Vehicle: 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 SES with 4-speed automatic transmission
Price as tested: CDN$21775

Performance: Ford decided to phase out the Zetec in flavor of the Mazda-developed Duratec in all facelifted Foci. While the base rig comes standard with 2.0L 16-valver 4 banger that bumps out 136 hp and 133 lb/ft of torque, the uplevel ST is motivated by a more powerful 2.3L. The subject of our test drive is the base model which share with the highly regarded Mazda 3, same goes for the more powerful motor. While the horsepower is up by 3 horses over the Zetec, torque is down by 2 lb/ft of torque. In daily driving, you won’t notice it because it provides decent amount of low-end torque. On the other hand, 4-speed auto is creamy and is a willing unit. There is one drawback, however, is the refinement. This engine feels a bit rough when pushed through higher rpm, its also quite noisy when pushed. Its quite a contrary compares to a smoother unit found in the Mazda 3.

Handling: Focus’s renowed dynamic qualities remain intact after the minor revision. Its docile nature with precise steering, sharp responses and minimal body rolls still feel very much like the original Focus even if its entering 4th year of its life cycle. This chassis still has enough merits to hold on its own against newer competitor, especially the intriguing one from the same family. The revised springs and shocks actually make the Focus a more comfortable ride through washboard pavements.

Brakes: While its brakes provide decent pedal feel and modulation, it also comes standard with ABS. The ABS kicks in appropriately without being oversensitive when I stepped on the brake pedal.

Interior: The interior of the Focus is nicely layout if a bit blend. Everything are logically placed with large knobs for climate control and stereo. Ford has addressed the biggest problem of previous Focus interior, which are the rock-solid seats. The seats are finally comfortable with plenty of support. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The use of materials have improved given the softness on top of the dashboard.

At the back of the trunk, you got a low liftover and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. The best thing about the Focus sedan is the use of the uninstrusive trunk hinges. They won’t crash into any luggages anywhere in the trunk, unlike the instrusive ones.

Conclusion: While the rest of the world is getting a 2nd generation Focus, North America received a facelifted one. It remains a fun-to-drive, comfortable econocar that is cheap to run and good to look at. The improvement of interior materials is a bonus in an already good value package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 FORD FOCUS ZX4 SES
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Performance:3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3.75/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5