MOTORS
ROAD TEST
Edited by Mike Torpey
Ford Focus Zetec S
Ford delivers an eco boost
STAR PERFORMER: The Ford Focus Zetec S has been developed specifically for UK drivers
T
HE love affair between Brits and sports hatchbacks or saloons is an enduring one – especially when it comes to fast Fords. There have been lots of them, from the Escort RS2000 of the early 1970s through the Fiesta XR2 and Escort XR3 models of the next decade and on to the explosive Focus RS Mk 2 of more recent times. The most fiery version of the latest Focus generation is the recently launched Zetec S, and it has been developed specifically for UK drivers. While several engines come under the Zetec S banner, it is the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost petrol that puts some serious punch into the current Focus – which will remain the most powerful in the line-up until the ST model arrives in the summer. Based on the existing Zetec
road
TEST
with MIKE TORPEY
version, the S adds a full sports styling kit including front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and 17-inch alloy wheels together with sports suspension, sports pedals, rear LED tail lamps and Power start button. With the turbocharged 1.6 EcoBoost under the bonnet the Focus can scorch from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and on to 138mph. It also carries Ford’s ECOnetic technology badge, which means the car benefits from auto start-stop, a gear shift indicator, active grille shutter and smart regenerative
charging. The upshot is Combined cycle fuel economy of 47.1mpg, terrific for a car of this type, though my own, largely urban, average was almost a dozen short of that figure. Technology is certainly the name of the game with the new Focus and its level of refinement, comfort and advanced features that you would normally associate with the premium German brands. That’s how far the blue oval brand has come in the past few years. Comfortable, simply laid out, well built and spacious to boot, it’s hard to find fault with the Focus. And the well balanced feel you get from behind the wheel is lifted to a new level in the case of the Zetec S. Stiffer suspension and the torque vectoring which balances power to the driven wheels combine to make this a truly rewarding car to drive, with a touch of snarl from the exhaust for good measure.
Info from Peoples Bootle, Trinity Park, Orrell Lane. Tel: 0151 922 0070
SpecCheck MAKE: Ford MODEL Focus Zetec S ENGINE: 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol POWER: 182PS at 5,700rpm PERFORMANCE: 0-62 in 7.9 secs, top speed 138mph ECONOMY: 47.1mpg Combined CO2 EMISSIONS: 139g/km BiK RATING: 17% PRICE: £20,495 on the road Zetec S prices are £1,250 higher than the equivalent Zetec derivative, though Ford stresses that the car’s additional features would add more than £1,700 if bought separately. There are also options, the tested model featuring a Driver Assistance Pack for an extra £1,000 that comprises Active City Stop, Lane
WHAT’S HOT: Style, performance, handling WHAT’S NOT: Premium price RATINGS (out of five):
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Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Alert, Auto High Beam and Blind Spot Information System. But the Focus is highly specified as standard with the likes of Bluetooth with voice control, DAB radio/CD player, air-con, capless refuelling, curtain airbags and electric windows on every car.
American icon set for return with promise of European quality THE unmissable Chrysler 300C is back with a bang – and ready to shake up the executive car arena. Latest models of the big saloon, flagship of the resurgent Chrysler brand, hit the streets next month on the back of a string of awards landed since its US launch at last year’s Detroit
by NICK COOPER Auto Show. With the promise of European-type quality and finesse, coupled with American-style comfort and high levels of equipment, the 300C
will be up for grabs in two V6 diesel-powered variants. Kicking off the range at £35,995 is the 300C Limited while the Executive version costs £39,995, a price that includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring system, forward collision warning, keyless entry,
powered rear sunshade and heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats among its features. Powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing 236bhp, the Chrysler can return a Combined 39.8mpg fuel consumption figure and has CO2 emissions of 185-191g/km.
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