Thanks for the responses. The ford web site says I can get the 1.6 Ti-VCT in the four dour version with Ghia trim. Correct (mea culpa) - but Ghia spec. isn't attractive currently. A Zetec Connection is much better value but no TI- VCT is available. The 100bhp 1.6 is well up to the job however.
I take the point about the Avensis being in a higher class but I'm comparing on price and they seem similar on that.
I'm worried about the 1.6 in the Avensis being too anemic. The smallest engine in the Avensis for the UK market is 1.8. Correct. I have a borrowed 1.4 Focus for a few days and it's very lethargic. A 1.6 Avensis is similar.
I'm also now thinking of the VW Jetta 1.6 FSI Sport, which I think is the best looking of the three. VW's are largely perceived to be quality vehicles with excellent reliability. Reality doesn't back this up.