Should we buy a Focus or a Fiesta, and with which engine?
My wife I are now in our 80s and we have a 9-year-old Focus and a 5-year-old Fiesta. I am no longer allowed to drive due to poor eyesight so we propose to sell both cars and buy a new Fiesta as my wife is used to her old Fiesta and we have a Ford agency nearby. We are not too worried about cost of the new car, but are confused regarding the various engines available in Fiestas (her present car is the 1.4-litre version). It is possible that the new car would be required to occasionally tow a light dinghy trailer. Would you recommend the new 1.25-litre engine, and if so in which HP rating, or the 1.4-litre which is presumably similar to that in our present car? We would have liked a new Focus for quietness and riding comfort on longer journeys, but for local running the smaller Fiesta is preferable. Does the latest Fiesta approach the Focus in riding comfort and noise levels?
Asked on 5 May 2012 by EH, Sale, Cheshire
Answered by
Honest John
The Fiesta doesn't ride as well as the Focus. It's crucial with a Fiesta to avoid big wheels and low profile tyres. On 17-inch wheels they feel as if they have no tyres at all, so stick to 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. The 1.25 and 1.4 are the same family of engines so it depends on how much power you want, but with the 1.25, 60PS isn’t enough, so it's better to go for 80PS.
A direct alternative is the cheaper Mazda 2 1.3TS2 (specifically that model). It's under 121g/km CO2, so costs just £30 in annual tax. But its ride quality is harsher than the Fiesta's so it's even more critical to get it on 14-inch or 15-inch tyres if you can. A third alternative is a KIA Rio, which you may not have considered at all. Take a look at this test and video: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/kia/kia-rio-2011//
In all cases, for your type of motoring, avoid diesel engines.
A direct alternative is the cheaper Mazda 2 1.3TS2 (specifically that model). It's under 121g/km CO2, so costs just £30 in annual tax. But its ride quality is harsher than the Fiesta's so it's even more critical to get it on 14-inch or 15-inch tyres if you can. A third alternative is a KIA Rio, which you may not have considered at all. Take a look at this test and video: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/kia/kia-rio-2011//
In all cases, for your type of motoring, avoid diesel engines.
Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.
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