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Wealth and efficiency

I bought my Ford Focus Ghia in January 2001, a size of car that would enable me to take my sick husband out and about. Fords had always been popular with us and this certainly proved its worth and, serviced regularly by the main dealer, is still going strong. Now a widow - and a tiny, elderly one at that, I am wondering if it would be a good time to change to a new/ish slightly smaller car, but top of the range. I ferry grandchildren so need a certain amount of space. (My husband had advised buying a car with enough horsepower to get past those big lorries - I don't know if you agree.) The Fiesta looks good, but been there, done that. I would be very grateful to have your opinion, as, going alone, listening to different salesmen all keen, of course, I find the prospect somewhat daunting.

Asked on 27 February 2010 by J.L., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
The most sensible, efficient, reasonably powerful engines now are 1.4 turbos, as fitted by VW, SEAT, Audi, Skoda, FIAT, Renault and Vauxhall in cars the same size as the Focus. Here's a test and video of the new Astra with one:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=408
New, equivalent Ford SCTI engines are coming soon, first 2.0 litres in the Galaxy, S-Max and Mondeo, then 1.6 litres in the Focus and new C-Max.
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