Considering getting one of these to replace my mk5 fiesta zetec 1.25 as my insurance renewal is coming up and as I am only 18 insurance is still expensive and these seem pretty reasonable to insure. would people say they're quite quick standard? any known problems with the engines at all? any info is appreciated. I was going to get a mk4 astra 1.8 sri but am edging towards the focus now.
Cheers

 

no one familiar with these cars?

 

Quick enough for an 18 year old. 2.0 Zetec is a good engine. Suppose the usual really, rust on the bottoms of the doors if you're unlucky. Certainly better off with one those over an Astra

 

Focus 2.0 ESP out the box isn't a stormer but quicker than most small hatches. Few mods easily see a proven 140-150bhp and decent enough torque and quick enough to hold up against some of the hotter hatches. My Focus 1.8 Zetec has been dyno'd just under 150bhp yet I can stick to an Audi 1.8T and Golf GTi all the way to 3 figure speeds and also an E46 325Ci couldn't shake me off either.

Also laser timed at Silverstone 0-60 at 7.4 secs and my best 1/4 mile is 16.1 secs. Not blistering but I do away with most normal cars on the roads like I said.

 

Except the ones who are racing you!

 

maybe the 150 spec in a bigger car like a passat
certainly not a 180 spec or small car