Ford Focus Zetec S launches in the UK

The new for 2012 Ford Focus Zetec S

Ford has unveiled the fastest version yet of the new Focus – the Focus Zetec S – with a 1.6 litre 178bhp Ecoboost engine.

It’s probably sensible that the Ford Focus Zetec S gets added to the Ford range now. Leave it until 2012 and it’s going to seem a bit tame compared to the new Focus ST. But for now, it’s the quickest version yet of the new Focus.

The Focus Zetec S appears to be a UK-only Focus and see the debut of the 178bhp version of Ford’s 1.6 litre Ecoboost engine, which means 7.9 seconds 0-62mph, a top speed of 138mph, emissions of a quite low 139g/km. But it’s not just the new Ecoboost lump on offer.

You can also opt for the 1.6-litre 115PS TDCi, the 1.6-litre 125PS Ti-VCT or the 2.0-litre 163PS TDCi. If you have the new Ecoboost or the 115PS TDCi you will get Ford’s ‘ECOnetic Technology’ badge and come with stop-start, active grill, regenerative charging and gear shift indicator.

Any of the Focus Zetec S models can be had as either a five door hatch or estate and all get sporty add-ons with front and rear spoilers, sill extensions, 17″ alloys, stiffer springs and dampers, LED tail lights and push button start.

The Zetec S is priced exactly the same as the Focus Titanium, which means the top of the range (for now) sporty Fiesta will come in at £18,745 – £1,250 more than a regular Zetec but with an extra £1,700 of kit.

That said, there are plenty of options to choose from, including Driver Assistance Pack and the Zetec S Interior Pack, which adds Inferno Red partial leather, heated front seats, power rear windows and global closing for a not unreasonable £800.oo.

The new 2012 Ford Focus Zetec S is now on sale.