1998 Ford ZX2 press kit
Ford Division's 1998 model-year press kit introduced the ZX2 as "generation X's favorite vehicle". These are its ZX2 pages.
The release is undated. It sat in the kit with an August 1997 cover letter, so we date it to then. Its headline says “Ford ZX2”, without Escort, while the spec sheets say “Escort ZX2”.
The release
Ford Division Public Affairs. Contact: Jim Bright.
1998 FORD ZX2
Aimed at younger buyers who appreciate high style and a great ride, the new ZX2, with its sizzling performance, sporty design and affordable price, just may become generation X’s favorite vehicle.
Although the ZX2 shares key components with Escort, the ZX2 coupe offers a lot more, including sleek bodywork unique to this model and a low 0.33 drag coefficient in the wind tunnel.
A potent Zetec 2.0-liter engine under the hood delivers 130 horsepower at 5,750 rpm. Suspension is tuned to maximize responsiveness, agility and driving fun. The interior features a boldly asymmetrical instrument panel that blends into the door surfaces.
Full instrumentation and a low-fuel warning lamp are standard equipment. Ford’s exclusive Integrated Control Panel packages climate controls and the audio system in one convenient, attractive location.
Cool tunes are crucial to many young buyers, so the standard ZX2 sound system provides premium speakers and an AM/FM stereo radio. A six-disc CD changer with 80 watts of amplification is available as an option. The full center console stows a generous supply of CDs and three large-capacity cup holders.
Frameless door glass provides a light, lean look. The driver’s seat has a memory recline device that automatically returns the seat to the original position after it’s tilted for rear access. The back seat is a 60/40 split-fold design that carries one passenger comfortably, plus a load of ski poles or hockey sticks.
Individual options include anti-lock brakes, premium sound, power windows, a power moonroof, two remote entry systems and automatic transaxle.
A sport package includes 15-inch aluminum wheels, a rear spoiler, fog lamps, special badging, a bright exhaust tip and upgraded bucket seats with map pockets and integrated head restraints.
The ZX2’s zesty ride, affordable price and low operating costs should appeal to generation Xers or anyone else who aims to enjoy life without busting the budget.
The cover letter
Ford Division’s letter to “Writer or Broadcaster”, signed by Jim Bright, Brenda Hines and Joe Koenig, lists the 1998 highlights. Two concern the ZX2: “FORD CHOICE simplifies the car selection process for customers by reducing the number of trim series to two on most car models and clarifies option packages”, and “The all-new Ford Escort ZX2, a high-style sports coupe, offers sizzling performance at an affordable price.”
Key product specifications
Ford’s 1998 spec sheet, “based on official MVMS passenger vehicle specifications”:
| Item | 1998 Escort ZX2 |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase, length, height, width | 98.4, 175.2, 52.3, 67.4 in |
| Track, front and rear | 56.5 in |
| Curb weight | 2,478 lb |
| Fuel tank | 12.7 gal |
| Head room, front/rear | 38.0 / 35.1 in |
| Shoulder room, front/rear | 50.8 / 48.7 in |
| Hip room, front/rear | 51.1 / 45.1 in |
| Leg room, front max/rear min | 42.5 / 33.4 in |
| EPA passenger volume | 80.4 cu ft |
| Cargo | 11.8 cu ft, 25.7 in liftover |
| Wheels | 14 × 5.5 stamped steel; 14 × 5.5 and 15 × 5.5 aluminum optional on the Hot |
| Tires | P185/65R14 BSW; P185/60R15 BSW optional on the Hot; T115/70D14 minispare |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut, coil spring, hydraulic shock, 1.0 in stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension | Quadralink, coil spring, gas/hydraulic shock, 0.51 in stabilizer bar |
| Steering | Power rack and pinion, 17.0:1, 31.5 ft turning circle, 3.1 turns lock to lock, 15.0 in wheel |
| Front brakes | 10.1 × 0.87 in power discs |
| Rear brakes | 9.0 × 1.48 in drums |
| Swept area | 265.0 sq in |
| ABS | Optional, four-channel |
| Drag coefficient | 0.33 |
| Towing | Class I, 1,000 lb, 100 lb tongue |
| Engine | 2.0L DOHC 16-valve Zetec, SEFI, 9.6:1, 130 hp @ 5,750, 127 lb-ft @ 4,250 |
| Final drive | 4.10 manual, 3.74 automatic, the same for 49-state, California and high-altitude cars |
| EPA | 26/33 manual, 25/33 automatic |
Issued by Ford Motor Company, 1997. Reproduced as issued.