Page 2: FeaturesUnder the hood, a new 2.0-liter, 136-horsepower, Duratec engine replaces the three motors that were previously available on the Ford Focus. This new engine is down on power and displacement from the partial zero-emission vehicle (PZEV) 2.3-liter engine Ford offered for 2004, but provides additional oomph over the previous 110- and 130-hp engines in most Focus models. In California and selected Northeastern states, the new Duratec engine meets super ultra-low emission vehicle (SULEV) standards and emits zero fuel system evaporative emissions to qualify as a PZEV. Ford says that this super-clean engine makes the Focus less polluting than some hybrid vehicles. Either engine can be mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Standard with any powertrain is an impressive 7-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Four Focus models will be offered for 2005: a three-door hatchback (ZX3), a four-door sedan (ZX4), a five-door hatchback (ZX5) and a station wagon (ZXW). Pricing is not expected to increase much when the car goes on sale during the first quarter of 2004.
Trim levels include base S (on all but the wagon), upgraded SE, and well-equipped SES. All
2005 Ford Focus models will include larger wheels, bigger brakes, and thicker stabilizer bars for improved handling. Revised spring rates improve the ride quality for 2005.
Base S models are sparsely equipped, with a CD player and a seat-height adjuster the most notable items of standard equipment. Stepping up to the SE nets air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; and remote keyless entry. The SES version includes a tilt and telescoping steering wheel (formerly standard on all models), fog lights, tachometer, six-disc in-dash CD changer, 16-inch alloy wheels and steering wheel controls for the sound system. Options of interest include side impact airbags, ABS with traction control, a power sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats and an Audiophile sound system with Sony speakers.
Page 3: ChangesCuriously, the performance-tuned SVT model is canned for 2005. In its place is the Focus ZX4 ST sedan with a 2.3-liter, 150-horsepower engine (down 20 from the hot-rod SVT) that churns out 153 lb.-ft. of torque (eight more than the SVT). To differentiate from lesser Focus models, the ST gets unique 16-inch alloy wheels, Pirelli P205/50R16 all-season performance tires, a specially-tuned exhaust system, and the struts and shocks found on the
2004 Ford Focus SVT that are 50 percent stiffer. The ST is the only Focus to get rear disc brakes as standard equipment, and it comes only with a charcoal color interior with special trim and seat upholstery.
Ford says that the priority with this update to the Focus was to add more refinement to the areas customers can see while improving what they feel and hear, "particularly in the stop and go department." We think that a good car has gotten better for 2005, and Car and Driver magazine has named the 2005 Ford Focus to its annual Ten Best Cars list for the fifth consecutive year, but we'll miss the SVT's high-performance engine and can't help but wonder why Americans won't get the all-new Ford Focus that will be sold across the Atlantic.
Oh right, the new car will be sold here. It's called the Mazda 3.
-- Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
