The strengths and shortcomings found in the Focus ZX3, and commented on in an earlier review, are present in the ZX5 as well. The design is still fresh, and full of a surprising amount of equipment for the price. Features like ABS and an electronic stability program are available for a reasonable price, and perform well. The seats are supportive, the roofline high, and the view out relatively unobstructed. Unfortunately, items like the too-short driver’s side windshield wiper, obstructive center armrest, and tepidly sporty handling stand in the way of the Focus moving from “good” to “great”.

The five-door body style is appealing, and the extra ports do a lot to soften the occasional awkwardness of the three-door model. It also makes getting into and out of the rear seat easier, though the sloping roofline and the tight, but adequate, rear leg room make it an exercise better suited to children than adults.

Trunk room is less than that found on the Focus sedan, but there’s something to be said for not having to drag the extra inches along for the ride. Backing into a parking spot is a breeze, and the car feels more intimate than its four-door counterpart. The only downside is the slightly higher road noise emanating from the load area.

Two items that grate on the ears in this car – and every Focus so-equipped – are the power door locks and turn signal indicator. The locks are loud, and sound like the same units used in European Fords since the 1980s. It’s not a quality sound that they produce. Ditto the noise that accompanies the turn signals. It is loud, harsh, hollow and most annoying. In the time the ZX5 spent in our fleet, it was easily the most commented upon feature – and never in the positive.

Fuel economy, in mostly highway driving, averaged just under 28 mpg, a solid but not stellar performance, especially for a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. Even following the upshift light – an annoying red arrow in the gauge cluster that lights up to tell you when to shift for optimal fuel economy, and worth at least a few tenths of a mile per gallon on the EPA’s dyno – didn’t make a significant difference.

All-in-all, the Focus is a solid entrant in the small car segment. It’s roomy, reasonably fuel efficient, uniquely styled, and well equipped. What it’s not is involving. Given its mischievous looks, the Focus should quietly nudge its driver to become caught up in the driving experience, and deliver clean, crisp feedback in return. Unfortunately, there is still some work to do on its personality.