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2002 Ford Focus SVT
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| In sharp focus |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:01:00 |
| Rating |
 3092 ( -91 -2.94% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
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Description:
2002 Ford SVT Focus
Sharp Focus
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle
2002 Ford SVT Focus
MSRP: $17,480, $19,760 as tested
Showroom appeal:
Hotrod hatchback with factory warranty
Plus:
A small price to pay for a lot of SVT hardware
Minus:
Back seat room
The Competition:
Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI
When Ford's Special Vehicle Team lays hands on a vehicle, good things happen. With the SVT Focus, the company has jumped into the hot hatch segment with both feet.
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xxx
One phat cat. Or so it would've been, had Ford added claws to the Cougar's paws, as rumors had suggested. Instead, word came that a hot-rodded Mercury hatch was not in the works (moreover, the Cougar was given the gate). While cat lovers licked their wounds, the Special Vehicle Team turned its focus elsewhere for a small car project, and that elsewhere turned out to be Focus.
Based on the ZX3 3-door hatchback, the Focus is the smallest platform yet to be breathed upon by the SVT group. Its strength and market appeal lie in the high content of performance hardware pumped into this small, production package. Factory installed gear at that, thereby underlining another of its selling points - a warranty.
The 2002 SVT Focus joins the SVT lineup as the most technically advanced SVT vehicle produced yet. It also provides strong performance for the dollar, ranking as one of the best performance car values on the market, starting at under $18,000.
Some hardware specifics. SVT Engineers substantially reworked the base, Zetec four cylinder motor, resulting in 40 additional hp and 10 more lb. ft. of torque. Peak power in the 170 horse motor is found at 7,000 rpm, while torque tops out at 5,500 rpm. In practice, this means that, like most shoebox racers, response is best when the engine is on the boil. And respond it does, with 0-60 capability in the mid seven second range. The SVT's preference for the upper registers is not extreme, however. You don't have to rev the engine up to where only dogs can hear it to accelerate and there's enough bottom end on tap to roll off the line without an invitation. SVT's motor massage was both thorough and innovative. The Zetec motor was fitted with a dual-stage intake manifold (a Ford first), with variable timing on the intake camshaft (a North American Ford first). Tuned, 4-into-2-into-1 tubular headers feed to an underbody-only catalyst further downstream. A new casting for the aluminum cylinder head has bigger intake ports for better flow. Cast-aluminum pistons, forged steel connecting rods, stiffer valve springs, dual mass flywheel (a North American, front wheel drive Ford first) and a beefed up clutch are some of the hardware highlights. Mated to the motor is a close-ratio, Getrag six-speed manual transmission. The SVT Focus joins the 2000 Mustang Cobra R as the only Ford products with a six speed gearbox.
The 2002 SVT Focus joins the SVT lineup as the most technically advanced SVT vehicle produced yet. It also provides strong performance for the dollar, ranking as one of the best performance car values on the market, starting at under $18,000.
The chassis was upgraded suitably to meet the additional power and handling requirements. The four wheel independent suspension was fitted with higher spring rates, bigger stabilizer bars and stiffer shock tuning. The result is a car with exceptional cornering capability, nicely modulated power steering and a fairly stiff ride (though not excessively so). Brakes were similarly upgraded and are outstanding. The rolling stock is Continental's grippy, W-rated ContiSportContact tires.
Outside, subtle cues to the special nature of the little hatchback include honeycomb grilles front and rear, rocker sill extensions on the side and a spoiler atop the rear hatch. Smoked glass on the headlights and a set of fog lamps spiff up the front, while a chrome tip caps the exhaust pipe. A small SVT call-out on the rear deck completes the cosmetics, which can be applied to four colors: CD Silver, Infra-Red, Pitch Black and Sonic Blue - the latter unique to this model.
Inside, more evidence exists of the special nature of this Focus. Pedals have been repositioned to make it easier for heel-and-toe shifting, and they're covered metallic pads (even the dead pedal). Black leather wraps around steering wheel, parking brake release and shifter, with aluminum accents. Seats are also black leather with red or blue cloth inserts. Ensconced in the six-way adjustable driver's seat, you view a full set of gauges. SVT swapped the coin holder in standard Foci for oil temperature and oil pressure gauges. The new duo join a main, four dial instrument cluster, all in white face, with electroluminescent lighting. The driver's seat is multi-adjustable, supportive and comfortable on long road trips or short blasts around the track. Rear seat passengers will find legroom in short supply if front seaters are similarly long-limbed. There is 18.6 cubic feet of storage space accessible through the back hatch, more if you knock down the 60/40 split rear row. Just three options are offered - a power moon roof, a 290 watt Audiophile sound system (with 6 disk, in dash CD changer, upgraded speakers and an 8", amplified subwoofer) and a Winter Package, which includes an engine block heater, heated seats and traction control (the braking portion of which cannot be disengaged under 20 mph). Fully optioned and delivered, the SVT Focus costs $19,760.
When Ford's Special Vehicle Team lays hands on a vehicle, good things happen. With the SVT Focus, the company has jumped into the hot hatch segment with both feet. Without resorting to the aftermarket or voiding your warranty, a buyer can lay down their cash and receive in return a cleanly executed performance car, with exceptional handling and braking, for not a whole lot of money. Ford expects to produce only about 7,500 SVT Focus models this year and I would expect that all will be spoken for rather quickly.
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---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2002 |
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