2002 Ford Focus Zetec review from UK and Ireland

The Car has stalled on me twice for no reason, both times at busy roundabouts.

Also when I come to a junction at night when I have the lights on they get rather dull and the car feels like it is going to stall again. It certainly has a fault with idling.

There is a small rattle coming from somewhere in the back, but nothing serious.

After hearing and reading all the good comments on the Focus I decided to get one.

So far so very, very good, this car is superb! Everything that has been said about it is spot on. Every time I drive it and come to my destination I just want to jump back in a drive it again it is that enjoyable!

First off I have the 1.6 Zetec engine that gives out about 100 bhp which gets you from 0 to 60 in about 10 seconds. The engine is smooth and once it hits 3500 rpm it fly's. If you do want to overtake it is best not to try it in a high gear as it does struggle, but once you put it down to 3rd it is off and you forgive it straight away.

The handling is also great as in the Zetec models you get sports suspension which keeps the car from rolling to much allowing you to take corners effortlessly. If you do mis-judge a long corner and go round to fast as I did at 110 mph (whoops!) it will hold enough to get you round safely. This just added to my fondness of the handling as it gives you reassurance that if you do make a mistake the car will help as much as it can.

On the braking front I am disappointed the it does not have discs all round. It does brake well though, no problems there, but I think all new reasonable spec cars should have disc's instead of drum breaks on the rear.

To me a new car should have a nice up to date looking interior and the Focus in my opinion has it. The panels may well be plastic, but the silver parts on the dials, gear knob and door trim make it look more appealing.

The seats in the Zetec are sports seats which keep you in the once place very well even going round the twistiest back roads. Together a comfortable driving position and smooth ride make driving in the Focus very comfortable.

To say I like the focus would be an understatement, because I love this car!

To anyone who is thinking of buying a Ford Focus Zetec I hope this review will help you make the best choice. Go ahead and buy one as it has certainly lived up to my expectations even though I have only had it a month.