Over the last two decades ford Motor Co. has invested a tremendous amount of money in its self-described "World Cars." Their first world car was the Escort, introduced in 1981, followed by the Contour in the early 1990s. Now comes the Focus. The vehicle was introduced in Europe in 1998, where it won many honors. In the United States it was chosen by Automobile Magazine as "2000 Automobile of the Year."

For starters, let me declare that the Focus is no Escort. No, this is a much, much better car.

The models available in this country include a two-door coupe (ZX3) with a 2 liter, 16-valve, double overhead cam, 130 hp Zetec engine which sells for $11,960, a four-door sedan (LX) with a 2 liter, 8-valve, single overhead cam, 110 hp engine for $12,220, a better-equipped four door sedan (SE) with the 110 hp engine for $13,565, a five-door wagon (SE) with the 110 hp engine for $15,380, and a fully equipped four door sedan (ZTS) with the 130 hp engine for $15,165.

The 130 hp Zetec engine is a must with automatic transmission, and really lights up any of these cars with the five-speed manual. The 110 hp engine is OK with the five-speed, but a little sluggish with the automatic transmission. These engines are most probably derived from the Mazda Protege single and twin overhead cam engines, since Ford has a controlling interest in Mazda, and the later Escorts included a good deal of Mazda design.

Driving any of these cars is a blast. They are absolutely delightful on the road. You totally forget that you are in a front wheel drive "econobox" and find yourself throwing it around with abandon, enjoying the expensive sports sedan-like ride and handling. On the freeway the ride is nice and tight, but comfortably compliant. The sound level is quite good until you accelerate hard, causing the motor to remind you that it’s a 4-banger. The five-speed transmission is a delight, giving away nothing to the stick shifts in the likes of a Porsche or an Audi. If you like five speeds, this one's for you.

The automatic transmission is a little indecisive when climbing hills, but overall it works well. On twisty back roads the Focus feels like a sports car, and would probably give a Miata a run for its money.

As far as looks go, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Ford describes the look as "New Edge," a design that was first introduced to the United States in the Mercury Cougar. The coupe is somewhat reminiscent of a Honda Civic two door coupe. The four-door sedan takes a little getting used to, but the wagon is probably the best looking of the bunch; it’s actually quite handsome.

The wagon is really spacious inside, and with all the seats folded down it’s a real Home Depot work horse. The four-door sedan has a reasonably sized remote opening trunk with two pull rods inside. When pulled they unlatch the rear seats which will then fold flat. Very useful. The seats are particularly comfortable; the front ones set you higher up than most. Head clearance for tall people is excellent, front and back.

The standard radio is better than you will find in most small cars, with very good sound.

These are economical cars. The 110 hp engine delivers 25-27 mpg city and 33-35 mpg highway and the 130 hp Zetec provides 25 mpg city and 31-33 mpg highway. These figures cover the Environmental Protection Agency estimates for the various models and transmissions. Automobile Magazine reports overall fuel mileage of 29.3 from their long term test Focus ZTS. The warranty is three years, 60,000 miles bumper to bumper.

There is not enough space here to identify and price the various options for all the models. However, the ZTS is the most fully equipped with air, antilock brakes, power windows and door locks, multispoke aluminum wheels and cruise control. The only significant options are a side impact air bag for $350 and leather seats for $695.

The SE and the wagon both have standard air but power windows and anti-lock brakes are extra at $295 and $400 respectively. The ZX3 includes power windows, but not much else. The LX is pretty basic with limited options. Air costs $795 for the LX and the ZX3. The five-speed manual transmission is standard on all except the wagon which comes with an automatic, a $815 option for the others. To upgrade to the Zetec engine on the SE and the wagon costs a mere $200. Worth every penny. No moon roof is offered on the Focus. Bummer.

The pricing is roughly equivalent to its American competitors, the Chevy Cavalier and the Dodge Neon. But the Focus is a sweeter car to drive and will put more smiles on its owners' faces.

Take a run up the freeway to the Ken Grody Automotive Group just off Palomar Airport Road and they will gladly let you test drive any of these cars. Compare them to other small cars, U.S. or foreign, in the same price range. You will probably be surprised.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 54 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.