Just as a preface, PZEV means that a vehicle's total emissions (tailpipe and evaporative) are equal to or better than the powerplant emissions required to recharge an electric car’s batteries.

The Focus PZEV uses a version of the Mazda 2.3 liter inline four found in the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. In PZEV trim it makes 145 hp at 5750 RPM and 149 lb-ft of torque at 4250 RPM, which is a good bit more than the 2.0 liter Zetec but not quite as much as the 2.0 liter in the SVT. It does however make more peak torque than the SVT and at a lower RPM.

So back to the PZEV stuff, a Zetec-powered Focus puts out 10.7 pounds of smog-forming pollutants (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen) per 15,000 miles, while the PZEV produces only 1.0 pound—and its fuel system is sealed which means zero evaporative emissions.

The PZEV engine is standard in "green" states whatever that means, I'm assuming California and maybe a couple of other places. Otherwise it's a $115 price increase over the Zetec motor. Not a bad deal for a bunch more grunt and eco friendliness in one package.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=05660011