiest version of the brand new Ford Focus that has yet been released. Developed specifically for the United Kingdom market, the Zetec S combines a more racy form of styling with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine that comes with a bhp rating of 177.
While the more hardcore hot hatch fanatics will probably be holding out for the highly anticipated 2.0-litre turbo ST, which has a bhp rating of 247, the Zetec S is still an interesting stopgap in the meantime.
The car comes with a choice between 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre TCDi diesel engines, as well as a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine, although this particular turbo EcoBoost variant is by far the most powerful engine that has been seen in the new Focus to date.
The delivery of power is linear and smooth, with positive throttle response and a sense of refinement throughout the rev range. The torque output of 240 Nm is the same as that of the less powerful engine in the Titanium model, which has a bhp rating of 148. Nonetheless, this top of the range vehicle relishes being worked hard and is able to deliver a spirited pace, taking just 7.9 seconds to go from 0-62 miles per hour, and producing a throaty engine note when going over 4000 revs per minute.
Despite the upgraded performance, the Focus is still able to retain its impressively smooth stop-start system, active grille shutter and regenerative braking from its other models, giving off CO2 emissions of 139g per kilometre. The suspension has also been reworked by the engineers at Ford, which gives the vehicle much stiffer springs and shocks.
There is no change to the ride height however, which means that the suspension remains supple enough to be able to soak up rough surfaces on roads with consummate ease while retaining composure even when travelling at high speeds, striking an excellent balance between ride comfort and body control.
Plenty of feel and positive turn-in is delivered by the well weighted steering, and there is lots of grip on offer. Together with the slick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox, the driving experience here is hard to fault.
When it comes to the interior of the vehicle, the Zetec S has a DAB radio and aluminium pedals, while heated seats and red part-leather upholstery is included with the £800 interior pack.
This car also included the £1000 Driver Assistance Pack, which offers city stop, sign recognition, lane departure warning and blind spot warning.
The real pity however is that Ford did not decide to go with a different body kit altogether. The lower side sills, tailgate wing, deeper rear bumper and chin spoiler all look like they have been bolted on and certainly will not be to everyone’s taste.
Nonetheless, the fact remains that the EcoBoost Zetec S with the bhp rating of 177 is one of the best Mk III Focuses ever. It is a terrifically warm hatchback that certainly whets the appetite for the upcoming ST and serves as a great all-rounder in its own right.
by Autoweb