We’ve had both the 1.6 Focus and the 1.8 Civic. Both good cars.
The Focus was the Mk1 and it was ace. Handled well, engine a bit gutless so you needed to drive it properly to get the best of it but it was still fun to drive. The design at the time was fresh and funky no issues in 60k miles from new. We changed it for a 2L diesel MK2 that was as dull as ditch water and ate clutches for breakfast, 2 in 70k miles. I think they spoilt the Focus after revising it post MK1. Perfect for pensioners not so for funky Jamie…
We then bought a 61 plate (mk8?) 1.8 petrol Civic and put 50k miles on it from new. The styling was funky and fresh, the magic seats ace and it was comfortable and fun to drive. The 1.8 pretends to have 140bhp but hides it well and we got low 40’s mpg from it. The only issue was an aircon compressor clutch fault fixed under warranty. Everything else, A1. That’s just been shuffled off for another 1.8 Civic (mk9) which is much the same save the face-lift and a bucket load of toys. Same economy, same performance though it’s a bit more refined as that was a common complaint about the older version.
I’d buy a MK1 Focus if it were new enough/low miles enough or a, Civic. I think the Civic will swing it as you probably won’t get a decent MK1 now as they’re all approaching bangerdom.
I also had a look at the Mazda 3 which is a 2L petrol and the Seat Leon (?). I was put off by the bigger engine in the Mazda expecting poorer fuel economy (though the car is cheaper) and the Seat was, a bit dearer (being VAG) but more anonymous so plumped for another Nonda. I can’t recall the details now but I don’t think Seat do a 1.6 or 1.8 petrol, theirs is one of those silly little motah’s with a turbo <shudders>.