Should I get the 1.6 or 1.8 diesel Ford Focus?

I want to buy a diesel Ford Focus, but which engine is best? 1.6 or 1.8?

Sean Beggy (ASHBOURNE)

Aug 2014 Filed under: diesel

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Expert answer

Hi Sean,

Go for the 1.6. It's more economical, has lower emissions and is more common than the 1.8, so parts and bits are easier to come by if anything goes wrong. Now, watch the turbo like a hawk, the exhaust gas recirculation valve can give trouble and make sure you insist on proper, high-quality synthetic oil whenever it's serviced. The older 1.8 is actually a bit of a cracking engine, and an in-house Ford designed unit, not shared with other brands as the 1.6 is (Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and MINI have all shared the same engine). It's a good unit, but the easier running costs of the 1.6 just make it the better choice.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe