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The 2.3-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines are both powerful and smooth, and provide plenty of power to satisfy keen drivers. The 2.3 is set up and geared more for relaxed high-speed progress, though it has loads of torque for sportier behaviour; the 2.0 has to be worked harder but is just as much fun if you like to drop down a gear and rev hard. Both models have a pleasing exhaust note with a sporty rasp. The 1.8 is more workaday, but adequate. However, performance enthusiasts will want to wait for "a very sporty version", which is due "within two years", and is tipped to take on the Mondeo ST220, Accord Type-R and so on. The diesels are both strong, with little performance gain by opting for the 136 bhp over the 120 bhp, though the former is smoother and a little more refined.
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