Hi Guys, would appreciate your opinions on this. I know the 2 cars have been discussed before but not head to head exclusively and not in base trim for both. No other trim level, model, or brands please due to my brand bias and limited budget.

Considerarions:

1. Reliability and durability
1.5 Price (I think XV comes out cheaper by a bit)
2. Sporty handling yet reasonably comfortable ride. Firm suspension is ok but reasonably comfortble (I currently drive a focus)
3. Flood fording capability (better than Focus at least)
4. Fuel economy (I currently get 6.5ish km/l with Focus rush hour driving).
5. Operating/ maintenance cost

This will be my daily urban ride with occasional out of town runs.

Watcha guys think?