If its any help i have owned a new Y plate TD focus, great car and the handling is good. Engine was quick enough and it cruises well and is quiet (astra TDI was quieter). it started to loosen up at 50k and was a belter.
Now own one of the last of the old shape 54 plate TDCI 100bhp focus, its a bit quicker but not that much, feels more like different gearing. this ones still good but build quality is not quite as good as the Y plate one and just doesnt feel as together as my old one.
On the TDI 90bhp diesel, it took around £40 to fill it when dry, and i managed around 350 - 400 miles per tank depending on driving. The new TDCI holds the same but manages as extra 50 per tank even if thrashin it to death.
Had a R reg golf, it was a bit quicker than the focus but didn't handle the same and wasnt as comfy or as well put together funnily enough.
Other option is the astra, good car, comfy handles well but for me the focus has a bit more of a raw edge and you can feel exactly how far to push it and what its doing if you know what i mean.
Focus every time. good luck
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