2003 Ford Focus SVT | Motoring TV Classics

Now that Ford is down to the Mustang as its lone car it’s sad to realize we won’t be seeing anymore fun vehicles like the Ford Focus SVT that Graeme drove almost 20 years ago.
“The Focus SVT was a great little car. It was the brainchild of Ford’s then tuner arm - Special Vehicle Team, hence the SVT part of the name. The mortal Focus engine was reworked by Cosworth. This bumped the output to 170 hp and unlike many of its competitors it had a very strong mid-range. It worked with a six-speed Getrag manual and a stiffer suspension. The combination transformed the hum-drum compact into a legit racer. Yes it pales when compared to today’s tuned rides, but at the time it was a sorted drive that left the driver smiling” - Graeme
Graeme
#FordFocus #SVT #Throwback
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(The segment originally aired on Motoring TV 2003 Episode #2)

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

These are awesome Cars back in those days

[@Loulovesspeed]

Graeme - I purchased the 73rd SVT Focus built (evidenced by a signed build certificate) brand new in 2002. I still have all the major car journal tests/comparisons of this car vs. the VW GTI 1.8 T, the Mazda MP3, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, the Hyundai Tiburon GT V6 and the Honda Civic SI. The SVT was rated #1 overall in every magazine comparison. Funny, I did the same thing you suggested - I removed and stored the rear middle head restraint for better vision. I still remember the many improvements made to this car 20 years later - and I'm 73 years old! The only things you left out were the twin layshaft Getrag 6 spd. I believe 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th were on one output shaft while 3rd, 4th and reverse were on another (both with different ratios) that gave the transmission the feel and performance of a close ratio one. I loved it! The other feature this engine employed was a hand made, stainless steel, tuned, tubular exhaust header. When I read that Cosworth was involved in building/designing the head, I was sold, as I am well aware of their history and reputation for building superior OHC engines. I put just under 100,000 miles over 12 years and would absolutely buy another one if they were still made! To me, it's sad to see the disappearance of manual trans as they involve you so much more in the true potential of a car. Great review, and thanks!

[@3hub5386]

I own one now. My 1st was a 2003 svt cobra (miss that) but this focus even today in 2022 is pretty sweet. I was fortunate enough to find one in super good condition at a steal price point. If you cab find one I Def recommend 👌

[@Charusel]

Of all of the Foci, this is my personal favorite because how much character it had.

[@breakawaymotorsports]

Love my '04 SVTF and track it often. Black 2 door with all black Euro spec interior with Recaro buckets. Amazing agile and easily holds its own even with modern sports cars.

[@Loulovesspeed]

No Recaros in my SVT, a 2002, but the standard seats were very good just the same. I ordered the Recaro option in my 1980 Mustang Turbo, a $500 option! The lumbar support consisted of a foam wedge. You pulled away the vertical seat cushion and inserted the foam wedge as a lumbar support. Not exactly high tech but it worked!

[@michaelkinville177]

I owned an 04 with the European Appearance Package in Ford Racing Orange. I loved that car.

[@L3giT_Hax]

Truly a work of art you can drive

[@Cell1000bc]

I bought one in 2002 and loved it. But it was a Ford and had Ford reliability so I dumped it after 4 years. Wish it was built better.