The best bit; No praying required here.

The ride was supple even on the larger, optional 16” wheels. Handling was enthusiastic; the steering is responsive with plenty of weight and resistance, there is a bit of body roll but it’s well contained and avoids feeling top heavy, and there’s plenty of grip and traction.

Throw in a positive-changing gearbox, perfectly spaced pedals with great initial bite on the brakes, and it all adds up together to be pretty good fun at all speeds.

Road noise is acceptable, with quite some resonance – but then the car does feel a bit tinny. Even when you just shut the door, the clunk is quite high pitched and thin sounding! There is a noticeable amount of tyre roar, wind noise is quite well suppressed and the old-school diesel clatter is mostly heard at startup or at high rpm.

The main notable aspect involved reverse gear; the synchro seems quite weak on these cars, and so its quite easy to overcome – leading to the inevitable crunch!

Spec: Zetec Climate 2007MY
Engine: 1.4 TDCI, 67bhp (@ 4000), 118lb ft (@ 2000)
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Mpg: Official: 62.8mpg Achieved: 55mpg
Performance: 0-62mph: 15.5 Secs, 101mph
Colour: Black
Running Period: Spring- Summer 2007, 9000 Miles
Options: 16” 7 Spoke Alloy Wheels, Bluetooth/Voice Control, ESP, 
Reflex Pack (side/curtain airbags & centre head restraint), Perimeter alarm, 
Privacy glass, Rear parking sensors, Technology Pack (auto-lights/wipers, 
stereo remote controls, folding door mirrors & second remote key).