The Ford SVT Focus is a high-performance version of the dynamic Focus hatchback and is available in three-door and five-door versions. Both build on the inherent competence of the Focus platform with a performance-tuned suspension and 170-horsepower engine.

The 2004 Ford SVT Focus continues with several updates for the new model year. The European Appearance Package is now offered in both three-and five-door models. Sonic Blue also returns with availability for the entire model year. A new six-spoke wheel is standard equipment.

The SVT Focus is built in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Design and Equipment:

Modifications to the SVT Focus exterior include 17-inch, six-spoke euro-flange wheels, unique front and rear fascias with honeycomb grilles, distinctive rocker moldings and a small spoiler on top of the hatch.

Optional high-intensity-discharge headlights and a 75 mm bright exhaust tip tucked into the lower rear fascia set the SVT Focus apart. Round, crystalline fog lamps are set in the lower front fascia. SVT Focus exterior color choices for 2004 are Infra-Red, CD Silver, Pitch Black and Sonic Blue. European Appearance Package-equipped models are available in Competition Orange and Screaming Yellow in addition to the standard colors.

Interior elements unique to the SVT Focus include pedals with metallic covers placed to facilitate heel-and-toe downshifting; a black leather-wrapped steering wheel with perforations in the three- and nine-o’clock grip positions; a black leather-wrapped parking brake lever with a satin aluminum release button; and a black leather-wrapped aluminum shift knob.

All seats are trimmed in black leather, and the front seats have added foam pads and frame wires to increase lateral support. There are two interior color choices to complement the black leather-trimmed seat bolsters and head restraints. Red or blue cloth is available as an accent in the seat backs, seat cushions and door-trim panels.

European Appearance Package-equipped cars come with black leather-trimmed Recaro seats. The Recaro seats have unique cushions to provide even more support during spirited driving.

Bold, clean, titanium-faced electro-luminescent gauges include a tachometer and 160-mph speedometer. Silver climate control bezels accent the black center stack, and oil temperature and pressure gauges are fitted in place of the regular coin storage compartment.

Powertrain:

The SVT Focus engine produces 170 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque. The engine is a 2.0-liter I-4 from the Zetec family and is mated to a six-speed manual transaxle developed by German manufacturer Getrag.

This engine’s innovative design incorporates an input shaft flanked by two layshafts, and each layshaft has its own set of final drive gears. Layshaft number one carries first, second, fifth and sixth gears and a 2.88:1 final drive ratio, while layshaft number two carries third, fourth, reverse, and a 4.25:1 final drive ratio. All six forward gears, plus reverse, are fully synchronized.

Suspension and Brakes:

For a controlled yet compliant suspension, SVT engineers selected springs that are stiffer by 10 percent on the front and 20 percent on the rear, compared with those on the Focus ZX3. Spring rates on the SVT Focus are 129 pounds per inch on the front and 157 on the rear.

There are solid stabilizer bars front and rear, with a diameter of 21 mm for both. The front bar on the SVT Focus is one millimeter larger in diameter than on the Focus ZX3. The shock absorbers have been retuned for agile handling, with softened impacts and improved roll damping.

The SVT Focus has standard power four-wheel disc brakes with a four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock system.

Safety:

SVT Focus has Ford Motor Company’s Personal Safety System™ as standard equipment, in addition to standard seat-mounted side air bags.

Major Equipment and Options:

SVT Focus: 170-horsepower high-output 2.0L Zetec I-4, Getrag six-speed manual transmission, remote keyless entry with panic button, power door locks, power windows, side air bags, electroluminescent-faced gauge cluster with oil pressure and oil temperature gauges, steering column mounted radio controls, leather-trimmed sport bucket seats, stainless steel sport pedals, 60/40 split-folding rear seat with left, right and center head restraints, variable intermittent wipers and fold-away power heated outside mirrors.

Options include a European Appearance Package, high-intensity-discharge headlamps and sunroof, audiophile package and winter package.

Story by Ford