I know its not the best engine in the range but what is the most cost effective route to extracting a few more ponies?

 

There isn't one.. be a totally pointless affair that will waist your money (imo)

 

Not my car or my money - thankfully!
Its for a first time driver (female) and she's just looking for a little more ummph - maybe even just improve the throttle response a bit. She has to keep the car for a couple of years to build up a no claims.

 

As allways Exhaust and Air filter. The zetec SE responds well to a K&N panel filter. And possible a Bluefin Mind thats a few quid. but i would have thought that doinf them mods would only equal the 1.6 at very best.