Our view: 2002 Ford Focus

Ford was smart enough to know it wasn’t hatching a new idea when it recently rolled out its all-new, very hatchback Focus ZX5.

Back in the ’70s, when bell bottoms were hip, John Travolta was a Hog and OPEC dominated the headlines, hatchbacks ruled the road.

It was a craze built on consumer conservatism, long before the preppy ’80s had us ditching our conventional wisdom for Ralph Lauren.

Welcome back, rear hatch.

Proving that everything that comes around drives back around again, the automaker’s all-new 2002 ZX5 is a bold statement about old times getting better – a return to a simpler way of life and the farthest step away from the typical SUV craze since the PT Cruiser first rolled into the showroom.

It’s not as crazy as Chrysler’s throwback vehicle, but it is a throwback.

Hoping to rekindle American’s love affair with five doors, the ZX5 is a small hatchback geared to the convenience of parking-lot moms with an armful of groceries, dads who want a quick way to dig out the golf clubs and kids that need something to drive when they are 16.

It’s edgy. It’s different. It’s unusual. And, yes, its back door flips up, not out, like those monster trucks that now rule the road.

But it’s not your mom’s hatchback.

With more than $2,000 worth of safety options, and a base price of $15,615, the ZX5 is a step forward where her hatchback was once a step into another dimension: Like, say, disco.

The new design uses a very distinctive look – high taillights and a sloping roofline in back – and everything else breathes function with a little flair. There’s a brushed aluminum trim around the dash, an in-dash, six-disc CD system that’s standard and an ergonomical layout that seems shipped in from another universe. Actually, almost. The ZX5 is a package that Ford’s made available in Europe for three years and is just now making its way back home.

A welcome addition. And good timing by

This year, the ZX5 will have plenty of competition from the new Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix – two up-and-comers in the small-car market that will give the ZX5 a run for its money.

Until then, we think it’s good value for the money.

On the highway, despite wind and road noise that creep into the excessive category, the Focus feels a few notches ahead of its class – including crisp steering and agile handling – especially for a car that costs less than $20,000.

There is, however, lots of suspension movement over dips and bumps in the road and an interior that could use a few cleaner edges, something more exemplary of a car this size.

What’s not is the twin-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine feels beefier than its 130 horses, and the standard manual transmission helps out those red-line revs as well. Automatic transmission is optional. It’s a fun-to-drive car geared to short city hops, with plenty of gusto in stop-and-go driving. Not meaty, but beefy enough. And much more than you’ d expect out of a car this size.

And in case you’re not one of those young, teen-something drivers, revving things up won’t send your back out. The ZX5’s cloth seats are supportive and lumbar-friendly. That goes with the rest of the spacious interior. Ford boasts the car’s overall design evolved from the inside-out to provide maximum cabin space and comfort – fitting all shapes and sizes. Even with the rear seats upright there is still a lot of storage room. With them down, there’s even more.

Helping things up front is the fact all Focus driver seats can be adjusted for height and there’s a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. A 6-foot-4 friend found it a little tight, but not unbearable.

Some of the interior pieces are a little too sloppy and plasticy for our liking, and you will have to pay $1,975 for things like anti-lock brakes, traction control and side airbags – it would be nice if those came standard – and the exterior styling, though sharp, may prove polarizing to e public.

What won’t is 34 miles per gallon in highway driving. In our test we even managed 38. There’s also a load of standard features, including driver and passenger air bags as well as a three-point safety belt for the center rear seat. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration also says crash test scores are “very good” for this small car.

In many ways, the description fits.

The ZX5 is a wonderful small car with a fun quotient that’s no slouch. It’s frugal with fuel and offers a wide variety of configurations to suit everyone’s needs.

Disco ball not included.

2002 FORD FOCUS ZX5 — SPECS

Rating: 3

High gear: With functionality, cargo space and good mileage, the Focus ZX5 provides premium features with five doors. There’s also thoughtful ergonomics, an attractive interior, a peppy engine and the edginess of a ’70s throwback.

Low gear: Suspension movement over rough roads reminds you this is a compact car, and a lack of ABS, traction control or side airbags as standard equipment keep the base price low, but move loaded up models up in a hurry.

Vehicle type: Front-wheel drive, front-engine, five-door, five-passenger hatchback.

Standard equipment (AWD): Five-speed manual transmission; dual front air bags; four-wheel independent suspension; front and rear stabilizer bar; cloth upholstery; height-adjustable driver’s seat; split-folding rear seats; remote locks; power windows; power mirrors; cruise control; tilt, telescopic power steering; 16-inch alloy wheels; front disc, rear drum brakes; anti-theft system; child seat anchors; front fog lights; air conditioning; AM/FM 6-CD stereo.

Competition: Mazda Protege, Honda Civic Si, Chrysler Neon, Chevrolet Cavalier, Volkswagen Golf

Engine: 130 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Torque: 135 foot-lbs. @ 4,500 rpm

Wheelbase: 103 inches

Length: 168.1 inches

MPG rating: 28 mpg city/36 mpg highway

Manufactured: Hermosillo, Mexico

Warranty: Basic warranty is three years/36,000 miles; powertrain warranty is three years/36,000 miles; rust perforation warranty is five years/unlimited miles; roadside assistance warranty is three years/36,000 miles.

Base price: $15,615

Price as tested (includes options, destination and delivery charges): $18,080