2009 Focus 2.0 Titanium or Mazda 3 2.0 Sport?

[eybic]

We're looking to get a petrol runaround with a little bit of poke for around £2k-£2.5k, the current favourites are a 2009 ish 2.0 Titanium Focus or a Mazda 3 2.0 sport.

Looks wise imo, the Mazda wins but reading reviews the best car to drive is the Focus and it seems less "sport" focused which is fine as we're not after a hardcore hot hatch just a family wagon with a bit of poke. The Mazda is also £300 a year RFL whereas the Focus is £235.

I think I've already made my mind up on a Focus but was wondering if anyone else has been in a similar position or has any opinions?

Thank you

[C.A.R.]

Were the reviews saying the focus was a better steer based on a comparison of the two?
They're the same car underneath (assuming you're talking about the 150hp 2.0 petrol?)

Mazda just looks nicer and is a less common sight on our roads. I test drove one but ended up buying a much less sensible (but just as practical) Celica 190 as the 2.0 drank more than could be justified by the performance on offer...

[eybic]

C.A.R. said:

Were the reviews saying the focus was a better steer based on a comparison of the two?
They're the same car underneath (assuming you're talking about the 150hp 2.0 petrol?)

Mazda just looks nicer and is a less common sight on our roads. I test drove one but ended up buying a much less sensible (but just as practical) Celica 190 as the 2.0 drank more than could be justified by the performance on offer...

Yes, that's the engine (143bhp & 192 lbs/ft for the focus and 147bhp & 137 lbs/ft for the Mazda which seems very low?????) Reviews said that the Mazda can feel unsettled on B roads whereas the Focus reviews all say how good the handling/ suspension is. I agree about the looks which is why I'm torn (along with the additional to tax it)

[eybic]

We ended up getting a 2006 1.8 Civic sport, quicker, cheaper to tax and more economical