Overall rating:

The Zetec-S is not a more sporting model in its own right, but a new line-up; it adds sharpness and sporting looks to the Focus range. Priced to match the Titanium models it's offered with a range of engines. Naturally, we drove the fastest...

Key Facts

Model driven: Ford Focus Zetec-S 1.6 EcoBoost
Pricing: £20,495
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra, Honda Civic
CO₂ emissions: 139g/km
Combined economy: 47.1mpg
Top speed: 138mph
0-62mph: 7.9 seconds
Power: 179bhp at 5,700rpm
Torque: 177lb.ft at 1,600 - 5,000rpm

In the Metal:

Adorned with body styling addendum the Focus certainly looks a bit more sporting, if slightly fussy. Deeper side skirts and front and rear bumpers combined with larger 17-inch alloy wheels do give the impression that the car sits lower - even if it doesn't. There's a big roof-mounted spoiler and, inside, more sporting seats, alloy covers on the pedals and the raised centre console of higher spec models with its 'Z-shaped' handbrake. It's busy inside and out, and we'd rather a normal insert and twist key than the push-button start that's also part of the Zetec-S package.

Driving it:

It's on the road where the Zetec-S changes are most apparent. The new trim line is offered with everything from the 113bhp 1.6-litre TDCi unit to this range-topping 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 179bhp. Where the identically priced Focus Titanium focuses on luxury, the Zetec-S is meant to appeal to keener drivers, and the body kit and interior trim underline that. There's no increase in power in any version, but Ford has fiddled with the suspension to create a Focus with even more handling precision.

What's impressive is that improved handling doesn't come at the expense of ride comfort. To achieve this Ford fitted springs and dampers with rates increased by 25%, though resisted the temptation to drop the suspension - the ride height remaining the same as on standard cars. The result is a Focus that feels more immediate to input and delivers a heightened level of information to the driver, yet isn't compromised by an overly firm ride. Only particularly evil bumps or ripples upset the Zetec-S's composure - even then only very slightly - it flowing beautifully down country roads. That's particularly true with the 179bhp 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine, which revels in being extended and delivers swift, if not eye-widening performance. It's smooth and refined though, and a 0-62mph of 7.9 seconds is only a second behind the Golf GTI's.

Body roll is nicely controlled too, while the steering feels more accurate and quicker to respond. Add the nicely weighted, pleasing shift of the six-speed manual transmission and decent brakes and the Zetec-S is a pleasure on a challenging road, even if you're not in a hurry.

What you get for your Money:

That body kit, the larger alloys, more interior kit, a starter button and the suspension changes all come with the Zetec-S badge. However, we love the idea of a non body-kitted Focus with the Zetec-S's excellent suspension revisions.

Worth Noting

The Zetec-S is something of a stopgap for Ford drivers wanting something more sporting - until the ST arrives next year. Those of you liking the sound of the Zetec-S's changes but needing the load-lugging ability of an estate will have to wait until January, though.

Summary

It's not often we'd get excited about a new trim line, but the suspension revisions that the Zetec-S bring add a further layer of driving appeal to the already very impressive Ford Focus. While we tested it here in 179bhp, range-topping guise its ability to flow - and carry its speed - thanks to the chassis changes mean even the lowliest powered models should provide grins from behind the wheel.