2006 Ford Focus ZX4 ST

There is nothing like a well-crafted sport sedan to deliver driving enjoyment. Take the 2006 Ford Focus ZX4 ST for instance. This four-door compact has all the ingredients for a great driving experience—while delivering consistent good news at the gas pump. Its dynamic body styling is enhanced for '06 with a pair of exciting new Street Appearance Packages, while a stylish and comfortable interior rewards driver and passengers alike with a high-quality environment. The Focus model range has earned plenty of validating awards, including five consecutive years on Car and Driver's 10 Best list, four years as a Consumer Guide Best Buy, and four Automobile magazine All-Star awards. But it becomes even more appealing for '06 with a host of other upgrades and improvements.

Zippy Performance
The driving fun starts with Ford's zippy 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine that develops 151 horsepower at a spirited 5,750 rpm. Coupled with a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission (you know it's a serious sport sedan when there's no automatic available), it is a kick in the pants to rev through the gears. Good four-cylinder engines like this are great to drive because they're responsive as well as thrifty; the engine is EPA-estimate rated at 31 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. The ZX4's alloy engine design contributes to the car's low 2,718-lb. curb weight—another performance advantage. Its front-wheel drive maximizes traction across a broad range of road conditions, and its compact layout helps free up interior space.

In proving Ford's commitment to maximizing driving fun, the Focus ZX4 ST also includes a performance-tuned four-wheel independent suspension (MacPherson strut in front and multi-link "control blade" in the rear). Combined with power rack-and-pinion steering, sporty-looking five-spoke 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and aggressive 50-series Pirelli all-season tires, the suspension helps the ZX4 ST turn in quickly and grip the road tenaciously. It likewise features front and rear stabilizer bars to keep body roll in check. Altogether, it means sport-sedan handling at a compact-car price.

Active Safety Features
The 2006 ZX4 ST has standard ABS and available traction control. Admittedly, these features are most often useful in areas with poor driving conditions—dirty roadways (or even dirt roadways!), rainy or snowy/icy seasons, etc. —but even drivers in the Sunbelt states should relish the safety that these systems provide. A quick technology lesson here: The Focus ZX4's ABS and traction control are computerized systems designed to help the driver maintain control in slippery conditions. By continually monitoring the rotational speed of the wheels, the computer can quickly determine if any wheel locks up under braking or if one of the front wheels suddenly loses grip (i.e., wheel spin) under acceleration. If this happens, the system automatically compensates via brake and engine torque control to restore traction. One encounter with slippery conditions in the ZX4 ST will convince you of their merit.

Comfort and Convenience
Compact sport sedans have the particular challenge of delivering excellent handling while still providing ample room for passengers. To satisfy both agendas, Ford designers settled on a 102.9-inch wheelbase for the Focus, which provides crisp cornering together with ample door width, good entry and egress, and agreeable interior space. In fact, the ZX4 ST offers an impressive 40.7 inches of front legroom, a suitable 37.6 inches of rear legroom and generous headroom all around. This makes it comfortable even for tall drivers, while still accommodating adult rear-seat passengers as necessary. Sitting in the driver's seat for the first time also reveals how seriously the Ford designers were about making the ZX4 a driver's car. The placement of the wheel, pedals, shift-lever and ancillary controls is first-rate, and the standard multi-adjustable cloth seat is supportive and comfortable.