Yeah - these things come with two engine configs an SPI and the Zetec. But I think most versions above the base model have the super dependable Zetec. The 2005's will have the duratech in place of the Zetec. I shouldn't really mouth off about the SPI (split port injected) - I don't own one. The difference between the SPI and Zetec isn't huge (15-20 hp?), but the Zetec is just more fun.
As to the automatics - they just suck too much of the spirit out of a car like the focus AFAIC, but again that's just a personal perspective. All of mine are manuals, and that was partly to force the kids to start with a manual tranny. But Focuses with manual trannys seem hard to come by whenever I go looking - so I guess most people disagree with me.
If you do pickup a Zetec Focus slap a "focussport" throttle body on it. They install in about 30 minutes and greatly improve the drive quality.
focussport site
BTW - These things have been on the Car & Driver " Top Ten list for about 90 years in a row now. Plus there's a ton of aftermarket stuff out there - even a Jackson Racing SC kit!
I sound like I work for the company for gosh sake!
Really, I don't.