Hi all,

First post from me and hello from rainy Belfast. I currently own a Zetec, nothing fancy obviously and want to upgrade in around 12 months to the ST. However insurance is a killer for me here in NI. So, the Zetec-S. Has the looks of the ST but does it have the go? Anyone here driven the latest Zetec-S and what do you think? Insurance wise its on par with my 1.4 Zetec(2005).

Look forward to the replies

Colin

Hi ya and welcome to the site.

I've got a zs and thb it depends what you mean by go. Straight line speed on paper the is alot quicker but after driving both they don't feel that much different. It's only when you look at the speedo you notice the difference. On twisty roads the zs can hold it's own with the espically if you can afford to get it lowered. It's also alot down to the driver skill.
If you can't get the insurance on the i can say you won't be dissapointed with the zs. Maybe get the zs then upgrade in a few years when the insurance is abit cheaper?
If u got any questions someone somewhere on the site will have an answer

i Own a ST and drive a 5 doors 1.6 16v Fiesta which is the same engine has the Zs model and did feel much different on straight line! bit more power for ST on higher revs other than that I have fun drive it that car

I have an and agree with Micky's reply. Basically, you have to use the to it's limit to beat the ZS; which we don't allways have the private roads to do this on. So whats the point in paying that extra insurance money.
If the insurance on the ZS is cheaper, go for that until a later date.
Have a look at some of the Cornwall/Newquay meet posts and you'll see what i mean .

Cheers folks! The ZS is certainly on the cards. Maybe i'll be posting pics here in 12 months lol

It is worth going for the ST if you can stretch to it though as people recognise the ST branding and it build by Ford's RS team and i don't the ZS is?

No the ZS isnt. It is made my ford. But that isnt a bad thing, my sportka was made by ford and it handled like a dream, and had the same engine as the ZS (i think).

The only problem looks wise with the ZS is the black strip down the side (not a problem if you have a black ZS though) and the fact that you don't get a cut away exhaust. Haven't driven one though so can't give you any info there. I did consider getting a ZS, but I know if I did I would be envious every time I saw an ST.

Handling wise the ZS will be very close to the ST cause they are not that different in suspension setup. Saying that lowering a zs will make it on par with the st is ok but what happens when the st's been lowered too, which 90% of the ones I've seen have been...

Had a zs on the motor way a few weeks back who was travelling at the same speed as me, I didn't notice he had dropped it a gear and he started pulling away, so I dropped it a gear and started to wave goodbye to him out the window as he dissapeared into the mirrors lol.

The only reasons I can think of going for a zs is obviously if your on a tight budget or insurance is an issue or you want a Diesel etc...

true the Zs version is for low budget but I wouldn't buy it with a diesel engine im my view !

The diesel version of the ZS is actually pretty nippy. I was quite surprised by it when I had a lift in one a while back.

Hi. I own a Z-S petrol and i love it!!! I've had mine for 6 months now and are still finding out how good it is. I use mine for round town mainly and it loves it. It has the speed to nip in and out of traffic and it also has the power for up and down motorways, country lanes etc.
Round town mpg is 36 approx and motorways etc is 46 approx.

I've got mine in Sea Grey so the wing mirrors and side detail blend in. I've seen one in Black and they really stood out!! Also i like the fact that it doesnt have the exhaust showing.

I 110% recommend the Z-S. Hope this helps.
Happy choosing!

I had to take my ST back for some paintwork when i got it .... how it could get scratches on it when it is brand new i dont know .... anyway, as a courtesy car, Ford gave me a Zetec S for three days. All i can say is that if you can afford the extra for the ST and extra for the insurance, then it is well worth paying the extra. Dont get me wrong, the Zetec S is very nippy and does the job but the ST is worlds apart.

Quicker, better handling, better interior etc. he Zetec S does have a better turning circle (due to the different tyre size) but apart from thet, i personally think that the ST is a much better car.