My take on this is that the 1.8 and 2.0 will use the Zetec-E and will be the more solid option. The 1.6 is the Zetec-SE which is a very different engine and there is nothing wrong with it but will not wear the miles that well. 300k miles are no problem for the Zetec-E with regular oil changes and ensuring the timing belt is changed as needed. The Zetec-E is the same engine that Ford used in the MK1 Focus RS which is in indication that it is very much designed for more power than in the standard forms.

Also most of the Zetec-E variants are supplied witth the more solid MTX75 gearbox whilst the 1.6 will come with the Fiesta grade IB5 gearbox.

• It was noisy when cold (sounded like tappet/valve clatter noise. Sound went when fully warm, but was always a worry.
• Often stuttered a little going up hills with only moderate load, felt lumpy mid range.
• Engine felt underpowered

Could the timing be out? Has the timing belt been changed inexpertly and is a tooth or few out on one or both cams? How far out must it be before an engine management light comes on, if indeed it does?

I am amazed by the number of degrees through which a variable camshaft pulley can be adjusted in sophisticated engines like my Audi and some BMWs - and probably many other engines I have no knowledge of.

I've run a Focus Mk II 2-litre for some years (covering about 50,000 miles) and have been well pleased.

Few problems: return spring on clutch pedal keeps breaking. I've not bothered about it since the last time and the pedal goes right back up when your foot's off anyway. The only difference is that the clutch has a lighter feel.

I had the alternator fail soon after I got it - not a common fault, I believe. It was replaced by Kwik Fit and is still working fine.

Earlier this year, the EGR valve failed.

The car has had three new tyres in the time I've owned it and one of those was from hitting something in the road. (It was dark and I never saw what it was.)

One new battery.

It did 43 mpg last weekend going from Hertfordshire to Newcastle and back at indicated motorway speeds of 60 - 75 mph. Even in winter and with short journeys it doesn't drop below 37.

Nice car.

Edited by FP on 12/07/2015 at 17:51

I've had 2-litre engines in medium-sized cars for most of the last 30 years, and it's a good combination. There's plenty of performance and little loss of economy compared with a 1.6 (as you need less pressure on the accelerator to make good progress). FP's experience of good economy and longevity proves the point.

The alternative offered widely is the smaller-capacity high-power engines like the Ford 1.0 Ecoboost 125 bhp and the VW Group 1.4 TSI 150 bhp. You could argue that these give similar results, but the jury's still out on how they will cope with high mileages.

You can still get the 2.0i in BMW's 1- and 2-series, and Mazda is having something of a sales revival with its 2.0 non-turbo petrol engines. So I hope there will always continue to be a choice.