Which transmission is better - Ford Focus Powershift or Honda Civic torque converter?

I would like to arrange test drives in the Focus Zetec 1.6 Powershift and the new Honda Civic 1.8 Automatic. I would appreciate your opinion on both types of transmission and your advice on how long a...

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 the Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI diesel a reliable, trouble-free car?

I am considering buying a nearly new Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI. From all reports this would appear to be a very good car, but I am 70 years old and would prefer trouble-free motoring, and I am concerned about...

New car advice

I work as a building control surveyor, and currenly drive a SEAT Leon. I am thinking of changing car. I need a car that can cope with a continuous start stop regime perhaps only doing 200 miles a week,...

Why does this journalist say that the latest Ford Focus is suited to blue collar families?

I think it rather condescending of Andrew English (first drive reviews) to say that the latest Ford Focus 'brings an unmatched standard of equipment to blue collar families'. I saw a guy wearing a white...

Should I buy a Ford Focus instead of an Audi A1?

Thank you for your prompt reply regarding the Audi A1 1.2 T SE. As I explained I have always bought Ford and, in view of what you say regarding the A1 and Polo, perhaps I should reconsider and revert to...

What is the Eco Drive engine like?

I am wary of Skoda because of problems your readers have reported on Volkswagen Group engine management systems. I would appreciate your thoughts on Eco Drive engines. They are being put in large cars...

Should I buy a diesel car or go for a petrol model?

I'm considering buying a secondhand older model Ford Focus Diesel, up to say 18 months old. Two friends have cautioned me about the diesel engine and/or the turbo, some parts which cost a lot to replace...

Can you recommend an equivalent to the Peugeot 3008, which we were disappointed with?

Following plenty of good reports, 'What Car Car of the Year', Honest John, etc we booked a test drive in a Peugeot 3008 1.6 VTi (the only one available) with a very positive attitude. We wanted this car....

How can a 1.8 be quicker than a 1.6?

I own a 2007 Ford Focus 1.8TDCI Titanium, best car I have ever driven (thanks for the recommendation 3 years ago John). Looking at getting a nearly new model (new shape) but they don't make the 1.8 engine...