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Ford Escort ZX2 stirs more power in curvy shape as new coupe
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Take the Z from Ford's Zetec engine, then apply an X to denote those twenty-something Generation Xers who have been targeted by the marketing plan, plus a 2 for the 2-door coupe concept. The resultant ZX2 label attaches to the latest iteration of Ford's worldly subcompact best-seller, Escort.
This too-cute coupe, packing active suspension hardware and curvy new sheetmetal, rolls to market with 1998 badging and economical price tags beginning at $12,995.
The ZX2 also applies a definite kick to the accelerator, thanks to enhancements for that Zetec plant borrowed from Ford's compact Contour. Horsepower reaches to 130, with healthy torque spread across the range of speeds.
Inside, with the layout posing twin front buckets in front of a bench scooped for two, ZX2 creates a surprising amount of interior space despite subcompact dimensions. It carries various comfort components mixed with driver controls like levers and knobs that feel as precise and responsive as the best imports coming out of Europe or Asia.
Ford's ZX2 and this tester first came together at an autocross course pitched on a perimeter of the Las Vegas airport. Orange plastic traffic cones outlined a concise route containing sharp corners, broad sweeping bends and tricky chicane swerves -- all the ingredients needed to survey the manners of Ford's newest coupe.
For the next several hours, the ZX2 and I played together, with engine pegging at redline, gears meshing and tires protesting from too-tight turns, stomp-pedal accelerations and slammer brakings.
This time spent skipping four wheels around a snaky asphalt course revealed that Ford's coupe seemed faster and maintained far more control than did some of ZX2's domestic and imported subcompact rivals. Admittedly, eensy-weensy coupes are not designed for autocross racing, but such tests illustrate how the car's assets apply to real-life maneuvers like moving up a freeway or dodging traffic on city streets.
Hit the throttle and ZX2 winds up quickly to a swift clip with satisfying acceleration.
Its rapid rack and pinion steering allows driver to execute an exacting left-right-left maneuver through a chicane, while solid stabilizer bars fore and aft in the independent suspension system stem excess body sway and help stabilize the car in motion.
The ride feels smooth and competent, and it's quiet in the cabin, even at freeway speed.
Then there's that curvy and cute look: It's rolly-polly round, but low-down slinky too with a hint of aggression thanks to the low-slung prow with teardrop lamps and bold bottom air scoop.
Origins for ZX2 trace directly to the world-class remake last year of Escort in hatchback and wagon formats, which followed stunning sales from predecessor designs that for 14 years ranked as top volume car label in the country and accounted for 27 percent of all models sold by Ford.
This new conformation earns its own distinctive exterior styling and carries a larger engine and sport-tinged suspension and driving systems.
Ford's designers, working in international conspiracy with teams from the United States, England, Germany and Japan, began with a cost-saving platform used by Protege of Japan's Mazda, owned in part by Ford. That chassis was enlarged and strengthened with new front structure and more rear braces to absorb shocks.
It's notably stiff, which helps to reduce noise and vibrations and adds to the car's overall control.
One-piece bodyside stampings for external components also boost ZX2's rigidity, which in turn creates a solid feel and stabilizes ride quality. Improved door hinges and increased seals and insulation further dampen noise and set up a pleasant interior environment.
Dimensions inside seem generous -- with increased leg and head room and expanded width so riders don't feel like they're squeezed together in a wee compartment.
My own time in ZX2 included a lengthy dash across the Nevada desert with two fellow travelers aboard, plus luggage for the three of us. Extended time cooped inside some subcompacts can be torture, but our trip felt comfortable, and all of that luggage tucked into a cavernous trunk.
The driver's low-back bucket seat employs an adjustable seatback recliner, and it comes with a memory. After tilting forward to allow a passenger to reach the rear seat, the seatback returns to its original setting.
Rear seatbacks split and fold in 60/40 portions to create various expansions for cargo and passengers. Also, an optional integrated child's safety seat installs in the outboard rear right position.
A new instrument panel, with curvaceous lines that hint of Taurus, provides crisp analog dials and a compact center oval cluster to control audio and HVAC systems.
Twin airbags show up to shield front riders, and ZX2 uses a number of other covert systems for safety, ranging from the steel superstructure with built-in crash zones in front and back to door side-impact braces, plus the optional anti-lock braking system.
As to engine action, ZX2 stocks more power than the other Escorts.
The 4-cylinder Contour Zetec 4-cylinder engine, displacing 2.0 liters and wearing dual cams on top, gains a quick-opening throttle and variable camshaft timing.
It revs high, with power maximized when maintaining the tachometer above 4000 rpm.
Also, the quick throttle permits goosy take-offs, so you feel like you're driving a car that can punch it when demanded, and variable camshaft timing extends multivalve technology to smooth out the idle and improve overall performance as well as fuel burn.
This one seems downright zippy when teamed with standard manual 5-speed stick, and it's quiet when paired with optional 4-speed automatic.
In final analysis, Ford has found a way to build an inexpensive car that's also comfortable and fun to drive.
Trimmings begin with a base ZX2 edition for $12,995 but rigged with clock, tachometer, 24-watt AM/FM stereo, driver's seat memory and bolt-on wheel covers.
For $14,325, the ZX2 with popular equipment also gets air conditioning, while a loaded Sport with 15-inch wheels, spoiler and fog lamps lips over $17,000.
1998 FORD ESCORT ZX2
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1998 FORD ESCORT ZX2 Specs |
| Description: |
Subcompact coupe |
| Model Options: |
Subcompact coupe |
| Wheelbase: |
98.4 inches |
| Overall Length: |
175.2 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.0-L I4
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/ABS opt. |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
25/35 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 12,995 to $ 17,500 |
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