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2005 Ford Focus Preview
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| Page 3: Changes |
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Curiously, the performance-tuned SVT model is canned for 2005. In its place is the Focus ZX4 ST sedan with a 2.3-liter, 150-horsepower engine (down 20 from the hot-rod SVT) that churns out 153 lb.-ft. of torque (eight more than the SVT). To differentiate from lesser Focus models, the ST gets unique 16-inch alloy wheels, Pirelli P205/50R16 all-season performance tires, a specially-tuned exhaust system, and the struts and shocks found on the 2004 Ford Focus SVT that are 50 percent stiffer. The ST is the only Focus to get rear disc brakes as standard equipment, and it comes only with a charcoal color interior with special trim and seat upholstery.
Ford says that the priority with this update to the Focus was to add more refinement to the areas customers can see while improving what they feel and hear, "particularly in the stop and go department." We think that a good car has gotten better for 2005, and Car and Driver magazine has named the 2005 Ford Focus to its annual Ten Best Cars list for the fifth consecutive year, but we'll miss the SVT's high-performance engine and can't help but wonder why Americans won't get the all-new Ford Focus that will be sold across the Atlantic. Oh right, the new car will be sold here. It's called the Mazda 3.
-- Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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