Clarkson vs Hammond: Battle of the hot hatch | Top Gear

Jeremy and Richard pit the Ford Fiesta ST150 and the Citroën C2 VTS against each other in a battle of the hot hatchbacks, but who will be victorious out on the track?
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Part of the #ThrowbackThursday playlist, taken from Top Gear Series 05 Episode 09.
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[@everything777]

This episode was released in 2004, so it's closer to the 80's than we are now to this episode. I'm so old

[@MilkDrinker218]

You wanna know something? That’s the year I was born. Celebrated my 18th birthday a few months ago.

[@MegaDeeby93]

Bloody hell 😳 that makes ya think where does time go

[@Clonex43]

how ironic that 10 years later Hammond would fall in love with the Fiesta ST :D

[@gemaskerdebeuker8511]

What do you mean ironic. He was just acting his part. For all we know he hates that C2.

[@illkaw]

2.0 Fiesta 148bhp 1.6 C2 125bhp my standard corsa 1.6 150bhp

[@samkmusicofficial1034]

@@illkaw your standard Corsa of what year?😂 No shit a 2010s car would have more hp than a mid 2000s car

[@illkaw]

@@samkmusicofficial1034 Weirdly My standard Corsa is 2008 (Not really a 2010's car.) Another car i also own is a Insignia 1.8 which is 2011 and that only has 140bhp. The 2007 Astra 1.8 i had before these was also 140bhp. Neither the Insignia nor Astra have higher bhp then the Fiesta and barely more than the C2. But in your opinion they should both have more. I also understand the point your trying to make but you talking to someone who knows this all too well. I also own a 1995 Cavalier 1.8 which only has 94bhp or did have when new. So in brief; 1995 Cavalier 1.8 94bhp 2007 Astra 1.8 140bhp 2008 Corsa 1.6 150bhp 2011 insignia 1.8 140bhp

[@zdendas13]

@@illkaw You literally have a car with a turbo compared to 2 NA engines

[@justinjavellana]

After watching this I've realized that modern hatches sure are massive.

[@dieOsamas]

Because they need to be safer. There are no more micro cars because they wouldn't get past any safety regulations.

[@LeopaldStraus]

@@dieOsamas mmm the Smart car crash test is interesting 😏

[@ebddenby8439]

@@dieOsamas still doesn't make them safer 🤣

[@Braselton21]

AND EXPENSIVE!!!

[@YaBoiiiNikki]

No wonder the Ford won,it has racing stripes,lol.

[@zhaviator]

"Go faster stripes"

[@prostreetfairladyz8402]

extra 80hp

[@vormoszx]

Mitsubishi Starion GSR

[@meemdoggoriginallongdrink]

So he cheated!

[@luckythewolf6411]

Spoiler alert???

[@nathangreen6286]

I’m 18 and trust me , no 18 year old wants a citreon 😂😂😂

[@lewishamilton.f1.44]

I once saw a citroen on my work and it was standing right next to an modern Peugeot and i didn,t like the both of them

[@willhaer2894]

Nothing wrong with a saxo vtr or vts anyone who has driven one will understand not many cars come close to being as fun to drive!

[@Mikeb1001]

The youth of today have no idea! Saxo VTR/VTS over a mk7 or mk8 Fiesta ST any day

[@Ethan-Entah]

True, as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted Jezza to win

[@neilnewman6426]

Trust me back in the day everyone had a Citroen saxo vts

[@jordanclarkson2010]

If you're 18 you're gonna have a hard time insuring either of these :P

[@georgieboyd8126]

JCCars well

[@spacekii]

Forget 1.6 litres when we can barely afford 1.2

[@davidjonesmini6683]

Retro Lad that’s unlucky for you

[@BiscuitEdits]

I got the facelift MK6 ST a few months ago, fully comp at 19 for 1k for the year. Fuel is the most expensive part lol

[@jordanclarkson2010]

@@BiscuitEdits That's very reasonable to be honest!

[@ryanskuse6943]

I own the ST150 and its an awesome car, my only gripe is that it sounds a bit standard but other than that its great, was cheap as well. Just know it isn't very fast on the straights but it feels fast but in the corners this thing is a boss, best overall car for the money I think, also very fun, just don't race anyone at the lights or you'll look stupid.

[@DrYksM]

The stripes made it faster...

[@hybridAbsol]

DrYksM Fiesta ST 150hp , racing stripes 50hp = 200hp 😂

[@conmichael7525]

I had a VTS, after driving it for 3 years I figured the VTS stood for Very Tacky Shit as that's what it was like

[@hybridAbsol]

🤣

[@cikuI00]

I love that comparision between IPod and Walkman, because that's exactly how I feel about my Fiesta MK6 and I absolutely love it.

[@jdapaul1351]

And Hammond acknowledged later on in Season 20 that the 80's were brilliant

[@SugmaNatsu]

"This is an iPod and that is a cassette player" "Yes but this is first and that is second"

[@deancoates2467]

hammond says the fiesta st is no good, yet in the perfect road trip he drove one and thought it was great...mmm

[@brooder2231]

Almost ten years mate. I think...

[@SlothMan118]

And drove a focus rs in the grand tour special

[@roskataqv]

Тоо bad they didn't review more of that fiesta its awesome!

[@csykes23]

Hammond: 'see I'm tighter to the line here.....' Proceeds to drift out wide

[@harrystrickland9238]

I am 18 and i've just bought a Ford Fiesta ST150, absolutely fantastic car!

[@LxamGames]

harry strickland what’s insurance like haha

[@ad351]

I've just purchased an st150,such fantastic little car.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Hammond's mistake was championing the Citreon instead of the other two contemporary Hot Hatch class leaders. Renault and Honda's Type R have long been the cars that gave Ford's ST division the most challenge, not Citreon, not Seat, and not Peugeot.

[@ScottZ370]

Think these were quite a bit cheaper

[@SilverScarletSpider]

True that is a good point Mk8 Miller 👍

[@Mikeb1001]

These were about 12-13k while even then a Civic Type R was about 18k. The only Renault RS comparable in price would be either the Clio RS 172/182 which even then were a bit more expensive but probably a little faster as well or the Twingo RS 133 which came and went without anyone noticing hardly. It’s also worth pointing out that the C2 was the replacement for the Saxo and the Saxo VTR/VTS was the king of hot hatches in its day

[@MoldyWormStudios]

I’m 17 an I just bought a classic Mini from the 80s, even better!

[@Bav-s30z]

That makes a point. Nowadays when u buy a car, it's not just a car, it's skynets bathroom. Automatic dual clutch, electronic parking brakes, unnecessary beeps, massive and distracting infotainment system. styling that would look no different if it was driven on by a tank, unnecessary power upgrades and LED headlights that make the sunlight look dim. I don't care who won this battle. even at 15yo I'd pick an old hot hatch over the stuff they are producing today, when I get my driving license.

[@RaiderOfTheLost]

No one cares you poor fuck

[@thfreakinacage]

Not gonna lie, that's a pretty sweet first car. I see this comment is a year old now, so I hope it served you well. Still got it?

[@steveedwards3821]

@@RaiderOfTheLost spastic 😂

[@charliepettersson7329]

@@RaiderOfTheLost who asked for your opinion?

[@windomearl7387]

Getting shut of my vts after 7 years of joyous driving . Unfortunately it's had a stroke and it's lost the use of the electrics on its left side . Depending how long you cain 2nd and 3rd it will leave st's behind Gonna miss her :( She only just covered the dibber for my abarth :) Every cloud and all that. R.I.P my lil French fancy

[@olwcn]

I actually own a Fiesta ST150 and it's brilliant!

[@micke2943]

Got a st150 2008 mk6. I just love that car! Sure, it isnt trouble free! But you forget these troubles when pushing it on tight backroads!

[@chataszamana]

They are the best!

[@jetmec]

What! A Citroen that made it round the track without breaking down! Or was it towed round the track by the Ford?

[@hybridAbsol]

Jetmec hahaha

[@offjoardlol255]

it must have been

[@smartpea5596]

Why does everyone hate the citroen?

[@jetmec]

@@smartpea5596 They are one of the worst car according to the JD power survey

[@smartpea5596]

Wow i didn’t know that i always thought they were really reliable because my c4 never had 1 problem with it

[@sampledger1023]

I like both

[@woodant1981]

Both actually make fantastic RX cars!!

[@marksurgeon3088]

I have a fiesta ST like the one in this video. awesome little car

[@playforfunpff6698]

Me too, blue with gt40 lines)

[@ryanmills9915]

I have an st it’s like a tiny go cart handles so well engine size is a bit silly for a n/a bit it’s bags of fun

[@garrettsmith6549]

I own a 2019 fiesta st and it is absolute beautiful to drive. you dont buy a fist for the interior or the luxury, you buy for the driver experience, it is one hell of a ride for what it is

[@simonthomas5367]

"He's not getting away from me........ I'm tighter in the lines......." but I list by MILES!!

[@MrStreetballer5Official]

Sounds like a event in Gran Turismo 6 lmaoo...

[@bretthousman8317]

one of the early ass races using a 150hp car

[@spacekii]

Don't think they realise we can barely insure a *base model* fiesta. It's ridiculous

[@daveyboiyeah]

Back in 2004 though!

[@joshuaminke6629]

i personally have the code limited edition of the c2, great car

[@MrReddragongamingHD]

Got an XR4 (Aussie equivalent identical to the ST minus the ST badge), its a dream to drive, especially around the corners, feels quite quick and snappy, has a light flywheel though so requires a bit of revving to prevent stalling, otherwise steering is tight, sticks to the road like cement, brakes are good and its an overall good buy, just has issues with reliability, both of the drivers seats no longer pull forward so can't get into back, boot rattles and the driver's window motor is busted (reportedly common problem). As an all rounder, I don't know much better for the price, something comparable to it however is the Polo GTI but doesn't have the same "fizz".

[@pacificostudios]

When he brings up the insurance, Richard suddenly starts spouting useful information.

[@Jay-mi5dg]

the old mk6 model fiesta sts still look 100 times better than the newer models

[@harryemmott8597]

2:21 its the mirror of opposites!

[@louisbryant2302]

18 years later and it really shows who is the better car manufacturer. There are still a lot of fords about of that body shape, however there arent that many citroens about.

[@MCO18]

I bet the Citroen reeks of cigarettes and fromage.

[@ChunkyAndFunky-wp4ki]

Probs owned by my mum

[@TrucksForCanada]

in the description is says Citron C2 VTS when its Citroen

[@TheMagicLemur]

It's interesting that, no matter how many times Top Gear do the whole solving-the-1980's-Hatchback-versus-a-modern-hatchback-debate-once-and-for-all gambit, no-one ever seems to notice that they bring it back almost every series. In fact, I swear I first saw Clarkson use this idea 17 years ago, back in 1997 on 'Apocalypse Clarkson'...

[@IronMan3582]

Mad respect for Jeremy giving props to the RS200 and Escort Cosworth, those were *LEGENDARY* hot hatches on the road, off the road, and on the track. I have nothing but respect for the Focus and the Fiesta, but I *really* like the paint job the one Jeremy is driving in this clip.

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

lovin' the face of hammond in the thumbnail! also, may i point out Top Gear did a typo and in the description wrote "...and the Citron C2 VTS against..."

[@pepijnb8131]

Walkman for the win!!

[@VINNIEJONES10]

Richard is wearing one of James’ shirts while driving that Citroen

[@devravi7049]

damn remember when they were allowed to race side by side on the track

[@g4_kyleb50]

i miss old top gear ;D

[@WhiteFireMega]

I used to drive a C2 VTR, one of the most fun hatchback I've ever driven. Now I got an mx5, wich is better and funnier but not an hatchback ;)

[@mrscary3105]

Stick to running in Wheels, Hamster! :)

[@rosenedits340]

That Fiesta's last MOT was in 2009. It probably got written off.

[@onefastc4610]

Big boys

[@chriss.9398]

My favorite hatchbacks are the early 90's honda civics and the vw golf.

[@gabrieldosanjosalves8297]

I have a fiesta mk6, itz a 1.6 zetec, but still a powerful nice car

[@preyoter]

I will always stick with Citroën. my first car is a Citroën c3 mrk1 and that car kicks ass and is very reliable

[@BSEmadcow]

The Ford is better because the Citroen is, well , French.

[@Rqoiz]

I will never ever get a Ford. You have to look hard to find a worse rustbucket then Ford. On that note, i would never get a Citroen either, because as you said, it's french.

[@Rqoiz]

Lavdi That or a Volvo.

[@davidvanhansen]

Scot-free And the Fiesta German

[@robertogastaldi3383]

i'm agree, but the espace f1 was french :( and venturi 400(that sort of f40 clone) even, obliously a road car is different, a clio williams can't compete with cosworts(sierra or escort)

[@daelinlis6649]

France have given us some incredible cars.

[@Lolatron9000]

Love my little Citroen. Would get the ford, money no object, but it's so much more expensive to buy and insure at 17

[@richiefraser1473]

Ive had my st for 10yrs and have drove it like jezza for 100thousand miles I haven't been to particular about oil changes either and its know knocking from bottom end so hats off to ford it lasted well 🏁

[@jaxendale7864]

The thing is, the c2 vts is fairly cheap to buy compared to an st, I went with one myself last year and whilst it isnt as fun as a saxo vtr its still worth the money, if your looking for a fun hot hatch you can get a decent vts for £1000

[@timschutte6924]

My choice would be either the Ford 3 cylinder turbo Fiesta or the VW, VR6 Hatch. Both are excellent.

[@mansdaz]

The ford st is also restricted by ford to 148hp for insurance purposes for younger drivers, derestricted it's 165hp

[@1pointman]

25 and would go with Fiesta :D

[@georgecollins2412]

This was shown on TV in 2004, which is just as far away from today in 2022 as it is to 1986. The 2000’s in the 2020’s is the equivalent of the 1980’s in the 2000’s

[@siangetz8808]

Omg gangaa ad is here too

[@Lukk1st]

Waiting for the Diesel version of the focus ST

[@blubb7711]

I wish, i have a Ford Sierra 2.9l :D

[@lunch6360]

I fully intend on getting a Fiesta

[@blairo15]

Can you buy any of the early seasons on DVD? I have from season 10 onwards but I love the old stuff too!

[@googleboughtmee]

You can download them from FinalGear if the DVDs aren't available

[@NGMonocrom]

VW GTI owners laughing at both of them. 😆

[@romanbellic1482]

How bout an ultimate minivan challenge.

[@jonathantrotter8544]

Richard loves the fiesta ST, somehow I think he was just hating on the ST because Clarkson liked it 😂

[@jul_blank_552]

That's the whole point. They hate there colleges car all the time😂

[@ChrisJohn_444]

Richard's celebration after winning the off-road race against the German rivals.

[@NiallBruce9]

My mum had that Ford Fiesta ST and it's the best car she's ever had

[@stanthemafia]

Hammond is soo wrong on this occasion

[@infamousDaRkNighT]

I am 18 and I still prefer the ford because I know I can afford that

[@callumroper7251]

3 years later, has your mind changed?

[@Andy-we9fc]

Icemann336 gaming Lol

[@sausage7383]

the fiesta has a massive engine though

[@callumroper7251]

The Stig's German Cousin If you can call 2 litres "massive" unless you mean it relatively to the car. Even then, the VR5/6 and other 2.5L 5-pots exist

[@sausage7383]

Icemann336 gaming I mean for a first car, 2 litres is a ridiculous amount for insurance prices (I'm relating to the original comment we are replying to)

[@1066gaz]

I remember when i first sat in a Citroën back in the early 90's in a Citroën dealership and to my shock the pedals were offset. So i walked out immediately with disgust and never sat in a citreon again lol.

[@onelyone6976]

Well if you’re looking for something sporty and fast a Citroën will almost never be the answer, if however you are looking for a comfortable and relaxing car with some quirkiness, Citroën is the perfect choice, although if you were looking for a Xantia Activa you certainly made the wrong decision to not buy it, that thing is still more stable in heavy maneuvering than a 911

[@WH250398]

Offset? What do you mean exactly?

[@1066gaz]

@@WH250398 When you were sat in the drivers car seat in a Citroën the 3 pedals below, clutch, brake & accelerator pedals were offset to the left compared to most other cars, so the clutch pedal on the far left was way too far to the left and was awkward to push it in because it was it was too far to the left compared to most other cars. Your left leg would be at a sharper angle to left pushing the clutch in, so your leg, foot & hip would ache a while after a long drive.

[@WH250398]

@@1066gaz Well that's stupid.

[@1066gaz]

@@WH250398 Yep Citroën is certainly stupid.

[@LugiaMCG]

nice.

[@victorkempe5661]

I acctualy have a Ford Fiesta not exactly like the one on the show but similar it is orange and I have named it Evelyn

[@TechERni]

Hmmm my favourite hatchback, the mighty honda civic ek9

[@S.Rock80]

Honda 160+hp since early 90's with 1.6 and 35mpg.... ford 145bhp out of 2.0 in 2014 lol Honda k.series 2.0 180hp in 2001...

[@Fradias11]

Honda has a little magic trick called V-tec, it basically means you have 50hp till you hit 5k rpm, then you have to shift and you're back at 50hp xD

[@petelattimer6808]

Truespeed motorsports the fiesta is a 2004 car. ford had 150bhp from a 2.0 in 1993 WITHOUT the variable cam timing that honda call V-tec.

[@David-ud9ju]

Truespeed motorsports Ford is American. American cars aren't exactly known for their engineering and technology.

[@tizerni]

the st heavily restricted for lower insurance, st150 can be tuned to 200 with a few mods. Although 10 years on st-2 can get 240 with some mods from a 1.6 turbo

[@harveybritland3112]

I am 18 and I do have that Richard lol

[@Jaime-sb3xe]

Citroen C2

[@DineshKiran]

The bottom line is 'Jeremy drives better than Hammond'

[@diekrahe.]

That's been obvious from the first big crash

[@1chris311]

What episode is this from? I thought I'd seen every one but obviously not!

[@JR-mx4cv]

+TopGear figures, i was about to say clarkson looks like a spry young lad in this

[@lukehuang7821]

Now, a new stock civic beats both in performance. How much times have changed...

[@hybridAbsol]

Base Civics now has like 180hp since its I-Vtec Turbo so yeah, the Fiesta ST or C2 are dogwatered

[@pyrobob208]

And the transmissions on both will die young.

[@williamferguson7202]

That’s weird. Here in America the SVT focus can top at 145 😳

[@morganhartman1508]

this was a Fiesta, not a Focus. I would imagine if anything like the Focus ST170 of the time, the SVT focus would be more powerful than the Fiesta ST150 hence the higher top speed

[@warrenb666]

Let me just clarify...I've owned a fiesta st 150bhp and now I have a citreon c2 1.6 diesel turbo vts stage 1 mapped 143bhp 238lbs foot and I can honestly say my citreon would piss all over my fiesta st ...plus 30 pound a year tax a lot less on insurance and way way better mpg ...job done..

[@joshuatombstonegraves7493]

A stock N/a car vs a mapped turbo car is an unfair comparison. Of course the turbo car is going to be quicker. An ST150 with a basic bolt on turbo kit makes 230bhp+ but that’s not a fair comparison either tbh.

[@massy1943]

I'm 18 and I want the Feista

[@zhbvenkhoReload]

In Europe you guys get a bit different cars.

[@kierstenford5088]

I won't forget the fiesta but I will gladly forget the Citroen

[@TheOfficialPayne]

the new ford fiesta st looks much better than this tiny model

[@avrilcadabra]

Maybe it just looks tiny, they look the same size parked next to each other, even a focus or golf doesnt look much bigger.

[@sonicgrunt1931]

TOP Nürburgring Videos the parts from the mk7 model is from my mk6 recycling parts same thing

[@gavla3550]

I have Mk6 and that's when they stopped looking good. After that they look like bottom feeder fish with big guppy mouths.

[@carguy9598]

But It weight less

[@Marcus-kw2ed]

And sounds so much better!

[@Tdhydfbbjjr]

Hammond literally can talk all he wants about the ST150 but meanwhile he's behind?????????? "he's not getting away from me in the corners" yeah well are you passing him no

[@MollyBoy]

I'm 18 and I've got a Fiesta ST

[@edddenby9745]

I matched a 8 year old Citroen sport yesterday with my mk1 focus 1.4cl so no those iPods are not the future. Blood runs red I'm afraid

[@FraeschD]

Sorry but french cars are terribly ugly! I'd choose the ford over the Citroen any time. :D

[@johnnyappleseed65]

Ffs without the DS your little ford wouldn't be the same. Citroen make the most comfortable cars driving wise.

[@guillaumeromain6694]

+neilvader I saw some fords eaten for breakfast of Renaults and Peugeots sports versions.... sorry mate. TS

[@sentinelslovenia8946]

The 508 and Megane and C6 look phenomenal. They look better than a Ferrari LaFerrari and nearly every super/hypercar except the Lamborghini Aventador.

[@Smart1529]

Uhhhhh....

[@A-G-F-]

Do you think that the aventador is good looking? lol

[@MidnightMiata]

Top Gear needs to have Travis Pastrana on their show. I'd like to see how he does in the reasonably priced car.

[@panicosoteriou8597]

Top gear please bring Jeremy, Richard and James back. The show was such a success. Will they come back Soon?

[@MrMega200]

+Panico Soteriou Nope, the trio is going to amazon!

[@tristanlayton5126]

I agree with jeremy on the ford. And im an 80s baby.

[@liam27lw]

I miss mine :(

[@coastaku1954]

I wish more people love Fords over here in North America, everyone I know bashes Ford and says Found On Road Dead and says EcoBurst-into-flames. But over there in the UK, everyone loves them, even though we have the same cars like the Kuga/Escape (My personal fav), Edge, Ecosport, and soon Explorer. Although we won't have the Mondeo/Fusion, Fiesta and Focus anymore ;--;