Kitdy, there is still a difference between "our" Focus and the one you get. Ours is considered to have very pleasant driving characteristics. (note that I did not even bring forward a French example as not to look biased) And driving pleasure is not dependent on horse power. But the Focus is a decent four seater, while the 1-series is a decent 2+2, which then should actually be compared in terms of driving pleasure with a MX5 or something like that.
I just found out that we now have the 116d available, where the 2-litre engines pumps out a hefty 115 bhp and which is 4000 Euros cheaper (26 vs 30k) than the 118d (green subsidies and an even more basic standard equipment, lacking for instance air conditioning). That brings the car in Golf territory price wise, but that car than has the 140 BHP TDI.
"I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams