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?

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

2020 Ford

Focus

55,845 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,895
View Focus
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

41,554 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,197
View Focus
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

29,693 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,500
View Focus
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

43,110 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,699
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 £2,461 off RRP*Used from £6,895
Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall Astra

RRP £26,090Avg. savings £4,784 off RRP*Used from £12,330
Ford Puma

Ford Puma

RRP £21,035Avg. savings £2,231 off RRP*Used from £10,495
Cupra Leon

Cupra Leon

RRP £31,415Avg. savings £7,795 off RRP*Used from £17,799
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers
Opinion - EV sales

Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers

Editor Paul Barker explains why serious EV discounts are now starting to appear on the market
Opinion
9 Oct 2025
Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help
Number plates

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help

Cross-party committee is asking motorists to help solve the issue of illegal number plates
News
8 Oct 2025