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Ford Focus SVT
This week on Test Drive, we take a look at the Focus. Now, for you eagle eyed viewers, you'll remember that we've already done the 3, 4 and 5 door Focus already, at least in the last few years. But this is no ordinary Focus, it's down to some severe modification and three little letters: SVT.
When Ford, in its infinite wisdom, decided to replace the Escort and Contour models with a single vehicle, it effectively killed affordable access to a serious performance car - the Contour SVT. The work done by Ford's Special Vehicle Team or SVT takes the ordinary and transforms it into the extraordinary. In short, everything between the front and rear bumpers sees some serious upgrading. Enough in fact that the finished item has little in common with its rather pedestrian roots.
You know with all of the mods that they have made to this new Focus, under the hood is where the most significant one takes place. Now whilst this engine is based on the 2.0 liter z-tech engine that powers many other Focuses, this particular unit has been breathed on by SVT. The result: the horsepower rises from a mediocre 130 to a number that this car has always cried out for: 170hp.
As well as a dramatic bump in horsepower, the SVT gets another 10 lb-ft of torque meaning 145. The extra oomph comes through significant change. A variable intake manifold is augmented with variable valve timing on the intake cam. This stretches the power out over a broader range. As a result the SVT enjoys a smoother idle, better mid-range and stronger top end, something that has to be experience to be fully appreciated. For example, the run from rest to 100 km/h drops from calendar-like to about 7.5 seconds. This is also the first North American Ford to feature a dual mass flywheel. This feature further smoothes out the operating characteristics of the engine.
Gaining access to the back seat of this SVT, well it's a bit awkward. However when you get back there, there a surprising amount of head room, enough leg room and there is enough room under the seat for your feet. However there is somewhat of a drawback. While it is commendable that you get a center head-rest for the rear seat rider, it does clutter the view through the rear view mirror. Now given that this seat is uncomfortable, take my advice, take the head-rest out and store it in the trunk so you can have a better view through the rear view mirror.
The ratios chosen for the 6-speed manual box also complement the engine. The first four gears are strung together to maximize acceleration while the last two bring better highway cruising. Engine aside, the most significant upgrade is the suspension. With stiffer springs, firmer damping, larger anti-roll bars and 17-inch wheels the Focus SVT remains flat and unflustered even as you flirt with the ragged edge. Through the pylons, it bobbed and weaved with little body roll, minimal understeer and a feeling more like a go-kart than a car. The best part is that the handling prowess comes with little sacrifice in ride comfort. It is indeed a job well done.
Inside the modifications to this SVT continue. First of all you get a set of boy racer pedals and a nice six-speed manual that gives you flick of the wrist throws. You also get a nice set of bucket seats, leather trimmed at that which brings a lot of lateral support. The dials, well they are nicely finished with two extra, one for oil pressure and one for oil temperature. Now if you add another $2700 to that lot you get a power sunroof, heated seats, traction control and a really nice radio. Part of it's performance is supplemented by the enormous 8 inch subwoofer in the trunk.
From a safety perspective, the SVT holds its own. Along traction control, the SVT gets standard anti-lock and bigger brakes, the front rotors being a full 2-inches larger in diameter. This provides stronger stops that are more fade resistant. During the test we recorded an averaged stopping distance of 112 feet from 80 km/h. Elsewhere, the Focus SVT gets dual front air bags as well as front, seat-mounted side impact air bags.
You know, the people at SVT have done a bang up job with this new Focus. It's fun, it's fast and it's got impeccable road manners. Indeed it's everything that the ZX3 should have been. Perhaps the only hang up: well ultimately price might dissuade a few buyers.
2003 FORD FOCUS SVT
PRICE AS TESTED $29,910
Tire Tally
Performance: -4
Ride/ Handling -4
Interior -3
Touchy/ Feely/ Cargo 3
Safety - 3
Bang for $$ - 3
Immediate Competition
Acura RSX
Honda Civic SiR
Nissan Sentra SE-R SPEC V
Volkswagen Golf
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