SVT Focus: a blast to drive

I've had a 2001 Focus ZX3 and a 2002 SVT 3-door (hatchback). The SVT is a definate step up from the ZX3 in terms of interior finish and driving performance. The ZX3 has a pretty stiff chassis and a multilink (semi-trailing arm) rear suspension. My ZX3 was fun to drive. Once SVT added in their performance suspension components, it made the SVTF a really fun and addictive car to drive. I think this is where the SVTF really shines (in the corners). It has quick confidence inspiring handling. One of best things about this car is that after you turn in and the weight transfers to the outside wheels, the car has a tendency to rotate the rear in a very predictible way. This is the trailing arm toeing out the rear outside wheel and rotating the car. This make the car very nimble and really ups the fun factor!

Over the ZX3 that I originally owned the SVT has Traction Control, Side-impact Air Bags, Heated Seats, side mirror defrost and steering wheel mounted radio controls. The mechanical differences are too many to list but include Variable Valve Timing on the intake cam, a Dual Stage Intake Manifold, tuned Exhaust Headers, an increased compression ratio and an increase in engine rpm redline. Also upgraded are the front and rear disk brakes with 4-channel 4-sensor ABS, which seems more than capable of slowing things down when this driver gets heavy footed. The SVT has a 6-speed Getrag transmission that is shares with the Mini Cooper. The top gear is the same ratio as the 5-speed in the base Focus but the gears are closer spaced so that the car can spend more time in its maximum powerband.

At the time of its release the HP/TQ numbers were class leading. At this time you could get more HP/TQ for the buck but I don't feel that is what the SVTF is all about. The SVTF is quoted as having 170hp @ 7000 rpm and 145ft-lbs TQ at 5500 rpm. Personally, my stock SVT has shown 163hp @ 6500rpm and 143ft-lbs @ 3000 rpm at the wheels as recorded on a Dynopack Dynamometer. (there is usually a difference due to drivetrain losses in rated engine HP and that which you get on the dyno which reads wheel horsepower). Peak numbers only tell part of the story though. The SVT pulls nicely. Flip side to the power the SVTF gains over the ZX3 might be the minimum 91 Octane gas. In my personal experience, I was getting fuel economy in the High 20 mpgs in the ZX3; frequently getting over 30mpg. Over the SVT's life I've averaged 23 mpg with only a few tanks hitting 30 mpg.

My car has been in for a couple warranty repairs. 2002 was the first year for the SVT so I expected that. I have had and know of others who have had "noisy" clutches. My service experience has been that the noises were due to a worn "throw out bearing" or incorrect adjustments. There are a few other documented common problems but they are usually remedied in the form of revised replacement parts or aftermarket support.

Some have stated that they haven't liked the intrusion of the traction control and wished they had ordered without it. Personally I appreciate it. I don't light the wheels up or take it to the drag strip, but I have (seasonally) driven in sub-zero temperatures in ice and snow. On that note... The car comes with summer performance tires. I recommend a set of dedicated tires for snow driving. And while on the subject of traction... I can't understand why SVT chose not to offer a Limited Slip Differential. It would help when trying to keep the wheels gripping while carving those corners that this car was designed for. That is probably the biggest thing I wish SVT had offered from the factory. Factory turbocharging would've been nice but getting what you got to the ground and into forward motion would be better.

It would have been nice to see the progression of this model from Ford in the US. Ford/SVT stopped production of this car a couple years back. Ford Europe has progressed further in the development of the performance Focus than what is offered in North America. As far as progressions of the performance Focus models in the US. I'd look at the Mazdaspeed 3 or the upcoming Volvo C30, which share platforms with the euro Focus. It seems there are slim pickins in sporty 2-door hatchbacks under $20k. If I were to replace this car with another I might look at a VW GTI or R32, a Works package Mini, or a Mazdaspeed 3. These mentioned cars are propably considered in the next class up, but that is where I'd be looking. I would definately recommend this car to any "car guy" or anyone looking for an affordable sporty compact hatch.