Under warranty the following were
addressed.
Perforating rear windscreen rubber.
Squeaking drivers door handle.
Slightly leaking rear brake drum cylinder.
Quarter light window buttons replaced due to surface pitting.
Why go to the expense of the Zetec-S?
The 1.4 is a gem. It is of course also a Zetec S just like the 1.6, only it differs from having a power band that comes in at sub 2500 rpm levels, whereas the 1.4 requires just a little more prodding to take off at 3200+. Once ignited however the thrills and the smiles are the same. OK, there is not the second gear grunt of the 1.6 but I found this harsh in anything, but a straight line. On the bends to accelerate in 2nd was to have the steering snatched from your grasp, which was slightly un-nerving.
On the track the 1.6 may have the edge, but for everyday motoring the same dependable chassis, steering and gear change combine with an ever willing engine to provide more than adequate performance, all at reasonable fuel economy. price and insurance.
Often recounted weaknesses apply, i. e poor seat restraint, somewhat lack luster brakes, but that aside there is not much to be said against this car which for £5-6K for a 2000/20001 model provides a great driving experience on a budget.
I assume, no, I know from your review you truthfully haven't owned a Zetec-S. I've owned both a zetec 1.4 and zetec-s for 2 years a piece and the 1.4 was a great bit of fun, but the zetec s is a different league, I've not heard anyone in the same position say there's no real diffence to justify the cost, and you've failed to mention how much more solid the car is on the road or the numerous other tweaks put into it, which make it's handling critically acclaimed.
You talk about the Zetec S being in a different league. Well the XR2i, RS1800 and RS turbo are the true Fiesta hot hatches they are in a different league for sure!
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