Focus/Astra n/a 1.6 Petrol: Really useless?

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Wed 11 Nov 2015 04:37
Focus/Astra n/a 1.6 Petrol: Really useless? - Jetsam1

Been thinking about the Plan B if the car we are trying to get falls through (really complicated buying process and very fussy banks with OTT regultions here).Current cars are a Skoda Fabia 1.2 HTP 2009 and a 1.2 (!) Astra estate 2004 (absolutely knackered so needs to go).

If we can't get the engine and spec we want the plan B will be either of the 1.6 petrols from Ford or Vauxhall/Opel in estate form as they are considerably cheaper than other options and shouldn't be a problem to finance with the more than decent deposit we have. Used would end up costing the same per month and would be 4-5 years old at the youngest and I do worry about how they have been treated (I see the kind of cars we're interested in being properly thrashed all the time). Opel have a special deal with quite a few extras on the Astra at the moment as the new model is coming out, just with petrol engines though. The Fords are standard cars but could go top spec with the 1.6 engine. Ecoboosts are getting pricey! Just the 1.0 withn the price range and that would be second trim level up.

Don't think diesel is a good idea as we really don't know what our usage will be be from next year and my commute right now is only 25 minutes with about 12-15 on the motorway. I have had a brief test drive of the 1.6 Astra and have driven the 1.4 as a hire car in the past and didn't find it all that bad as long as you plan ahead and use the gears, found it comfortable and quiet though. Don't want anything bigger than an Astra or Focus at the moment.

These simpler engines might be more durable? I drive to the speed limits and maybe once a year on the German Autobahn, second baby coming so needs to be guarenteed to work and be safe! Hence going new.

Outside bets are Suzuki Vitara 1.6 petrol and maybe a Kia C'eed but only seems to be 1.4 diesels available?

I have been finding my driving is quite susceptible to my moods (bad mood = faster and more aggressive) so maybe somethng that can't go too fast would be good!! ;-) Had a 186 BHP BMW 320D once, never got anywhere close to it's capabilities, just once at 125mph on the Autobahn........

Edited by Jetsam1 on 11/11/2015 at 04:49

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Wed 11 Nov 2015 07:42
Focus/Astra n/a 1.6 Petrol: Really useless? - bazza

Currently run a Focus 1.6 Zetec. 5 year old -Standard Sisma engine (atmo). It's absolutely fine, it keeps up with the traffic and averages around 40 mpg, up to 45mpg on a run driven normally. There's nothing wrong with a straighforward petrol engine so long as it's driven with that in mind, ie making full use of the much higher rev range to overtake etc. Reliability wise it's been fine, and there's no direct injection, turbos or DMFs etc to worry about. As a bonus the handling is pin sharp and it's a joy to drive on twisty roads. We have also an Octavia 1.9tdi, which although a nice enough car is a barge in comparison.

Also consider the Auris 1.6 Valve matic, again an atmo engine likely to be bombproof, proven engine with no DI /turbo. I mention this as many DI engines suffer from carbonisation of the inlet valve and tract after a few thousand miles.

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Wed 11 Nov 2015 19:44
Focus/Astra n/a 1.6 Petrol: Really useless? - Jetsam1

Actually sounds quite good when described like that!

Out of interest do you think it would power a Grand C-Max (previous version) reasonably well? These are just to the top of the budget and Ford locally had a brand new one that was left over after the person who ordered it and for some reason it fell through, nice car and if the 125 BHP 1.6 engine is good enough it could be a back up contender!!

Just waiting fro Opel to get back to us...... Hopefully with good news!

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