To say that this diesel is a huge improvement on Ford's current 1753cc motor is like saying human beings are better than chimps. However, what really makes this engine special is refinement. Yes, it does speak like a diesel but oh-so softly.

The breakthrough, though, isn't in the engine per se. It's the fuel feed that has changed. This one comes with a high-pressure common rail system - TDCi in Ford speak.

And as with other systems, there is a tiny pilot injection just before the main event giving a small early burn that softens the edge of the big bang. This, and the fact that the diesel uses an aluminium block means that it weighs just 20 kilos more than its petrol sibling.

The front and rear seats have 'anti-submarine' seat cushion pans so that in the event of an accident, the occupant is retained in the seat.

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