Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus Zetec S 1.6 EcoBoost

Our verdict on the hottest new Focus on sale now, the Zetec S with a 177bhp turbo petrol engine

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,484 off RRP*
Find your Ford Focus
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Focus Zetec S is a great warm hatch – and definitely whets our appetite for the upcoming ST. The 177bhp 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine adds welcome performance to the Focus range. This is a very accomplished all-rounder that delivers an appealing blend of refinement, comfort and driver engagement. The only negative is the bodykit, which is at odds with this car’s grown-up personality.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is the sportiest version of the new Ford Focus yet. The Zetec S has been developed specifically for the UK market, and combines racier styling with a 177bhp version of the 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine.

While serious hot hatch fans will wait for the much-anticipated 247bhp 2.0-litre turbo ST, which is due later next year, the Zetec S is an interesting stop-gap.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Ford Focus

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68652","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

There’s a choice of 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDCi diesels, plus a normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol – but this turbo EcoBoost version is the most powerful engine seen in the new Focus so far.

It’s refined throughout the rev range, throttle response is positive and power delivery is smooth and linear. The 240Nm torque output is unchanged from the less powerful 148bhp engine in the Titanium model, but the range-topper loves being worked hard and delivers spirited pace: 0-62mph takes only 7.9 seconds. Better still, there’s a throaty engine note above 4,000rpm.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Focus

2021 Ford

Focus

36,252 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,799
View Focus
Focus

2017 Ford

Focus

76,666 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £7,288
View Focus
Focus

2017 Ford

Focus

64,255 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £7,286
View Focus
Focus

2017 Ford

Focus

90,513 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £8,495
View Focus

Yet despite its performance upgrade, this Focus retains the impressively smooth stop-start system, regenerative braking and active grille shutter of other models, so it emits 139g/km of CO2. And Ford’s engineers have reworked the suspension, giving the car stiffer springs and shocks.

The ride height is unchanged, however, so the suspension is still supple enough to soak up rough road surfaces with ease and retain its composure at speed – it strikes an excellent balance between body control and ride comfort.

The well weighted steering delivers positive turn-in and plenty of feel, and there’s lots of grip. Add a slick-shifting six-speed manual box, and it’s hard to fault the driving experience.

Inside, the Zetec S has aluminium pedals and a DAB radio, while the £800 interior pack adds red part-leather upholstery and heated seats.

Our car also featured the £1,000 Driver Assistance Pack, which gives you city stop, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and sign recognition.

If only Ford had chosen a different bodykit. The lower side sills, chin spoiler, deeper rear bumper and tailgate wing look a bit like bolt-ons and won’t suit all tastes.

Nevertheless, the 177bhp EcoBoost Zetec S is one of the best MkIII Focuses we’ve driven.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Ford Focus

Ford Focus

RRP £20,955Avg. savings £2,484 off RRP*Used from £7,395
Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra

RRP £26,090Avg. savings £4,345 off RRP*Used from £14,495
KIA Ceed

KIA Ceed

RRP £19,965Avg. savings £2,333 off RRP*Used from £8,599
Ford Puma

Ford Puma

RRP £21,035Avg. savings £2,280 off RRP*Used from £10,832
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales
Luxury car tax

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales

Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
News
22 May 2025
The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm
Nissan Micra - front

The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm

The Nissan Micra makes a long-awaited return as an EV and is set to offer up to 253 miles of range
News
21 May 2025
BYD Dolphin Surf review
BYD Dolphin Surf - front

BYD Dolphin Surf review

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a roomy, sophisticated, and competitively priced electric city car that’ll find plenty of willing buyers
In-depth reviews
23 May 2025