Interior

2006 Ford Focus ZX5 SES (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

If there is an aspect where the Focus loses a bit of lustre, it's in the quality of the materials used inside. While everything seems well screwed together, the plastic of the dashboard and door panels is low-budget. The turn signals emit an awful sound when you use them. The shift knob is hard plastic.

Certain other details could use a little rethinking. The cupholders won't hold much and whatever you put in them will rub against your leg. The cigarette lighter, bolted high in the middle of the dash, spoils the visual appearance, especially since I don't smoke. The steering column-mounted audio controls look like an afterthought; there would be room for them on the wheel hub if only the cruise control buttons weren't so huge. The green and red lighting of the gauges at night is a little boring for my tastes.

In general, though, the switches and controls work well and are easy to reach. The optional 6-CD changer sound system with MP3 playback sounds pretty good. An upgraded 8-speaker stereo is also available. By the way, the entire Focus line-up now get CD players that read MP3 files, which should please the young and the restless.

2006 Ford Focus ZX5 SES (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

This Focus has very good seats, front and back. The material used to cover them doesn't feel as expensive as what is used in Mazda3s and Honda Civics, but maybe I'm just too picky. There is a lot of space front and back, and there is plenty of headroom. As for the hatch, it's very practical and there is a moderate amount of space behind the rear seat. The hatch opening is a lot narrower than the width of the car, but you can fit a lot of stuff back there when you flip up the rear seat cushion and fold down the seatback.

Conclusion

The Ford Focus ZX5 SES has a base price of $21,799. That's a little painful. This test model also includes the aforementioned GFX appearance package ($695), a power sunroof ($1,000) and the 6-CD sound system ($495), for a grand total of $23,989. Let's take a peek at similarly-equipped 5-door competition:

Dodge Caliber SXT, 148 hp, $17,695 (similarly equipped: $20,735);
Chevrolet Optra5 LT, 119 hp, $16,845 (similarly equipped: $19,140);
Kia Spectra5 EX Sport, 138 hp, $21,175;
Mazda3 Sport GT, 160 hp, $21,695 (similarly equipped: $23,495);
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS, 160 hp, $21,598 (similarly equipped: $22,998);
Pontiac Vibe, 130 hp, $19,900 (similarly equipped: $25,120);
Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport Wagon, 173 hp, $23,495;
Suzuki Aerio SX, 155 hp, $20,495
Toyota Matrix XR, 130 hp, $21,465 (similarly equipped: $23,565);
Volkswagen Golf GLS, 115 hp, $23,240 (similarly equipped: $24,680).

2006 Ford Focus ZX5 SES (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

Like I said earlier, life is full of choices. The Focus ZX5's enemies are numerous. Some are better-equipped, some are more powerful and some offer a better-finished interior.

However, I wish all cars I drive are as fun as this Focus ZX5.

What I like:
Rides like a go-kart
Attractive GFX package
Nervous engine and precise gearbox

What I don't like:
A little too pricey
Some cheap interior materials
Just too many Focuses on the road

CLICK HERE to view the 2006 Ford Focus ZX5 SES's specifications.