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Acceleration
ST's 151-hp engine has adequate low-rpm power, immediate throttle response.
Engine in other models has only adequate power for highway merging or ascending
long grades. Automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap. Manual transmission
has smooth shift/clutch action
.Value
Focus is fun to drive in any form, though it lacks the refinement
of the Volkswagen Jetta and the outright sportiness of the Mazda
3. It's also an aging design that makes do with head-protecting front
side airbags rather than the curtain side airbags that are the norm
in newer subcompacts. But Focus is priced to sell, and an array of
body styles and useful options give it broad appeal and help clinch
our Recommended ribbon.
Ride
ST's sport suspension gives firm, but impressively compliant, ride.
Other models somewhat softer, thump less over bumps, but also feel
less stable at highway speed. No opportunity to evaluate with 15-inch
tires
Economy
Test ST averaged 20.5 mpg in strictly city driving. No opportunity
to measure with other models.
Noise
ST exhibits little road rumble, but tires slap intrusively over
sharp ridges. Sporty exhaust note is loud in high-rpm driving. All
models exhibit noticeable wind rush around front side windows.
Comfort - Front
Comfortable, supportive seats stand chair-height, yet head room
outstanding. Leg space fine for class. ST and SES models include
tilt/telescope steering wheel for extra measure of driver comfort.
Large door openings ease entry/exit.
Comfort
- Rear
Better head and leg room than most compacts, though sunroof's housing
trims head space for tall riders. Entry/exit a squeeze on ZX3s,
much easier on 4-dr models, though their rear doors should open
wider.
Controls
Well-arranged dashboard has easy-read gauges and mostly intuitive,
handy minor controls. Good cabin materials and workmanship for
the price.
Cargo Room
Sedan's trunklid uses space-saving strut-type hinges. All models have generous
cargo holds with low liftovers, plus split folding rear seatbacks for versatility;
available premium-stereo subwoofer eats up space. Abundant interior storage
includes six-CD holder in dash and ceiling console in nonsunroof models. |
