The Detroit News's view

We hear our ratings on vehicles have become a regular part of office pools in some parts of Detroit. Oh, there’s no money involved. But the person who comes closest to correctly guessing both of our star ratings wins a little prize. In one case, it’s a sucker. We’re not sure how to interpret that, but we have to warn players: this week’s ratings on the 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 hatchback are a no-brainer.

She: Our regular readers may wonder why we’re reviewing another Focus. It was just a couple of months ago when we first tested a Focus sedan. We both gave the new Ford subcompact four stars, which is somewhat of a rarity for us. The car also comes in a wagon version and a hatchback model.

He: The Focus ZX3 hatchback is so different from the Focus ZTS sedan that we reviewed back in September. Even Ford says the two cars are aimed at totally different audiences. Fortunately, all the things that made the four-door Focus so good and so enjoyable – its good looks, affordability, roominess and ride comfort – are shared with the two-door.

She: The benefits of the ZX3 were really driven home to us when we tested two competitors alongside the Focus – the 2000 Toyota Echo and 2000 Hyundai Tiburon. The Ford is so superior to both of those cars. And what’s really funny is that the Korean Hyundai is $2,000 more expensive than the ZX3, and the Echo we tested was about $1,000 more. The point being, the Focus is the best value of the three, whether you buy the two-door or the four-door.

He: I can’t picture any twenty-something wanting to drive a Focus sedan. But we got lots of stares in the ZX3 from younger buyers. No wonder. It’s a really catchy design that doesn’t look much like anything on the road right now. It sort of looks like a concept vehicle come to life – very modern, almost futuristic. It also comes with a nice package of features that should please consumers on a budget. Our $14,290 test car had a standard CD player, alloy wheels, fog lamps, tachometer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The package also included options like side air bags, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning and power doorlocks. That’s pretty impressive for the money.

She: When you’re sitting behind the wheel, the visibility is excellent. That may be one of the car’s greatest attributes. One of the other things I worry about in the subcompact class is cheapness or shoddiness because you know you’re not spending top dollar. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and workmanship in the ZX3, which is assembled in Mexico.

He: I really like the twin-cam 2-liter Zetec engine that powers the ZX3. It makes 130 horsepower, and is very responsive with the standard five-speed gearbox. Like a good economy car, it should return up to 33 miles per gallon in highway driving, according to the EPA. But you never get the feeling you’re driving an econobox. The ZX3 is not just sporty-looking. Its suspension is a little firmer than the typical subcompact, and the 15-inch tires give it a measure of ride comfort and control lacking on some competitors in this price class. The chassis really makes the Focus feel like a bigger, more substantial car.

She: We were amazed by how roomy the Focus sedan felt in September. That’s partly true of the ZX3, which has lots of head, shoulder and hip room in the front. But it’s kind of cramped in the rear. That may not be a problem for young singles unless they’re carrying a carload of friends. The trunk is spacious and practically designed because you can flip the rearseat backs down to make even more room. This is a microlook at a car we really need to describe in big-picture terms. Next week, when we sit down to make our list of the top vehicles of the 2000 model year, the Focus is sure to head the list.

He: I suppose you’re really not giving anything away. The Focus is one of the few cars we’ve reviewed that’s been a unanimous four-star winner – in both two-door and four-door versions. an’t remember the last vehicle that managed that.

She: As I said back in September, the Focus is a good car that makes for a boring test drive. There’s no fighting in this column again for the second time this quarter. It almost makes you want to pop open the champagne.

He: And take off the gloves.

2000 Ford Focus ZX3

Anita’s rating: world class

Paul’s rating: world class

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-passenger hatchback

Price: Base, $11,865; as tested, $14,290 (including $415 destination charge)

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4; 130-hp; 135 lb-ft torque

EPA fuel economy: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway

12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan*: $1,135 (Estimate. Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Hermosillo, Mexico

Likes: Catchy design with loads of personality. Lots of room for front-seat occupants. Zippy twin-cam engine belies the car’s entry-level status. Nimble and responsive handling combined with smooth ride. Outstanding value for the money. Standard CD player included in $11,865 base price. Side air bags available. Makes the new Toyota Echo look old-fashioned – and overpriced.

Dislikes: Antilock brakes should be standard. Rear seat is cramped. Edgy styling won’t appeal to older, more conservative shoppers.