There used to be a stage in Network Q RAC Rally (PC game from about 15 years ago), where you'd drive about 3 miles down an almost entirely straight road at absolute top speed; after which he'd suddenly announce '30, square right' and you'd go straight on over a T-junction at 140mph.
My Focus is still going strong nearly 6 years after I bought it I love it, I have a feeling I will actually be in floods of real tears they day I have to scrap it.
Swallow your pride and drop the engine size down to 1.2 or even 1.0. As I said, after a year or two once your insurance has halved, you can start looking for something faster.