I'm seriously considering buying a UK spec Focus Cmax 1.6TDCi. I'm trying to
decide whether to get the LX or the Zetec model.
I am buying for the long term. I tend to keep cars for 10-15 years and do
all my own servicing. I am therefore wanting to avoid gimmicky gadgets that
might affect basic driving and MOT tests. Non essential gadgets migth be fun
to play with and if they stop working then I can still drive the car.

On of the differences is an electric parking brake on the Zetec which is not
on the LX. Can anyone tell me quite what this is and how it works. Is it a
potential source of unreliability? Why does anyone want an electric parking
brake when for the last 50 years or more we have just pulled on a simple
ratchet lever - simple and effective.

The extra flexibility of the Zetec seats seem attractive but the alloy
wheels are of no interest

I'd be interested in any comments or comparisons between these two models.

This will be my first diesel but I've been impressed by the design of the
Peugeot Ford power unit and it seems to be well proven in a number of other
vehicles.
Again - comments welcome.

TIA

Bob