DRIVE TIME: FORD FOCUS SES AFFORDABLY GREEN FUEL-EFFICIENT CAR MEETS STANDARDS EQUAL TO HYBRIDS.

Byline: GREGORY J. WILCOX

Staff Writer

You don't have to drive a hybrid to display an eco-friendly conscience.

Here in Los Angeles, motorists can tool around hydrocarbon central in a Ford Focus Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle.

What you get, according to Ford, is an affordable, fuel-efficient car that meets the same emissions standards as the industry's "best hybrids."

And a car that can get up to 37miles per gallon and is available in a variety of body styles and transmission choices.

What you won't get are tax credits or a free pass to drive solo in the diamond lanes.

You can literally extend the green theme to the exterior. The test model sported a kiwi green clear coat metallic paint job.

The PZEV badge is affixed to the right rear of 2007 Focus models sold in California with the 2.0-liter Duratec 20E engine. It's Ford's way of letting the buying public know about the company's clean-air choices.

There's an audience, too. Ford said this model accounts for about 97percent of Focus sales in the Golden State.

(This certification badging is also available on some Mercury, Volvo and Mazda models.)

In a Ford news release announcing the program last summer, the California Air Resources Board noted that not all hybrids meet the PZEV standards while some nonhybrids, such as the Focus, are cleaner.

And car companies do have to meet three air board standards to earn the designation.

They are requirements that a vehicle's tailpipe emissions must meet the Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle standard, which is more than 80percent cleaner with respect to smog-forming emissions than the average 2007 vehicle; eliminate the escape of fuel vapor; and warranty coverage to ensure that the vehicle will meet PZEV requirements for 15 years or 150,000 miles.

Ford also put together some fun facts about PZEV.

Grilling one hamburger emits more hydrocarbon emissions than a Focus PZEV would on a three-hour drive (about 180miles). (I pumped out twice as many hydrocarbons doing this Thursday night.)

A Focus PZEV would have to be driven more than 2,100miles, or five trips between Los Angeles and San Francisco, to equal the emissions generated by the leading 5.4-horsepower lawn mower in just one hour of use.

The Focus PZEV is so clean it would take 330 of them running at the same time to equal the smog-forming emissions of one typical 1971 car, the first California emission-controlled vehicle.

You get the point.

In addition to showing the environment a softer side, the Focus also offers a pleasing driving experience in a small package.

The 136-horsepower, 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam in-line four-cylinder engine, while not a screamer, provides adequate power.

More horsepower is available if buyers want additional oomph.

This was the SES model, and the package included 16-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, fog lamps, enhanced suspension with rear stabilizer bar, automatic speed control, overhead console, tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a tachometer.

Inside, leather seats offered good support and enough leg room for drivers more than 6feet tall.

A CD- and MP3-capable player is standard across the Focus lineup.

And there is lots of internal storage for such a small car. There is a drop-down drawer for six compact discs -- located by the driver's left knee -- and an open space just below the climate-control dials.

A center console houses the shifter, two cup holders, the parking brake lever and optional features, including the traction-control system and heater switches for the seats. There's also an overhead console with sunglasses holder, and space for a garage-door opener is optional.

And the front doors include molded-in beverage holders.

The rear seats fold down, but not completely flat. That can make for awkward stowage, and the Focus better accommodated a golf bag across the rear seats.

All in all, the Focus lives up to its billing. It's an affordable, clean ride that doesn't take a big bite out of your bank account or the planet.

greg.wilcox(at)dailynews.com

[phone]

Ford Focus SES

ENGINE: 2.0 liter DOHC 

TRANSMISSION: Automatic

BRAKES: 4-wheel anti-lock

MPG: 27 city/37 highway

PRICE: $16,540 base / $20,530 as tested

THE MANUAL SAYS: Speedometer: Registers the engine speed.

THE WIFE SAYS: "Gee, it makes the garage look bigger," in referring to the Focus' diminutive dimensions.

CAPTION(S):

4 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) no caption (Ford Focus SES)

(2 -- 3 -- color) The Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle badge, top, is Ford's way of letting the buying public know about the company's clean-air choices. Inside, above, are leather seats with plenty of leg room, a CD- and MP3-capable player, and lots of internal storage.

(4) A center console houses the shifter, two cup holders, the parking brake lever and optional features, including the traction-control system and heater switches for the seats.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer

Box:

Ford Focus SES (see text)