February 15, 2001

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Ford introduces 2002 Focus ZX5 four-door hatchback

Toronto, Ontario - Ford introduced a new, four-door 2002 Focus ZX5 model that will arrive in Ford showrooms this Fall. The four-door hatchback model will join the two-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and four-door wagon models.

"Focus ZX5 is aimed at those who love the edgy styling, solid performance and handling of ZX3, but need the functionality of four doors with versatile seating and a rear hatch," said Martin Inglis, vice president, Ford North America Consumer Business Group.

With the exception of the VW Golf, four-door hatchbacks haven't proved popular in North America. Ford believes there will be a resurgence in the popularity of four-door hatchbacks.

"We believe a resurgence in the popularity of the versatile, stylish five-door could well be in the cards for the North American market..because today's buyers have become so accustomed to the shape and functionality of SUVs and minivans," said Inglis. (Ford refers to the four-door hatchback as a 'five-door'.)

In Europe, where the three-door, four-door sedan, wagon and four-door hatchback are all marketed, the four door hatchback is the most popular model in the Focus lineup. Mazda and Hyundai also introduced new four-door hatchback models at the Toronto show, the Protégé 5 and the Elantra hatchback.

The Focus ZX5 will have a standard 130 horsepower 2.0 litre dual overhead cam Zetec 4-cylinder engine and a five speed manual transmission. A+ four-speed automatic is optional.

The Focus ZX5 will be available with ControlTrac, an anti-skid system that monitors input from seven different sensors 150 times per second to ensure the car stays on its intended course. At the first sign of deviation, the system intervenes by either braking the appropriate wheel and/or throttling back engine power.

The Focus ZX5 will be manufactured in Hermosillo, Mexico and pricing will be announced closer to introduction.

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