Volkswagen Golf vs Ford Focus vs Vauxhall/Opel Astra 2017 review | Head2Head

The Vauxhall Astra, the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus are all great choices if you're looking to buy an economical hatchback that's not only perfect for commuting but offers enough space for a family excursion at the weekend. Mat gets behind the wheel of these three small family hatches to give you his verdict and help you pick the perfect new car. Enjoy!
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Cars in this review:
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTI Elite Nav
Volkswagen Golf
Ford Focus
Prices and discounts correct on 7 September 2016.
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All carwow savings correct at time of publishing. Head over to our deals page to find all the latest offers - Ford Focus: www.carwow.co.uk/ford/focus/deals?KZbin&Make-Ford-Model-Focus-Type-deal Vauxhall Astra: www.carwow.co.uk/Vauxhall/Astra/deals?KZbin&Make-Vauxhall-Model-Astra-Type-deal Volkswagen Golf (2017-present): www.carwow.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/deals?KZbin&Make-Volkswagen-Model-Golf-Type-deal

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

@BournemouthXtras .

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

@Syst3M D3Cod3s didnt expect to get a reply but nice

[@awaisyousaf]

I just love this guy. Makes every review so much fun.

[@lease4less197]

Couldn't agree more🙌🏼

[@nikolamladenoff3516]

Apart from Chriss Harris, Matt and the guys make the most professional reviews on youtube. I'm genuinely surprised they don't have more subscribers

[@enlive8868]

Lease4Less p

[@simonyoungs7242]

Agree !

[@rensniessen2046]

So happy right now, just bought my first car yesterday and it is an astra. Stumbled on this video today and see that it comes out of the test really well. Always nice to hear.

[@gayle2855]

am looking for a new car.boy this was so helpful Its gonna be an Astra for me . Thankyou for the information

[@sameyers2670]

I bought a 15 reg Focus 1.5tdci Titanium last August and love it, its really refined and nice to drive

Clean your sensor in outside camera from dust on the right side, you have spots in many videos :)

[@pinkiedlamini7298]

got my eye on that Astra in S.A. please also check out the Kia Stinger against the Astra ( Vauxhall) coz im confused

[@scisum]

I'm glad that people think that golf is better car. So price for focus in second hand marcet is low, wich is good for me :)

[@doctormac123]

Its because of these sorts of cars which make crossovers, like the Nissan kumquat, the Renault thing and the Hyundai Boring mobile, pointless. Crossovers are more expensive to buy and run, slower and simply not as nice to drive, but are the more or less the same size as a normal hatchback and have the same level of crash protection and safety.

[@sic22l]

They're roomier inside,easier to get in and out, you sit higher-see better which makes you more comfortable. Most people don't care about sporty handling or 0-60 runs.

[@doctormac123]

Well I'm a petrolhead so I just don't the point of crossover I think there just a waist of time.

[@sic22l]

***** I just listed the arguments. They're here not to prove a point but to answer people's needs.

[@Harryd06]

If u want a car with cheap intierior go with a vauxhall

[@Ouaziz186]

Yet the Ford Focus has the most dullest, drag looking interior as well as outdated asf

[@Fiarrari]

Watching this in 2024 and car prices has gone up at least 50%. But my salary has been the same since 2016! 😢😢

[@Manoharan]

haha you are not alone mate!

[@cosscat]

just because of you i bought an Astra. Thanks

[@yanan3681]

Has it broke down yet?

[@BR1T807]

@@yanan3681 stfu

[@yanan3681]

@@BR1T807 vauxhall has been shit since the early 90s. I'm a mechanic and I can count on one hand how times iv changed the spark plugs without the coil packs crumbling to pieces, and iv done a lot of them.

[@BR1T807]

@@yanan3681 And what? Don't generalize, I was working as a mechanic and I saw a lot of shit from VAG, Fiat, so the cars its just random they can give a thousands of problems or none, I have 1 corsa C 1.2 for 19 years with 258 k km and not even 1 single problem and a Astra H Opc for 4 years and no problems too, getting the car to 450 bhp on dyno next weekend ;)

[@mmatasko6135]

Wolfie The Wanderer Lol astras are reliable.

[@ernodios]

the Astra is also the best looking one out of these three, specially in that awesome colour

[@FiredEmpire]

0:57 lol After seeing a VW Golf, literally any car looks 10 times sharper than it actually is.

[@campo2309]

Vauxhall Astra, love it.

[@Sceri0]

Really like the new Astra too

[@eriksvonrosen267]

backspace in the astra is just awsome. One of the best features. i work as a car salesman (an used to sell opel / vuaxhall before) and this model must have the biggest back seat in it's class. I'm 192 cm tall and behind myself in my seating position i had about 7-10 cm from my knees to the front ''chair''. Great! and the corsa is very nice too for being a small car.

[@olilea5522]

Just bought an Astra today, this video has reassured me that I made the right choice

[@filipatanasov368]

are you happy with the car

[@NokwandaNgwenyacroxy]

Just got mine yesterday

[@tee24zz]

How’s the car a year on I’ve heard a lot of reliability problems

[@themechanicmechanic874]

Ford st line and Astra are best off 3 here only Astra is the best other 1s are shit

[@rhysclaydon-wotherspoon4658]

I've got a 16 Reg Astra 1.4 Turbo 150ps SRi and its is great! Had it 5 weeks and have done 2700 miles... and i wouldn't change a thing.

[@TheManWithNoName786]

Just got mine yesterday after doing some research, it is a brilliant car and the stuff you get for the low value is incredible.

[@johncradle9746]

Agree it’s a superb car!!!

[@blackwhite3786]

Rhys Claydon-Wotherspoon Can I ask you about the consumption of the car? I am thinking to buy the 1.4 petrol tyrbo 150ps and I am littlebworry about the consumption. Can you give me sime.numbers?

[@johncradle9746]

Anestis Minasidis get the diesel bi turbo it’s a different machine 160 bhp 55mpg real world petrol power only at top end very flat in rev range and 37mpg

[@johncradle9746]

And I had the 1.4 turbo 150 and got rid of it

[@joel8558]

Astra Wins

[@hekinho1]

Like the Astra and this channel, Matt is great

[@Alan_Mac]

I've just driven a 1.4 Astra from London to Glasgow and back and I was astounded at how good it is.

[@DreamCarGarage1]

The Golf looks bland inside and out. It actually looks like a design step back as it more closely resembles the mk6 than the mk 7. The Astra looks a awkward but the focus on looks at is visually purposeful.

[@_lux_w23_5]

The Vauxhall Astra is by far the best!

[@pcjtech]

Test drove the Astra this week and as a one time hater of Vauxhall cars I was surprised and impressed at just how good it is. Placed my order straight after the test drive for the excellent Elite Nav model.

[@FireHawkGaming]

Philip Jones Never thought I would like an Astra, but recently bought a 58 plate Astra H (2 models back) as my first car and I LOVE IT! You can chuck it around corners and it will just grip and go and with its 1.6l 115bhp direct fuel injection engine it just goes like a rocket. Fantastic car and to hear that the new one is even better (and looks even more so) well, I have a tough decision to make between that and the new Fiesta, in my mind the two best drivers cars you can buy.

[@johncradle9746]

Philip Jones I am utterly gobsmacked how good the Astra is - I have the elite in bi turbo with the nicer wheels, 60mpg and shifts very quickly !

[@IIHaZe]

I'm away to order the 1.4T VX line nav, with some added extras. Hope I've made the right decision!

[@yanan3681]

The gearboxes are shit.

[@markwatkins2635]

If the bbc gets this guy on top gear I'll start watching it again 🙏

[@andreydavydov6417]

Great job, Mat. Well done! Totally agree with you about Astra,, which also has such a cool feature like a matrix led head lights

[@messin1000]

Shows how unbiased carwow is. every other car reviewer would rank the Vauxhall last just because a Vauxhall.

[@nutfield0013]

it's just a shame carwow tossed its objectivity image in the bin, newer reviews are no longer objective and Mat literally hugs any German he comes across

[@sebastianlim2499]

The Opel Astra is easily the best

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

Except it lacks some very basic kit. Doesn't even have rear armrests!

[@pierrot148]

I think the astra looks very cheap inside. Cheap glossy plastic, all the shiny bits are plastic instead of chrome, it's a big mess of colours in the dials,... I don't agree with Matt in terms of the interior. It is very good value however.

[@sic22l]

This glossy plastic is piano black paint finish. It's not cheap, even Mercedes uses it in C class or E class.

[@pierrot148]

sic22l no it's not I'm afraid, it's way lower quality. pure plastic.

[@sic22l]

PvanP It's pure plastic, just like in two Mercedes models I mentioned. Piano black finish is always painted plastic in any car.

[@nickwills6042]

I agree with the verdict, only i think the front of the new astra is good, and the back is less good

[@ernodios]

still better than the other two's

[@apres99]

red color for astra is better

[@apres99]

red color for astra is better

[@stevensteven3417]

I am afraid he just dont gives a shit what Matt says and so do i.

[@turbo3492]

Shame the Focus does not have a petrol engine you can depend on.Ecoboost? no thanks.

[@MrRohanThomas]

Ecoboost is a disastor

[@arash7even]

So do you recommend used Opel astra(2017/16)for under €10k?

[@johncradle9746]

I have an Astra 1.6 biturbo - it is absolutely superb!!!!! In every aspect it impresses 160 BHP and 60mpg and heated front and back seats and heated steering wheel is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of equipment!

[@LewisNelson98]

I love the new Astra all way round. Really am considering it for my next car.

[@longtailgt]

Those alloys on the Focus!! Oh my god! They're gorgeous! I want to buy the Ford just for those wheels. And even the rest of the car looks brilliant, with the Mustang-like front. That combined with those wheels.... I'm sold.

[@pipoo1]

Ditched a 15 plate Focus ST for a 68 plate Astra Elite Nav with 1.6t petrol. I do not regret my decision. The Astra is absolute joy to drive and is at its best on a bendy country A/B road. I’d argue an Elite Nav, just with factory spec is the best value for money hatchback on the road, you get the 8inch touch screen and upgraded audio, front and rear heated leather seats with electric lumbar support, rear USB ports for charging gadgets, heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control, front and rear electric windows. For an extra £90 you can order a boot organiser which removes the boot lip and provides an organiser for the usual stuff people carry in the boot.

[@pslavi]

Normally I wouldn't bother saying anything about these type of cars but after buying a new Astra for the wife and she really loves it which comes back to me with more x.. But in all honesty it's an excellent car.

[@rogiba5115]

good for you...... i want more x to but i dont have a wife

[@stephendodge4086]

Wow, at long last a Vauxhall is better than a German car, no rear armrest in the Ford either.

[@sl-ps5dq]

ASTRA SUPER. Love 💕

[@sinan5636]

Golf without the badge of VW is like carwow without Mat Watson.

[@mrtry8982]

Agreed the Astra is absolutely exquisite ♥️

[@abulhasnat7131]

I just bought one!

[@dh1380]

The golf interteior looks like an old astra h. Not nice at all. Most boring car of the lot, just trading off the badge

[@Memories-_]

Just imagine if that Golf didn't have a VW badge. What a very very bland boring cheap old looking car.

[@sic22l]

Elegant (with xenons and bigger wheels), excellent, high quality interior. Mature - some people call it boring. But definitely not cheap.

[@Memories-_]

+sic22l i know its not cheap but it looks very cheap unless you get the R model

[@sic22l]

Dezz9820 When you're inside - it doesn't look cheap.

[@sic22l]

Dezz9820 With bi-xenons and nice wheels it looks really good. Base Astra also looks crap.

[@alfisti93]

Sorry, but the inside window frames on the doors of the vw scream cheap to me, because they didn't bother to mask the metal frame. In the Astra and the Focus you can't see bare metal on the inside anywhere. Great vw, some fake "velvet" in the door pocket where nobody sees it but the window frames on the inside are not covered, so you stare at metal shining through all of the time. Well done.

[@Raven16691]

I'm sorry but once you see that the Focus actually carries a huge moustache, you can never unsee it ever again. This is why I couldn't buy one.

[@Runeakb]

On no my in-laws just bought one. Cannot unsee it!

[@MrRohanThomas]

MK1 and MK2 look better

[@TheFightersWay]

i drive this astra often, its a company car and its great, 200 hp, drives well, looks good and I think its better than our 200 hp seat leon, also its more reliable, just a great car.

[@BM_PAZ]

The ISOFIX on the Golf is a lot simpler than you make out, it's actually just as easy and quick as you showed in the Astra.

[@In_a_state]

The Focus is sporting 18" inch wheels vs the Golf's 16, tires that size will make more noise. It's atleast as well noise insulated as the Golf, as others have also reported. I can't fit in the Astra, the steering wheel can't be adjusted high enough for me not to hit it with my knees (I'm 1.86m). Astra's dash feels small, like I'm riding in a small city car. I'm with the Focus on this one, 17" rims with an exterior package if possible and the chrome grill looks better than any other hatchback for me.

[@meinameina7158]

So the golf is most practical, most reliable and well made, has most features and is easily best looking giving some trims like alloy upgrades and colour.

[@danieljayhh]

Best looking lol

[@someguywithaford]

I know it’s 6 years late for this, but the focus seats actually fold flat. You just have to remove the headrests and fold the seat bottoms up first

[@FlixTV101]

I'd get the Golf every time, the interior is really nice with a 2.0 Diesel engine, it would rock!

[@CanalulAscuns]

Flix i know i am one year late, but when i saw this comment i taught at a point that i had some time ago . If you ask anybody about VW they will tell you “2.0 TDI” . Those engines are so good even to this day , shame that they will not live for so much longer because of the diesel problem.

[@Isabel-hi5qv]

What is Vauxhall? ? in Germany is it called opel

[@Alan_Mac]

The is built in The UK and had a big British design input.

[@2595220]

yea astra name was originally from vauxhall, but took designs from opel why both share it, but does belong to vauxhall

[@u9477]

no its because vauxhall was originally british opel was german then they both got bought by gm

[@mikedoverskog]

GM bought Opel, Vauxhall and Holden. Yes there is even a Holden-badged Astra model in Australia. Of course this is now about to become the next great French car marque with PSA buying the lot from GM ;)

[@joestevenson6375]

Isabel vauxhall is fiat

[@pumprump4838]

OPEL

[@hectorandem2944]

--VAUXHALL/HOLDEN-- --OPEL-- *G M*

[@hemenkareamg6957]

Ford Focus interior is the most beautiful in hatchbacks

[@mikedoverskog]

Well, that bodes well. I've just ordered the 2017 Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 SRi 200 Nav. Can't wait. :)

[@johnatron4140]

Thought I should mention that the Ford Focus did get an interior update in 2017 which added a smoother infotainment system called sync 3 which does include apple car play and Android Auto. Also, some of the materials were changed in the interior along with the addition of a rear arm rest on models that are titanium and higher.

[@jamesc1]

Well my 2015 focus has a rear arm rest, its a titanium x.

[@farzad6560]

@@jamesc1 You can Upgrade your Sync2 with an Update to SYNC3.

[@majkicfoto]

only problem is that 1.6 cdti had bad chain....

[@kp1804]

I can't believe it the focus lost and the astra won in an English review! Vauxhall must have done a great job with the astra

[@morganainsworth1045]

In my opinion the focus is miles better! (I've experienced both and chose the Focus)

[@askaribr1]

i like the Astra a lot. very beautiful car شباب وش رايكم يها. معجبتني مرة

[@minorearthmajorsky1476]

Astra rocks!

[@brandonmcpayne6246]

VAUXHALL!

[@ReValveiT_01]

A British built car winning out over a German built car? Have I just entered an alternate universe?

[@praisethesun3630]

vw golf 7 is a best car!

[@lukakoprivica]

🤣😂😂 comment on the plates... Golf is super ugly!

[@jamie9883]

I've owned the Astra for 6 days, utterly fantastic!!!!

[@johncradle9746]

Jamie Harper-Walton I have the bi turbo I absolutely love it!

[@toy2day1]

And then what? It Broke down? Hehehe..

[@MrRohanThomas]

Nope, Vauxhall car will have less chance breaking down than a ford or volkswagen, search it up hehe

[@djuraster]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior Hyudai is Korean and no German car can compete with Accord. Talking out of your ass, baddy

[@Mehdibakkali]

I have the 1.6 diesel automatic one. Its great !! Just got it a week ago

[@natural9743]

Ford Focus all day long hands down 8 inch sat nav --no turbo lag--seemless auto transmission --active grill assist -great handling-132kw 1.5-- 5 star safety rating-

[@billylai6]

Matt, really love your review

[@Nellis0]

Opel /Vauxhall rules! New benchmark, like it should be! German technology at its best.

[@2595220]

the astra name came from vauxhall, opel just had orginal designs for it, and now the two share it.

[@patrick8734]

Nellis Smith isnt opel owned by GM?

[@jsleamer2046]

GM technology

[@lukasdinkel384]

@@patrick8734 Not anymore, GM sold Opel/Vauxhall and PSA bought it in 2017. The Grandland X, the Crossland X, the new Corsa and the new Opel Mokka, which comes 2021, are produced in cooperation of PSA. The Opel Insignia and the Astra baseing of GM technology.

[@danielsingeorzan2808]

except that it's now french, after being American :)

[@danielmathews8273]

A similar numberplate to that of the Astra is around £300 - substantially less than the cars retail price.

[@kaushlendrasingh4960]

Great review matt and i completely agree with your verdict about each car, the astra as you said is great although i dont think it looks bad from the front anyway great work.

[@homeonwheels700]

good to hear as im picking up a 2014 astra

[@skingston166]

The golf looks the cheapest

[@olilea5522]

I agree, i never like the interior, the screen and dials look so boring and plain

[@morganainsworth1045]

@@olilea5522 they really do, i honestly hate vw.

[@JoDoSa]

I want to thank you fo r this video, I was actually considering buying a Civic or a Focus and at the time I did not even thought about the Astra, and now, because of you I went to see it and bought it instead of the other 2

[@JamesSmith-rf3qx]

Astra were always good

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

I had a hard time choosing recently between the Astra, mazda 3 and the Golf. I loved the Mazda 3, but it was so noisy compared to the other two and had to be revved hard to get the speed due to being NA The Astra was nice but the interior looked a bit cheap compared to the other 2, quite nice to drive though. Sadly it was missing some basic kit that I wanted, namely ACC and rear armrests. I got the golf in the end due to it feeling the best to drive, also mine came with a free sunroof and ACC as standard. i do kind of wish I had got the Mazda 3 in the end as it is easily the best looking car in the class and despite it's faults I think I would have been slightly happier with it. i had a focus in the past and it was nothing special at all, wouldn't get another.

[@bonganinondudule9022]

Say the new astra. Whats the name of the app I need to have to be able to start it with?

[@MzwandileHarmans]

I love Opel. I will only buy opel

[@alinnechitacj]

When will you test the Crossland x?

[@bmwdaywhatyouwant7679]

I'd pick the Ford Focus! :D

[@morganainsworth1045]

Me too, theyre great all round!

[@VolvoXC90TV]

All of these cars are equally great in their own right.. It just depends on your personality more or less! For me it's the Golf. Always.

[@Underhills]

The most important thing in any car review is the bottle test. Let's not forget that. If a car manufacturer would like to win reviews then make sure you can store a large amount of bottles in the side door.

[@lukefleming0607]

Had a 1.4 petrol Astra with 150bhp as a courtesy car from Vauxhall while my 2015 insignia was in for service. Was a lovely car to drive. Considering part exchanging the insignia for an astra at some point. Think I'd go for the 1.4 150bhp or 1.6 200bhp petrol engine. I always thought elite nav was top spec model but today found out there's a new ultimate trim level that's top of the range with absolutely every option fitted and is the only trim to have led lights as standard. Looked round one today with the 200bhp 1.6 petrol engine

[@Kreature303]

The new VXR should be naughty af!!!

[@adrianmarin7830]

Matt....i didn't believe you one year ago.Soooo i actually bought an Astra with 5 doors a few weeks ago, simple 1.4, 125 horsepower as a three year old used car....Mate you were spot on, not even for the price (which was also not much), it's a brilliant car!Revs like hell, turns like a devil.So all things considered, i do believe you now, thank you!

[@sisiphomofokeng239]

I’m getting the Astra.. Thanks for this great review!

[@wr70beh]

DO you not have the Sync 3 system yet on the Focus? It's a vast improvement on that MyFord Touch system you're complaining about.

[@zaidtareen1383]

where's the new Renault megane

[@marcuswoodgate4026]

Zaid Tareen broken down at the side of the road maybe 🤔

[@HKdetailerFIN]

GM should use the Opel badge in the UK. It's a German car after all. If Vauxhall has such a bad reputation and British motorist love German cars, why does GM still use the Vauxhall badge?

[@jamesgordon783]

HKdetailerFIN It uses the Vauxhall Badge because Vauxhall existed before General Motors acquired it to their group in the later years of the 20th Century. Vauxhall has been around for an awful long time since 1903, so it wouldn't make proper sense to not use the Vauxhall badge and use the Opel badge instead, since the latter is more European.

[@sondrejohansen48]

HKdetailerFIN GM doesn't own Vauxhall and Opel anymore. They sold it to french company Groupe PSA which owns Citroen and Peugeot and many others. GM is currently losing lots of momey as they filed for bankruptcy few years back. And about why Opel isnt using there name, its because it will kill Vauxhall which is like a household name here in UK and this will displease the customers and british public very much and it will be disastrous for both Opel and the motor industry in UK. So bit of a no show you see and anyway Vauxhall have a very rich history if you didnt know so killing that brand is a bad idea

[@radu2015]

HKdetailerFIN yeah its stupid

[@golf1diesel]

@@sondrejohansen48 it means you English people can't adapt well.Or it's maybe the hate for the Germans.Although most of you drive German cars. Ford is German based,so is the Vauxhall.While what you say makes perfect sense,I think the public is very ignorant with the reality...

[@drwasabie1]

thank you mat! went for astra after this review, and im very satisfied for my choice!

[@fakhreddinemouffak544]

Nice review Mat as always.

[@UnholyCamouflage]

when the astra was a coupe... good ol times

[@demonhowlingdeath4761]

I want a fucking vw golf 2016 Or a Vh astra 2016 right now

[@Sailor_alan]

I've had all 3 of these the golf is best for soundproofing, but, astra k is most fun to drive. The first gen focus was amazing.

[@mya4126]

Golf looks ugly

[@rosesxoxo2757]

Astra has easily won

[@Sailor_alan]

This astra is the best of all. It's fun to frive

[@CaptainButtonMasher]

By far the best car reviews I've seen so far. Really well done with just the sort of information I'd need. Great presenter too. Thanks.

[@minnesnowtan9970]

Since there is no Astra in the USA (except for the dog from "The Thin Man" movies), and the dog Astra is dead, I would have to go for the Golf. And we can still get it with a proper, three pedal transmission here.

[@Robert.3Coupe]

i've driven recently an aastra g , a mk4 golf and a mk1 focus i must say , the focus is the most fun to drive the astra is the most comfortable and the vw golf the most practicle

[@lucaalessandroturtscher8888]

Everytime i hear: "it's easy to sit" i think about: "it's so easy to get in and out, you know." Ah may, hammond and clarkson....