Ford Focus Zetec S 182PS
Discussion
Originally I had my eye on a VW Golf GTI or an edition 30/Pirelli but the age to price ratio and the mileage for my budget was putting me off so I started looking elsewhere. A mk2 Focus ST was on my radar but the stories of sub 20MPG in the city and struggles to top 30 on a run at times put me right off. Then I looked at Fiesta ST's but with two kids 15 & 17 they just weren't suitable. Then I started the nightmarish task of trying to find a Focus Zetec S with the 1.6L 182PS engine. It's not quite the same as the FiST engine as it has no over boost function but it's still tractable enough and goes well at the top end.
£7.8k in a private sale with 38k on the clock and I'm very happy with it so far. Now I just need to consider if I'm going to get it mapped or not but with the stock airbox and intercooler I'd only get 20HP out of it but a better intercooler and airbox I could be looking at 220-230HP.
Edited by MissChief on Saturday 22 October 14:18
Shadow R1 said:
Have you had it long enough to get some mpg numbers yet ?
Sadly not, filled it only once so far. £49.65 @111.9 so seems to have a pretty small tank. I will keep this updated but only by the trip computer to begin with.Regarding the engine, it's not exactly the same as the Fiesta ST ( it doesn't have the overboost for a start) they are very rare. They only come in Titanium and Zetec S trims. The ZS is pretty Spartan, manual windows in the back, no auto AC, no cruise but does have Bluetooth.
Dainty Ankles said:
Looks good, I bought my wife one similar to that and it's great.
I find myself always tweaking it, much to the dismay of my wife who has no interest in cars. Would love to put a noisy dump valve on it just to see her face! I swapped the 17" wheels you have as they are a pain to clean for 18" Grand C-Max wheels, replaced all the orange bulbs for silver which was a cheap and easy mod that cleans up the look.
Also, if you're looking at performance mods, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of induction kits. However, the K&N E-9289 has a removable rubber bung that opens up the end which drops straight in the airbox. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CR9WY38/ref...
Mountune do a similar filter which is slightly more but not sure there is a rubber bung so you can switch.
I fitted the K&N one in prep for its second service and the Ford garage reduced the price of the service by £65 as they didn't have to fit a replacement one, which was a bonus.
I've noticed that and there's a video on the K&N YouTube channel (hardly an independent test I know!) showing a decent gain purely from the filter., as much as 15HP which I find unlikely. What's the sound like with and without the bung? Intrusive? An awful drone on long journeys?I find myself always tweaking it, much to the dismay of my wife who has no interest in cars. Would love to put a noisy dump valve on it just to see her face! I swapped the 17" wheels you have as they are a pain to clean for 18" Grand C-Max wheels, replaced all the orange bulbs for silver which was a cheap and easy mod that cleans up the look.
Also, if you're looking at performance mods, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of induction kits. However, the K&N E-9289 has a removable rubber bung that opens up the end which drops straight in the airbox. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CR9WY38/ref...
Mountune do a similar filter which is slightly more but not sure there is a rubber bung so you can switch.
I fitted the K&N one in prep for its second service and the Ford garage reduced the price of the service by £65 as they didn't have to fit a replacement one, which was a bonus.
Podie said:
al1991 said:
MissChief][spoiler said:
A mk2 Focus ST was on my radar but the stories of sub 20MPG in the city and struggles to top 30 on a run at times put me right off. Then I looked at Fiesta ST's.
I am going through the same process at the moment and I never knew this car existed! Looks very smart.
although the Mk7 Fiesta ST is much better in that respect. I seem to,recall Mountune do a warranty friendly 200bhp kit for these using a different air box, remap and intercooler. Their power figures tend to be conservative as well.
Dainty Ankles said:
MissChief said:
I've noticed that and there's a video on the K&N YouTube channel (hardly an independent test I know!) showing a decent gain purely from the filter., as much as 15HP which I find unlikely. What's the sound like with and without the bung? Intrusive? An awful drone on long journeys?
I didn't notice any increase in noise when I fitted the K&N (with or without the rubber bung) and certainly no drone, and the wife hasn't mentioned anything.We did however notice more tyre noise after fitting the 18" wheels but that might be less the lower profile and more the change from Goodyear Efficient Grip (17") to Pirelli PZeros (18").
Another issue I noticed when changing both these things was the mpg on the trip computer went down by 2-3mpg. Now I couldn't say whether that was due to the K&N or the PZeros compound having greater rolling resistance. The other reason maybe is because I used 225/40/18 (I had a spare unused set in the garage) rather than 235/40/18 that's stated I should use and this has messed with the calibration of the trip computer. Someone more mathematically minded may be able to tell me.
MissChief said:
Shadow R1 said:
Have you had it long enough to get some mpg numbers yet ?
Sadly not, filled it only once so far. £49.65 @111.9 so seems to have a pretty small tank. I will keep this updated but only by the trip computer to begin with.Just filled up when i was just under 1/4 of a tank so not a full range example. 36 litres @113.9p/l cost me £41 and its brimmed again.
I've just started using Fuelio on my mobile so it will be interesting to see how the OBC matches up with the figures from the app.
Local place are offering a remap to 200HP for £200 and when quizzed about what map they'd be using they said 'their own software' which makes me very wary they're just upping the boost pressure without adjusting anything else. A Bluefin is only another £100 and far more trustworthy IMO!
Local place are offering a remap to 200HP for £200 and when quizzed about what map they'd be using they said 'their own software' which makes me very wary they're just upping the boost pressure without adjusting anything else. A Bluefin is only another £100 and far more trustworthy IMO!
Latest update is the car has cost me absolutely nothing so far other than fuel and tax. I know it's early days though!
Fuelio economy shows an average of 32.74 which feels lower, I suspect I didn't enter the first fill up correctly being new to the app. Best MPG from a fill up was 36.88mpg though which for a 180HP car isn't bad at all.
Fuelio economy shows an average of 32.74 which feels lower, I suspect I didn't enter the first fill up correctly being new to the app. Best MPG from a fill up was 36.88mpg though which for a 180HP car isn't bad at all.
So had this for 18 months now and so far it's cost me nothing other than consumables and servicing. Rear pads a while back, two new front tyres at MOT time (went for Continental sport contacts) and an oil change. It'll need front pads soon I think and I just got a recall notification through the door for potential cylinder wall lining failure causing a potential fire risk!
A fairly common mk3 Focus issue is the door seals start coming away from the doors so have used some magnets stuffed inside them to stick them to the door itself. Does the job but not a permanent fix.
Haven't remapped or modded it at all. Fuelio shows an average fuel consumption of 36.06mpg which, for 180HP in a five door hatch seems pretty good to me. Best I've ever had was on the run from Scotland to Silverstone for the GP last year and we left two hours late so weren't hanging about. 44.35 MPG! Had we left on time and weren't doing 80+ most of the way it could have been nudging 50!
Currently have no plans to change at all, I just wish it had a few more toys, namely auto aircon, electric windows in the back and cruise control. If you're looking for a warm hatch with a turn of speed I'd recommend it. If only the Titanium X looked like this as it looks very staid and a bit dull.
A fairly common mk3 Focus issue is the door seals start coming away from the doors so have used some magnets stuffed inside them to stick them to the door itself. Does the job but not a permanent fix.
Haven't remapped or modded it at all. Fuelio shows an average fuel consumption of 36.06mpg which, for 180HP in a five door hatch seems pretty good to me. Best I've ever had was on the run from Scotland to Silverstone for the GP last year and we left two hours late so weren't hanging about. 44.35 MPG! Had we left on time and weren't doing 80+ most of the way it could have been nudging 50!
Currently have no plans to change at all, I just wish it had a few more toys, namely auto aircon, electric windows in the back and cruise control. If you're looking for a warm hatch with a turn of speed I'd recommend it. If only the Titanium X looked like this as it looks very staid and a bit dull.
It’s now coming up for two years since I bought this and the car has been utterly faultless. Two MOT’s in the bag with nothing other than a couple of tyres and some headlight adjustment. Needs a service and likely two new rear tyres. Brake pads soon too most likely but nothing has gone wrong and I’ve managed 41mpg (OBC read) out of most tankfuls. I have thought about something a bit quicker but that would likely mean cheaper and therefore less MPG and higher potential bills.
Common issue with the door seals on Mk3 Focus though. I see a few it there with the same issue!
I did have to take it into my local dealer for the 1.6L eco boost coolant level sensor recall but that was relatively simple and not too inconvenient.
Common issue with the door seals on Mk3 Focus though. I see a few it there with the same issue!
I did have to take it into my local dealer for the 1.6L eco boost coolant level sensor recall but that was relatively simple and not too inconvenient.
Shadow R1 said:
Thanks for the update. 
Regarding the remaps, ask for the a\f ratio during the run.
If they don't have one, then that tells you all you need to know.
For me, the op's car will gain so little it's not worth doing.
Don’t think I will bother with a remap, as you said there’s not a huge benefit to it.Regarding the remaps, ask for the a\f ratio during the run.
If they don't have one, then that tells you all you need to know.
For me, the op's car will gain so little it's not worth doing.
I still have this and it’s been relatively hassle free, but has a few niggles.
The passenger front window motor is sticky and often doesn’t work. Will need to get a replacement and I’ve taped up the switch so no one can use it. A video online shows they’re prone to water ingress but the drivers side, which is used far more still works great.
A couple of recalls for coolant system and low level sensor brought about some worrying niggles and even coolant level dropping significantly a few weeks after having it done but it’s settled down now and doesn’t use any so I’m thinking they didn’t bleed it properly and there was air in the system.
It still wants to ‘free Rev’ if I put the clutch in and left off the accelerator but only sometimes and the auto-stop doesn’t work either. Although it seems to work if I go on a really long drive as in 2017 when I went Scotland to Silverstone. The current suspicion is the battery but seeing as it’s never failed to start on the first turn, even in -6’C weather I’m not hugely bothered.
Tyres I’ve replaced all four, fronts first then rears and it’s wearing Continental premiumcontact at the moment. Not too cheap but I like having good rubber on my cars. Good too because recently hit a queue on a 70 mph dual carriageway and had to come to a halt very quickly. Crap tyres I’d have probably been into the back of someone.
Servicing is twice so far, I do have the receipts but not immediately to hand but it wasn’t expensive from my local trusted guy.
Front pads and discs will likely need doing come MOT in September but other than tyres it’s passed every time.
Fuel wise I’ve been keeping track with Fuelio, have never bothered with Premium anything and never felt the need to either. I’m rarely pressing on, work is about seven minutes up the road, 40 limit, roundabout and two sets of lights then a twice weekly 45 mile round trip on NSL then the aforementioned 70Mph Dual Carriageway.
21,161 miles covered
2,669.81 litres used
Total fuel costs £3,139.18
Average cost per mile (fuel only) 14.6p.
Average consumption 36.52mpg
Best consumption 46.46mpg (Silverstone run 2017)
The loan is up at the end of this year and it’ll likely be worth circa £5k but am thinking of keeping it for a bit after that. Got some CC debt that I’d like to clear off although I keep looking at Mondeo Titanium X Sport 2.0 Ecoboost powershifts.
The seats aren’t supremely comfortable and there could be a bit more room in the back but I don’t sit in the back so that’s only a minor concern!
The passenger front window motor is sticky and often doesn’t work. Will need to get a replacement and I’ve taped up the switch so no one can use it. A video online shows they’re prone to water ingress but the drivers side, which is used far more still works great.
A couple of recalls for coolant system and low level sensor brought about some worrying niggles and even coolant level dropping significantly a few weeks after having it done but it’s settled down now and doesn’t use any so I’m thinking they didn’t bleed it properly and there was air in the system.
It still wants to ‘free Rev’ if I put the clutch in and left off the accelerator but only sometimes and the auto-stop doesn’t work either. Although it seems to work if I go on a really long drive as in 2017 when I went Scotland to Silverstone. The current suspicion is the battery but seeing as it’s never failed to start on the first turn, even in -6’C weather I’m not hugely bothered.
Tyres I’ve replaced all four, fronts first then rears and it’s wearing Continental premiumcontact at the moment. Not too cheap but I like having good rubber on my cars. Good too because recently hit a queue on a 70 mph dual carriageway and had to come to a halt very quickly. Crap tyres I’d have probably been into the back of someone.
Servicing is twice so far, I do have the receipts but not immediately to hand but it wasn’t expensive from my local trusted guy.
Front pads and discs will likely need doing come MOT in September but other than tyres it’s passed every time.
Fuel wise I’ve been keeping track with Fuelio, have never bothered with Premium anything and never felt the need to either. I’m rarely pressing on, work is about seven minutes up the road, 40 limit, roundabout and two sets of lights then a twice weekly 45 mile round trip on NSL then the aforementioned 70Mph Dual Carriageway.
21,161 miles covered
2,669.81 litres used
Total fuel costs £3,139.18
Average cost per mile (fuel only) 14.6p.
Average consumption 36.52mpg
Best consumption 46.46mpg (Silverstone run 2017)
The loan is up at the end of this year and it’ll likely be worth circa £5k but am thinking of keeping it for a bit after that. Got some CC debt that I’d like to clear off although I keep looking at Mondeo Titanium X Sport 2.0 Ecoboost powershifts.
The seats aren’t supremely comfortable and there could be a bit more room in the back but I don’t sit in the back so that’s only a minor concern!
Plum Pud said:
I've had my Zetec S with the same engine for over 2 years and I'm in no rush to change it yet. I also had the same start/stop issue which was fixed by resetting the battery monitoring. I did this just after I got the car and it has been fine since.
I think the procedure was to:
1. Turn on the ignition and leave it for 10 seconds
2. Press the rear fog light switch 5 times
3. Press the hazard light switch 3 times
4. Wait another 10 seconds and a light on the dashboard should flash (battery I think).
5. Turn off the ignition.
Thanks I'll try that!I think the procedure was to:
1. Turn on the ignition and leave it for 10 seconds
2. Press the rear fog light switch 5 times
3. Press the hazard light switch 3 times
4. Wait another 10 seconds and a light on the dashboard should flash (battery I think).
5. Turn off the ignition.
Had this for three years now and no real plans to sell it. It hasn’t depreciated too much really, WBAC offered me £5100 for it which is 2,700 down on what I paid which is ok I think.
Now in 69514 miles, MOT needed discs and pads at the front which I was expecting and two indicator bulbs weirdly. Other than that it’s been faultless and has returned an average of 36.625 MPG according to Fuelio. Not bad I think.
The thought does come to changing it in occasion but not sure what to. Faster will be older or more expensive. Minded to keep it for a while now the loan has been cleared.
Now in 69514 miles, MOT needed discs and pads at the front which I was expecting and two indicator bulbs weirdly. Other than that it’s been faultless and has returned an average of 36.625 MPG according to Fuelio. Not bad I think.
The thought does come to changing it in occasion but not sure what to. Faster will be older or more expensive. Minded to keep it for a while now the loan has been cleared.
Podie said:
Very tempting but I'll likely pass.The free rev issue on gear changes and intermittent stop/start has returned. I suspect it's likely the battery. £150+ seems very steep but apparently it's a special one due to the stop/start.
Thought I’d provide an update.
MOT in September meant two rear tyres and new discs and pads at the front, all expected and two new rear indicator bulbs, unexpected. Apparently they weren’t orange enough.
Other than that it’s been a yearly service (due next month actually) and nothing else has gone wrong. Just how I like it. Coolant level has remained steady, it uses little oil and has generally been very reliable. Haven’t changed the passenger front window motor yet, or changed the battery, stop start works when it feels like it and the ‘free revving’ is still an issue but also has a mind of its own.
Now that the initial bank loan has been paid off I keep looking at other cars, but if I want to do another Grand Prix next year then I’d better not get anything and keep this for at least another year. Perhaps better the devil you know.
Current mileage 62k
Mileage since I started using Fuelio (about three years ago) 24,831.
Total fuel 3,135L
Total fuel cost £3,713
Fuel cost this year £1,201
Average cost per mile 14.8p
Best fuel consumption 46.46Mpg
Worst fuel consumption 27.61Mpg
MOT in September meant two rear tyres and new discs and pads at the front, all expected and two new rear indicator bulbs, unexpected. Apparently they weren’t orange enough.
Other than that it’s been a yearly service (due next month actually) and nothing else has gone wrong. Just how I like it. Coolant level has remained steady, it uses little oil and has generally been very reliable. Haven’t changed the passenger front window motor yet, or changed the battery, stop start works when it feels like it and the ‘free revving’ is still an issue but also has a mind of its own.
Now that the initial bank loan has been paid off I keep looking at other cars, but if I want to do another Grand Prix next year then I’d better not get anything and keep this for at least another year. Perhaps better the devil you know.
Current mileage 62k
Mileage since I started using Fuelio (about three years ago) 24,831.
Total fuel 3,135L
Total fuel cost £3,713
Fuel cost this year £1,201
Average cost per mile 14.8p
Best fuel consumption 46.46Mpg
Worst fuel consumption 27.61Mpg
Chrispee said:
Good to see this is still going strong and has been reliable for you. It was your readers car thread and possibly a post from ZX10 that inspired me to replace the Leon Cupra ST I leased for a Focus Titanium X estate with this engine in 150bhp flavour.
Had it for 6 weeks now, and despite being half the power of the Leon I really like it, have been averaging 39mpg indicated and dont have any other complaints. Out of interest have you had the timing belt done? How much did it cost if so?
Mine is the 1.6 Ecoboost which is apparently good for 100k miles or ten years. Actually just looked it up, it's 125000 Miles or 10 Years. Mine is a 62 plate so I may look at getting it done next year.Had it for 6 weeks now, and despite being half the power of the Leon I really like it, have been averaging 39mpg indicated and dont have any other complaints. Out of interest have you had the timing belt done? How much did it cost if so?
Forgot to add, the Battery was tested by my mechanic and is working just fine. Still no idea why the stop/start is so temperamental and why it seems to rev freely without any throttle input when I drop the clutch. Thought it might be the battery. Sticky turbo valve?
Edited by MissChief on Wednesday 5th February 00:22
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