With its updated image comes a new lineup of models. The 2005 Ford Focus can be ordered in one of four body styles – a three-door hatchback (ZX3), a five-door hatchback (ZX5), a four-door sedan (ZX4), and a four-door wagon (ZXW). The ZX3 model designation is carried over from 2004, but the base is now called the S, the Comfort model is now the SE, and the Premium is now the SES. Also carried over for 2005 is the ZX5 badge, with the new S/SE/SES designations. Gone for 2005 are the LX, SE and ZTS sedan models. All sedans are now known as the ZX4, with S, SE, SES, and ST trims available. Lastly, the 2005 Ford Focus wagon can be ordered as the ZXW SE or ZXW SES model.

Entry-level S models are sparsely equipped and include a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine pumping out 136 horsepower and 133 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is managed by a five-speed manual transmission, windows and mirrors are manually operated, standard wheels are steel 15s with wheelcovers, and the audio system includes a single-disc CD player. A move up to the SE model adds air conditioning, power door locks/mirrors/windows, a front center armrest, variable intermittent windshield wipers, an MP3 player, and keyless entry. Splurge for the SES and enjoy 16-inch alloy wheels, a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, front fog lights, a tachometer, cruise control, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer.

Reserved for driving enthusiasts is the 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 ST sedan, which is the car our editors got plenty of seat time in over the course of seven days and several hundred miles. The ZX4 ST sports a 2.3-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine generating 151 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. Standard features include a rear spoiler, traction control, heated body color mirrors, a rear air dam, fake carbon fiber dash trim, and a sport-tuned suspension. Our tester was also equipped with optional leather seats, a power moonroof, a Sony sound system, and side-impact airbags, all for a grand total of $20,375 including destination charges. That’s about $7,000 more than the basic ZX3 S model.