Nope not true at all, the 1.6 is the best compromise for power and economy, probably why it's the most popular! (The same engine was fitted to the Fiesta Zetec-S)

I have one that I use as an every day car, done 70,000 miles now, was my first car still have it now 5 years later and NOT ONE problem , I really do not think there are many people that can say that! Nothing special either always serviced by myself.

It won a German award for it's reliability.

I have known these to do alot more a member on here done 160,000 and claimed it was still as "Tight as a drum".

That bottom end problem is a myth and I think it's down to lack of oil, also as with any Zetec engine you want to be using Ford's Reccomendation so a good quality 5W/30 weight.

1.4 is best avoided unless your only going to be driving round town.

In the shoot out I have from Autocar from 1998 where the Focus won out of all it's rivals they also amongst all other aspects named the then new 1600 Zetec (As it was introduced in the Focus) as the best engine of all the rest as well.

Oh another tip the 1600 is cheaper on tax than the larger capacities and equivilant rivals, this is due to the 165 G/KM

Martin