Although it shares no sheetmetal with the Escort sedan and wagon, it does share the same wheelbase and the same
general structure. This structure began life as a Mazda Protege, a car which has since been redesigned. Rather than use
the new Protege chassis for its Escort/Tracer update, Ford retained the old chassis, investing instead in extensive
stiffening measures.
The result was a vastly improved lineup of sedans and wagons that came to market at highly competitive prices,
thanks to the relatively low investment.
Offered in two trim levels--base and LX--Escort sedans and wagons are powered by a 110-horsepower 2.0-liter overhead
cam four-cylinder engine, mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. While
110 hp isn't the highest for this class, it's 22 hp more than the previous standard Escort engine, and the engine's
torque characteristics lend good driveability, even with an automatic transmission.
The Escort ZX2 is available essentially as a single model, with a so-called Sport model option, and it uses the same
engine supplied with standard editions of the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique--Ford's 130-hp 2.0-liter twin cam
16-valve Duratec four-cylinder. It's the ZX2's only engine offering, and it's exclusive to the coupe.
We term the Sport model "so-called" because it's basically an appearance option, adding a handsome set of
15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a rear decklid spoiler and various trim items to the standard ZX2. The suspension tuning
is identical between the base and Sport editions, and the only functional difference is a slightly more aggressive set
of tires--60-series versus 65--on the ZX2. That slight reduction in profile might lend a tiny improvement in cornering
capability, but you'd need a test track and on-board telemetry to quantify the distinctions. A similar package is
available for the Escort sedan.
However, even though the ZX2 employs the same basic suspension as the sedans and wagons, it's been retuned for a
slightly firmer feel and sportier responses.
Although it has only two doors, the ZX2 is almost exactly the same size as the Escort and Tracer sedans. It's a tad
longer, wider and lower, but the distinctions are all within one inch. Its 11.8-cubic foot trunk is also one cubic foot
smaller than the sedan, but that's still sizeable by compact standards. And like most small cars, the ZX2's split rear
seatbacks can be flopped forward to make extra space for all that bulky recreational equipment that younger owners
like to haul.
Standard safety features--dual airbags and side impact protection--are average. Consistent with industry trends,
antilock brakes cost extra--$570 in this case--on Escorts and Tracers. We think this important active safety feature
should be standard on all cars, but carmakers have found that, given the choice, buyers would rather have a nice
sound system than ABS.
While it's not really a safety feature, the Escort and Tracer do have 5 mph bumpers, which could lower repair bills from minor fender-benders.
Like its exterior, the ZX2 has very little commonality with the other
Escorts. The sporty-looking instrument panel sweeps attractively into the
door panels, and interior fabrics and materials are of high quality compared
to other cars in this class.
Standard comfort/convenience features are a little sparse. Beyond an
AM/FM radio, you have to pay extra. But the quality of the interior appointments
keeps even a basic ZX2 from feeling like a stripper, a trait it shares
with most of the other Escort/Tracer models.
Other useful interior touches include three cupholders, two forward,
one aft, plus a center console and heater ducts for the rear seat area.
There's plenty of room up front in all of the Escorts and Tracers, and
the ZX2's attractively upholstered front buckets are exceptionally comfortable
and supportive. The driver's seat is also height adjustable, a nice extra
for shorter drivers.
Rear seat roominess is also a strong suit for this clan. Although rear
leg-room isn't quite as plentiful as it is in a Neon, the Escort and Tracer
are above average in comparison to other compacts. And, remarkably, the
ZX2 is within a half-inch of the sedan in terms of rear legroom, though
its swoopy rear roofline compromises headroom a bit.
With an extra 20 horsepower, the ZX2 is certainly livelier than its
sedan and wagon cousins. The Zetec is pleasant and willing in all driving
situations, with plenty of extra punch for tight passing situations on
two-lane highways.
Overall handling response is a cut above the Escort sedan and wagon,
which are competent in their own right. We were also impressed by the precision
and feel of the steering, as well as the firm-but-smooth ride quality.
While its power-to-weight ratio is close to that of a Neon sedan, the
ZX2 doesn't provide quite as much dash as the Chrysler product. On the
other hand, its performance seems to measure up very well versus other
leading compacts, including the best-in-class Civics. And it has a distinct
edge in refinement versus the Neons, which continue to be a trifle raucous,
despite ongoing refinements to their hot rod hearts.