2003 Focus ZX5 SVT


	*EFP / Escort-Focus Performance*


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	*2003 Ford Focus ZX5 SVT*



	The three-door version of the SVT Focus debuted in 2002. Now Ford's Special Vehicle Team has turned its attention to a performance version of the five-door Focus ZX5, one with the same basic formula as the three-door SVT, but with a tad more functionality, courtesy of a pair of doors for rear-seat passengers. SVT addresses the stock Focus' major shortcoming, a lack of power, and raises the car's entertainment value considerably. At 170 horses, the SVT version of the 2.0-liter Zetec twin-cammer, co-developed with renowned race-engine builder Cosworth Technology, increases power some 35 percent over the version in the base Focus ZX3 and ZX5. SVT wrings more horsepower from the base Zetec by moving more air in and out of the engine and spinning it up higher. Lightweight, high-compression pistons add more atmospheric squeeze, while larger intake ports/intake valves and stiffer valve springs let the engine breathe deeper. Intake air velocity is maintained using a dual-stage intake manifold to direct air through long runners below 6000 rpm and short runners at higher revs. Four into two into one headers and a larger 2.25-inch exhaust system help the air find its way out. As with the standard Zetec engine, variable intake-valve timing aids tractability. The SVT version makes it's best power between 5000 and 7000 rpm. Unfortunately, the SVT Zetec makes only seven percent more peak torque than the base engine--at a lofty 5500 rpm. So, while it's fun to buzz the SVT to high revs, you really must keep it there to extract sport-compact performance..



		The SVT version makes it's best power between 5000 and 7000 rpm. Unfortunately, the SVT Zetec makes only seven percent more peak torque than the base engine--at a lofty 5500 rpm. So, while it's fun to buzz the SVT to high revs, you really must keep it there to extract sport-compact performance.

SVT also answers another base Focus shortcoming by equipping its version with low-friction, more precise-shifting transmission linkage. The gearbox itself is a six-speed unit--the only one in this test. The extra gear in this Getrag-built box is helpful in keeping the engine in the sweet part of the rev range.

The suspension of the SVT Focus ZX5 is beefed up from SVT ZX3-based struts with slightly stiffer springs, retuned Tokico dampers, and the same serious 17-inch wheels and tires. Despite some body roll and front-tire sidewall scrubbing, the Focus remains balanced and predictable when pushed, yet smooth and sophisticated in the city. Compared with the others, it really does offer the best of both worlds, as our backsides and handling tests confirm nearly 67 mph in the slalom and 0.86g on the skidpad. These are genuine sports-car numbers.

Ford's factory entry into the sport-compact arena looks decidedly low-key. There's uncommon subtlety woven into the honeycomb grilles in the front and rear fascias, discreet roof spoiler, smoked-glass headlamp covers, standard foglamps, five-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels, and three-inch chrome exhaust outlet.

Inside, the muted subtlety continues in the form of rubber-studded, aluminum-look foot pedals arrayed to ease heel-and-toe downshifting, leather and aluminum- trimmed shifter and handbrake lever, leather and cloth front seats with added foam/wire lateral support, plus titanium-faced electroluminescent gauges. The SVT Focus is built to a higher standard overall than the other two cars in this test. It's evident in the quality of the materials and switchgear, particularly compared to the SRT-4.

The SVT Focus is rich with features. It's the only car in this group with standard cruise control, power driver-seat height adjuster, front-seat lumbar adjustment, oil-temperature/oil-pressure gauges, tilt/telescope steering column, steering-wheel audio controls, rear-seat ventilation ducts, leather-wrapped handbrake lever, or side airbags. And it's the only one of the three to offer optional HID headlamps, traction control, heated seats, or a power sunroof.

Civilizing touches notwithstanding, the real acid test of a sport compact is the way it moves when the pressure's on. SVT has enhanced the Focus' already capable chassis, opting for slightly stiffer springs and beefier front anti-roll bar, retuned Tokico shocks with reduced impact harshness, and a power-steering gear recurved for a crisper feel. Brakes got a major upgrade to larger four-wheel discs, and meaty 215/45 Continental ContiSport tires were fitted.

During our track testing, Senior Road Test Editor Chris Walton found the SVT Focus' steering "weighted perfectly, with just the right amount of feedback and control. The balance was spot-on and overall sophistication in the setup was apparent from the get-go." The only handling concerns were\ with the car's greater-than-anticipated body roll and slight tendency toward understeer, but neither seemed to have much effect on the tires' tenacious grip. Also, an aggravating throttle positioner, which kept revs from dropping when the throttle was lifted, frustrated attempts to fully utilize the six-speed transmission for engine braking on downshifts..

Among this affordable foursome, the SVT Focus is our choice as the best all-around "real" sport compact. It's the one we'd most like to drive on a racetrack, and the one we'd most like to live with on a daily basis. It offers the most flexible and generous interior accommodations as well as the most comprehensive list of standard and available equipment (minus a turbo or all-wheel drive, that is). You can also get the Focus in two-door-hatch form, a configuration not offered by the others. Yes, it's the priciest among these players, but look at the list of options on our tester, subtract what you don't need (e.g. heated seats, traction control, moonroof, and HID headlamps), and you'll end up with a legit $20,300 sport compact that'll keep you entertained for years to come.


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