Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S

If the Focus ST is the understudy to the new RS, then the Zetec S is third in line to the fast Ford crown. However, with car buyers tightening their belts, a sporty-looking family hatch with low running costs could turn the Zetec S into a hot favourite.

Ford’s designers haven’t been too adventurous with the sporty additions, but the model gets an aggressive front bumper, lowered side skirts and fresh alloys. At the back there’s a big spoiler above the rear window and a new diffuser in the bumper.

All this helps the Zetec S look distinctive, although the optional 18-inch alloy wheels fitted to our test car contribute hugely to its more aggressive appearance. Unfortunately they cost an extra £550. The chequered-flag decals are optional, too, so you don’t have to drive around looking as if you’ve just driven off a race track...

Inside there are fewer changes, but supportive sports seats and stability control are both standard. The rest of the cabin is familiar Focus, so the dashboard and centre console put logic and simplicity ahead of style.

Build quality is solid throughout and visibility is good, but taller drivers should avoid the optional electrically adjustable seat, as it doesn’t lower as far as the manual one. Passenger space in the rear is on a par with the Fiat’s, yet the Ford’s 385-litre boot lags behind the 400-litre load area in the Bravo. Despite its sporty looks, the Focus’s chassis is unchanged. Thankfully, the standard model’s excellent handling sets the pace for dynamics, even though the Focus is one of the oldest cars in its class.

Why is it so good? Well, simply because everything feels so natural from behind the wheel. The steering is beautifully weighted and precise, there’s loads of grip and the supple suspension is soft enough to smooth out bumps, yet provides sharp body control. As a result, the Zetec S is much more agile and entertaining than its rival.

This feeling extends to the gearbox, which slots into each ratio crisply, and the brakes, which are both strong and progressive. Unfortunately, the firm’s 134bhp 2.0-litre TDCi is beginning to feel its age. Compared to the Bravo’s engine, it lacks power and torque, so the Focus comes second against the stopwatch. At least the power delivery is smooth – there’s no rush of torque like you get in the Fiat. Motorway refinement is no worse than in the Bravo.

Where the Focus really loses ground is at the pumps, because it managed only 34.2mpg in our hands, while the economical Fiat returned an impressive 44.1mpg. Will the high list price and thirsty engine cost the Ford dear?

In detail:

* Ford Focus Zetec S

* Price: £19,595

* Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 134bhp

* 0-60mph: 9.7 seconds

* Economy: 34.2mpg

* Annual road tax: £120

* Euro NCAP rating: Five stars