Ford Focus 1.6 182 Ecoboost Zetec S 5Dr Review

Ford Focus 1.6 182 Ecoboost Zetec S 5Dr Review

Ford Focus 1.6 182 Ecoboost Zetec S 5Dr Review- The Ford Focus Zetec S, another lively trim level generally advantageous offering hatchback. We've driven it in 179bhp 1.6-liter Ecoboost structure – the feistiest Focus you can purchase, until the 246bhp ST hot hatchback touches base in 2012.

Element changes are few – some stiffer springs and dampers – with the majority of Zetec S alterations being corrective. An unpretentious styling pack, new 17in multispoke amalgams and a striking new search for the dashboard are the principle changes.

The motor is selective to the Focus Zetec S 5Dr until further notice, and is a sneak peak of the generally comparative unit that determination the pending Ford Fiesta ST. Signs are encouraging, its solid 177lb ft torque figure climbing to 199lb ft on overboost, accessible over a 2100rpm territory. Mid-reach push is as punchy as we've started to anticipate from current turbocharged petrols, yet the Ecoboost's enthusiasm to rev is all the more amazing – it'll sing past 6000 revs with an imploringly bassy clamor in tow.

With its quicker break setup, the mk3 Focus feels flexer, cornering with little move and oozing incredible adjust and body control. The controlling is speedy, maybe more so than you'd like thinking of it as' absence of feel (thank the movement from a water driven to electric setup), yet once you've got acclimated to it, you'll get a true stream going over Britain's twisty and uneven B-streets. This is aided along by a consistent and decently judged ride that disgraces most other energetic hatchbacks.

The motor feels worth the trouble's 179bhp, and its a satisfying thing to buckle down. Disgrace the six-pace manual transmission gloats such long degrees – with torque so plenteous, you can without much of a stretch rearrange through the apparatuses, however this prevents you the fun from securing keeping a handle on every rev. Despite the fact that reliably doing so will see your mpg consider tumble along with the low-20s (from a guaranteed 47.1mpg).

The individuals who recall the enchantment of the mk1 Ford Focus and its farfetched nimbleness will discover this mk3 cycle needs such shimmer, yet that doesn't stop it being alterably competent.

Ford Focus 1.6 182 Ecoboost Zetec S 5Dr Review

Closest warm hatchback adversaries are the Vauxhall Astra GTC 1.6i Sri (£21,480, 178bhp, 169lb ft) and Volkswagen Golf GT 1.4 TSI (£21,310, 158bhp, 177lb ft). The previous is more amusing to drive than the Focus Ecoboost yet just has three entryways, while the recent is as all-round able as autos in this class get yet fails to offer a little energy.

Zetec S 1.6 trim is accessible on a scope of petrol and diesel motors, twinned to manual and programmed gearboxes, with costs extending from £18,745 to £22,595. Also not normal for its VW and Vauxhall enemies, there'll be no three-entryway Focus, so this is as up-to-date as things get.