By
LATEST ARTICLE
2007 Isuzu i-series
Isuzu's i-series line of pickup trucks is based on the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon compact... Read More
2007 Isuzu i-series
Isuzu's i-series line of pickup trucks is based on the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon compact... Read More
- N/ALEADERBOARD RANK
- 484ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 0COMMENTS POSTED
7,390 views
forumI'm a rawboned 6’ 3”, and yet fit easily into the back
seat of Ford's $15,645 Focus ZX5 five-door hatchback. The slopebacked five-door
is the latest body style to be offered by Ford in the Focus line, which also
includes two-door coupes, four-door sedans, and an all-new station wagon for
2002.
As an aside, it’s pretty amazing that an Ichabod Crane like me can fit comfortably in the back seat of what's technically an economy car. But if you're like me, you'll prefer being up front, regardless — and it's got nothing to do with leg room, or amenities, or anything practical like that, important as those qualities are.
Like the similar Mitsubishi Lancer OZ ($15,487) and Mazda Protégé5 ($16,385), the Focus ZX5 is what we in the backwoods used to call a "runnin' car." Ford doesn't even paint a redline on the 7000-rpm tach, so you just wind it out until you tickle the little bumpstop or hit the rev limiter. The ZX5's 2.0-liter, 130-hp Zetec four-cylinder engine, which is 20 hp stronger than the Focus coupe's standard 110-hp engine, doesn't mind a bit, and even seems to enjoy the stretch.
Well-mannered
The Focus’ road manners would be a revelation even in a $25,000 sport coupe. Pull down hard on the five-speed and grab second — you'll bark the tires if you do it right. Keep the engine in its powerband as you prepare to cut a hard right-hand turn; don't mash the brakes — there's no need. Just feel the car's suspension hunker down and plant itself impressively. Then give the wheel a hard half-cock and use the throttle to steer into the groove. Even with the optional ($1625) Advance Trac stability/traction-control system turned off, you'll find it's easy to push the car hard and retain full control. The standard 16-inch Firehawk performance tires help a lot here but they couldn't mask a so-so econocar suspension, if the snarky ZX5 was so afflicted.
