Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus Zetec S 2.0 TDCi

The Focus Zetec S has impressed in petrol form. Is the diesel version just as good?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,696 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 Zetec S gives impatient Focus fans a sporty choice until the ST arrives next year. Strong economy means this 2.0 TDCi version is more rounded than the 177bhp petrol car, but the latter is still more engaging. Suspension changes also give finer control without sacrificing comfort. With its extra kit, the Zetec S is an attractive choice.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Carter and Regan might be tearing around in Ford’s hottest Focus ST in a big-screen remake of The Sweeney, but those of us without Hollywood backing will have to make do with the Zetec S. The new model is the same price as Titanium-spec cars, yet brings more sportiness than luxury.

Those with an eye on ultimate performance should opt for the 177bhp 1.6 EcoBoost petrol car. However, this 161bhp 2.0-litre TDCi, the most powerful diesel on offer, is no poor substitute. From 0-62mph it’s only seven tenths slower, posting a time of 8.6 seconds, and it trumps the petrol car for economy, with a figure of 56.5mpg – up 9.4mpg.

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

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

The diesel Zetec S feels quick rather than outrageously rapid on the road, with the engine’s low-rev torque giving effortless progress. But unlike a lot of turbodiesels, there’s incentive to rev it, as the TDCi offers a wide powerband and remains refined even at high revs. Plus, the gearshift is quick and precise.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Focus

2017 Ford

Focus

29,033 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £8,995
View Focus
Focus

2014 Ford

Focus

89,853 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £3,400
View Focus
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

34,529 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,099
View Focus
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

45,696 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,000
View Focus

The really big changes for the Zetec S are in its ride and handling. It’s fitted with what Ford describes as Sports Pack suspension, so the springs and damper rates have been stiffened by 25 per cent to sharpen up the car on the road. Larger 17-inch alloys also feature.

The result is a more alert steering feel and better resistance to body roll. Even better, this increased precision has been achieved without compromises in ride comfort – which Ford claims is due to having left the ride height as standard.

The Zetec S still appears to sit lower on the road, though, thanks to a beefy bodykit. Body-coloured skirts, lower bumpers front and rear, standard-fit foglamps and a roof-mounted spoiler set the new car apart from the regular Focus.

Inside, changes include a raised centre console between the driver and passenger seats, alloy covers on the pedals and Ford’s ‘Power’ engine start button.

The seats themselves are more heavily contoured to hold you tightly, while the leather on the steering wheel adds to the sporting feel. Otherwise, it’s all just standard Focus, which means the dashboard is well constructed, if rather busy, and backlit in blue.

The space on offer is as good as ever, although if you want the additional carrying capacity of an estate you’ll need to wait until February for a Zetec S wagon.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Ford Focus

Ford Focus

RRP £20,955Avg. savings £2,696 off RRP*Used from £6,995
Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra

RRP £26,090Avg. savings £4,946 off RRP*Used from £12,900
KIA Ceed

KIA Ceed

RRP £19,965Used from £8,599
Ford Puma

Ford Puma

RRP £21,035Avg. savings £2,667 off RRP*Used from £10,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025