What engine in the Ford Focus would suit me best?

I'm looking to buy a 2008 Ford Focus for my 100-mile round trip to work. Which would be the best engine taking road tax and fuel economy into account?

Myles Mckenna (Carrickmacross)

Sep 2013 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

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Expert answer

Hi Myles,

With that length of a daily commute, I'd reckon that you should definitely go for diesel and back in 2008 there was actually a choice of Focus diesels, with the run-out 1.8 TDCi and the incoming 1.6 TDCi both available. Both are excellent choices, with the 1.8 possibly having an edge on overall reliability (it's an older and more proven design) but the 1.6 having the edge in terms of fuel economy and emissions. Find a well-cared for example with full service history (those diesel injection systems are complex and need looking after) and you won't go wrong.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe