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.