Focus Handling: Mk1 vs Mk2

I've had a Mk1 Focus TDCi Zetec  for a few years and found it to be a 
particularly good handling motor, with good performance to boot.

I was thinking about getting a Mk2 Focus (or even the latest 2008 facelift

"Mk3"), however having recently driven a couple of Mk2s I'm having second 
theoughts.

The handling doesnt feel aywhere near as sharp, plus the performance in
the 
1.8 petrol versions I tried was less than impressive...

Anyone care to put a good word in for the Mk2 car - esp the 2.0 TDCi
model?

TIA

Andy