[fandango]

I test drove the Focus 1.8 again for the FOURTH time - this time I managed
to get a longer drive, especially over really bad roads. Man, this car goes
over bumps and ruts like a true continental, unruffled and composed. And
NVH - what can I say - best ever. As good as my friend's 2.4 accord if not
better.

I still have not had the chance to take fast sweeping corners, but I have
no doubt that it can handle it well.

The car seems to lack low-end grunt, but I suspect it is not entirely the
case because when I observe the speedometer, it is picking up speed quite
rapidly! I suspect due to the stability of the car, one does not feel the
"shove" in the back as with Japanese cars.

It's amazing how people are comparing the Focus with the Accord! Goes to
show that it's a true conti after all.

Well, I'm sold on this car - but only after I've seen the 8th gen civic. It
looks superior on paper, in terms of power and spaciousness, but one still
has to see it in the flesh and drive it to make the conclusion. So, I've
decided to wait just a little longer before deciding. an interesting
difference is in the size of the fuel tanks - Focus has 55 litres, but the
Civic has apparently only 50 litres!

I think if the 1.8 civic is priced closed to the 2.0 Focus, I might be
tempted to get the 2.0 instead. Unless the Civic's 5 speed gbox comes with
sequential paddle shifters!