Whilst I too don't find lesser specced Fabias that exciting' date=' I think all Fabias have interior plastics, panel gaps and general build quality to be far superior to that of the Octavia Mk1.

[/quote']

Perhaps they spec courtesy cars with a particularly poor quality of plastic then Because I'm sure the "soft touch" covering on the Octavia is a little nicer than the fisher price stuff the dealer's cars seem to have.

in the new focus i think there are 2 1.6 petro engines, one with vvt and a bit more power than the 'normal' one as it sort of replaces the 1.8 that isn't present from the new range so they actually do a 1.6 with about 120bhp.

Yes! 2 1.6's available in new Focus - 1.6 & 1.6 Ti-VCT (variable valve timing) which replaces the 1.8 found in the mk1. For obvious cost/leasing reasons hire companys are always going to have the cheaper versions.

Chris:)

Good reason not to buy Ford.Just spent ages waiting for a Ford garage to pick up the phone then ages on hold listening to naff adverts.

Are they cost cutting on staff? Only rang out of necessity as well!

Last year I did a hell of a lot of miles in a works 100bhp 1.8 tdci focus and it was a bloody awful car.

Thankfully it's gone back to Lex now

Edit: That's works as in belonging to my employer - not team RS