What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Battle of the Belge
Greetings from Belgium. I’m torn between buying the new Ford Fiesta or the Mark III Focus. I test drove both yesterday and was impressed. I’ve got a 2003 Focus 1.8TDCI now and it still runs well and has been reliable but it’s time to change. There is no scrappage scheme in Belgium but several eco-discounts from the state, which make prices reasonable, although Belgian dealers are notoriously unwilling to offer extra discounts. So it’s either the Fiesta 5-door Econetic 1.6 Tdci 90 FAP or the Focus Econetic 5-door 1.6 TDCi FAP (I drove the 90 and was pretty quick but there is also the 109). The Focus feels very much like my 2003 model inside although of course quieter and greener. The Focus is about £3,000 more, so I am very tempted by the modern, young and trendy look of the Fiesta. I would appreciate your thoughts.
Asked on 26 December 2009 by
Answered by
Honest John
I had a Focus ECOnetic 110 for 14 months and averaged 55mpg, which is about 5.1 litres/100km and very close to its official combined figure. It was very comfortable. More refined than the Mk I or Mk II. But the Fiesta will be a bit more economical. And is more 'all singing all dancing' with that jukebox dash. Its big disadvantage is that the rear seats don't fold flat. Only the backrests flop down.
Dear Honest John,
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
Similar questions
I currently drive a 53 plate Golf Match V and I'm thinking of changing it soon. I've spent over £1,800 on it in 14 months and I think it's time for a change. I've been pretty happy with it, particularly...
At the moment I'm driving a VW Golf 1.6 and am planning to buy a new car but can't decide what. I'm nearly 53, the kids don't live at home and the dog's gone to the happy hunting ground in the sky so for...
My Dad (aged 66, retired, disabled) is about to take up a car on the Motability scheme. His first ever new car. He is pretty mobile, his disability is around angina and late onset diabetes, but quite a...
Related models
Well built with an upmarket interior. Enjoyable and involving to drive. Cheap to run 1.6TDCI ECOnetic. Exceptional reliability record. Very few problems reported despite more than 500,000 sold.