Ford Focus RS vs Audi RS3 vs Volkswagen Golf R review: mega hatch road test!

Ford’s new Focus RS has arrived and is ready to ask big questions of all its hot hatch rivals, including the Audi RS3 and VW Golf R. Road test editor James Disdale thinks it's time to settle the argument with one of the most anticipated car group tests of 2016!
Focus RS in-depth review: aex.ae/1OIfXSi
Audi RS3 in-depth review: aex.ae/1DBVkSz
VW Golf R in-depth review: aex.ae/1VjwIY7

[@UZYYYY]

Focus RS: Best for corners and 'fun' driving Golf R: Best all round car RS3: If you have an extra 10k to burn and want the fastest straight line hatch.

[@Furzze]

its not the best in corners. its he most fun. the rs3 is the fastest in corners

[@karlmalone11]

+Furzze No it's not. The focus will pull the most lateral G in the corners aka the fastest

[@stinger15au]

+UZYYYY The RS3 is also the nicest to sit in, the best built, the best sounding, but yes it is the most expensive. If your buying for the track I can understand the others, but for a daily car that can do it all, the RS3 is easily the best here.

[@nikb6528]

great description! I agree.

[@CinemaUnited]

+Furzze No it's not. It has alot of understeer/oversteer. At the price of the audi you should buy the a45 amg. Look the vid on track on autobild sportcars they show footage and lap times of both cars.

[@turn1_shorts]

I didn't know Ted Cruz drove a Focus RS

[@mertz313]

Lmfao

[@TheSnoopy1750]

+Drew Stephen Ouch, that's cold!

[@NorwegianKicks]

Nice insult xD haha

[@jo23bulls]

+Drew Stephen SAVAGE

[@vanilakung7563]

+Drew Stephen Ted Cruz 2016

[@dehv]

Forget the drag race? That's all any one wants.

[@d0718]

1. Audi 2. Focus 3. Golf

[@stinger15au]

+dehv It's a no contest, the RS3 is a known sub 4sec to 60mph and 12.15 1/4. In another league to this lot.

[@dehv]

Fair enough, would still love to see anyway :)

[@cheapo911]

+Dmitry L Golf with the manual, yes possibly but the Golf R with a DSG beat the RS in a previous drag race done by top gear.

[@tattude1974]

+cheapo911 Golf R best times are 4.9 to 100 and the focus RS gets consistent 4.7 due to it remarkable launch control and awd. most people in golf Rs only get low 5 second and the 1320 times the RS is quicker too. not sure where you're seeing Rs getting better times but KZbin will be having a ton of videos soon enough

[@kuddin9021]

I'd go for the Golf R. Why have Audi put alcantara on the wrong part of the steering wheel??

[@UZYYYY]

+Komor Uddin That's actually pretty smart of them, if you've ever driven a car with alcantara handles then you'll know they wear and become ugly very quickly

[@kuddin9021]

+UZYYYY my car has alcantara on the sides, it feels fantastic and also serves a purpose

[@hellobooom]

+Komor Uddin Golf R, how dull.

[@jgpwlcs36]

+Komor Uddin what car?

[@kuddin9021]

+Liv Z Age and social class, like it or not, have the greatest influences when choosing a car. The focus rs just wont be seen on driveways in certain parts of town.

[@mrlilmatt123]

Must have forgotten the A45 AMG.. Shame

[@DrivingDerby]

It's price blows all of these away too much

[@kuddin9021]

+Driving Derby but it's starting price is exactly the same as the RS3...

[@DrivingDerby]

+Komor Uddin I'm just quoting clarkson, tbh I like the BMW M135i

[@kuddin9021]

+Driving Derby M135 is a journalists favourite because its a "fast" rear wheel drive car. I personally think performance hatchbacks are better suited as AWD's

[@azihanazuka]

Agree with you! I have A45 AMG and for me this car is insane!

[@Perkssssssss]

Price price price,fuck price if you want beast RS3 top!!!

[@nikb6528]

if you want an understeering pig RS3 top!

[@Perkssssssss]

+Nik Brudar what a funny guy do you know that this RS3 have function sent 100% power to RWD and whin in every Germany test and have gold title in best copmtact car you moron!

[@nikb6528]

POWER!! No comment.

[@Perkssssssss]

+Nik Brudar and you cant comment because i am write;) ok

[@its_EZ]

+POWER!! You really need some grammar.

[@anomalyp8584]

Really nice review! Thanks! Objective and well structured!

[@oppanheimer]

This guy is a very pleasant and informative reviewer.

[@Dylan-C]

AND THE A45AMG ????? SHAAAME

[@Dashcamfailz]

The price!!!!!

[@Dylan-C]

+Amine Boyz Same price than RS3

[@Dylan-C]

+Omar Gujjar What do you mean ? A45 is better ?

[@Dylan-C]

+Omar Gujjar In the straight line the RS3 is the best...and on a circuit the A45 is the best ... But I want to see this :)

[@v_alexiadis]

+Omar Gujjar It's not mate. You have FWD and 310 hp compared to 4WD and 350 hp of the Focus.

[@mertz313]

I want to see them race each other to be honest

[@misku_]

Very nice comparison!

[@JustCruzzz]

Fantastic review!

[@brettay121able]

id take rs3 over any hot hatch just love how it sound plus engine will more than likly last a lot longer than a lot of cars out there

[@bbsheppo]

Golf R with dsg please.

[@nikb6528]

you're a sinner.

[@markdenyer8072]

manual for me.

[@khd8667]

+Mark Denyer try dsg u will never drive manual

[@markdenyer8072]

+KHD I have and nearly fell asleep through boredom. .

[@khd8667]

+Mark Denyer huh ... weird so you better try Toyota gearbox lol

[@azsori]

+1 for the Manual vs. Manual comparison (R & RS)

[@francistuazon7666]

great review

[@arellano408]

I’ve had my 2017 RS for 3 years and as soon as I get in it I put it in track mode, another thing is that I must have a manual transmission so the Audi is out of the question

[@dwayne_]

The Ford's​ interior looks cheap compared to the other two cars.The Audi is too expensive for my liking. But the Golf R is just perfect i would rather have better comfort and quality than 50 more hp.

[@RichardSmith-ic1zw]

Toxic Word the recaro seats are real nice 👍🏻

[@boy638]

Not sure how you guys managed to bring the Golf R and RS3 to Spain for comparing with the Focus RS, but you guys did and kudos to that!

[@blueonblack83]

Top Gear (the magazine) did a similar test. You can find it on their website... I believe they swapped RS3 with Civic Type R, saying that RS3 is really only good on a straight road. They also added Merc A45 AMG to the mix. They picked Ford as the winner.

[@NZsarge1]

1. RS3 2. Golf R 3. AMG45 Would be my preference.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

ok next get the type r and so a comparison. I know it's fwd but they're competitors

[@nikb6528]

and the Megane RS275 and Leon Cupra 290.

[@SelimxBradley]

And the STi...

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

+donnyinlakai561 id like to see them timed on a track to. they don't have to race. just a timed lap.

[@CinemaUnited]

+ray britton Look on autobild sportcars their youtube. They have a timed lap of the civic type r against some competitors.

[@v_alexiadis]

+ray britton They're not competitors. FWD hot hatches are a different category to 4WD ones.

[@stellacosworth]

Sooner or later, someone will put together a big group test with all the current Hot Hatches that people have mentioned below. Frankly, I'd rather watch that than p1 vs 918 etc, as it just kind of means more to most people, the true reason behind the hot hatch. I had a Focus RS mk1. A car the press said was un-drivable on normal roads due to torque steer. Real world, it was amazing! Would I swap it for a EP3 Type R? Nope purely because my mate had one and we used to enjoy long arguments about who was right/ wrong about having the better car. I like the new Focus RS for its 4wd that would have been great on the last two cars but ultimately would have preferred to see a lightweight, 300 BHp fiesta rs. Hot Hatches are brilliant!

[@grigoryalexandrovitchpecho6934]

I would love to see the sti compared here as well

[@Xuvium]

Putting the RS3 under the same category is wrong since it's not designed to be the drivers car but a hatchback with performance

[@TassieLorenzo]

+Morgan Milanovic I see.

[@AddictedWithCars]

I just don't get it. The Audi is more powerful and better quality than the two. Yes it does understeer, The new 991.2 turbo s also understeer, it doesn't mean that it is not fun to drive… but to keep you safe in the road, It is not a gt3 car, it is not a formula. I mean i bet 90% of the time, people who own an rs3 or focus rs doesn't go to track, you are not buying these to drift all day long in the neighborhood. Even if you wanted to, the rs3 and golf can be as fun as the RS (drifting wise). I appreciate the effort that has been put to make this road test, I just don't like the way they compare a "fast" hatchback with racing cars.

[@AddictedWithCars]

Like now a days reviews: if the car doesn't drift… it is trash, rubbish, understeer, no soul, dull, not joyful, not fun…etc.

[@stinger15au]

+Addicted To Cars indeed, as a daily car to be actually driven on the road, the rs3 is easily the best here, its the fastest by a long margin, its the nicest to sit in, is the best built, just as practical, sounds the best to boot. The question of value comes down to the individual. The focus is a great car and fantastic value, but there is no universe I can see where you would pick it over a RS3 given the choice

[@inorbit64]

+Addicted To Cars If you don't understand it you are not a driver, it is not a bad thing, it just means you are different from other people. Some prefer to have less plastic in the car, some hate understeer. The latter are people that like driving cars on the limit. There is no fun in understeer, I would never choose the audi over the ford, not in a lifetime even though I would never use this ford for a track or drift events.

[@stinger15au]

inorbit64 if price was no object and you would actively choose the rs over the rs3, then you are beyond crazy. If price is a factor then I can totally understand. But having had plenty of "track cars" as daily drivers over the years, they are great on the track, but terrible to live with day to day, especially in modern society where draconian police limit the fun.

[@inorbit64]

+stinger15au That depends on where you live I guess and to what extent your car is a track car. It seems the focus is still a comfy car for the street as far as I can see. And personally only like a little harder suspension. The only place you can have fun on the road is in the corners. seems to me the audi is only better in a straight line, where you can never really use it anyway. Hold back on the straight bit and get frustrated in the corner, does not seem like the way to go.

[@dimitarttt]

Man, I really wanted to see a drag race between the 3!

[@ThirT33NisSceNe]

I guess it depends what you want the car for. I have had my RS3 for about 3 weeks now and it's perfect, loud, looks nice, incredibly quick and unlike most people tend to agree on, I find it very fun to drive. I use it on normal roads and it's great. All of these cars are brilliant in there own way there is no doubt about that. The Focus RS and Golf R being cheaper and perhaps more engaging, but for everyday use I think the RS3 is an understated beast.

[@hermest99]

I'd pay 10.000 any day for the Audi interior.

[@illspeed831]

Where's sutcliffe?!

[@kuddin9021]

Miami

[@HesteBremse]

+illspeed831 Where is his keys ?

[@robz1471]

on topgear now?

[@hexyar]

he works for autocar, not auto express I believe

[@MattGreenland]

Turn off all the computers, put on the same tires for all three and compare them head to head on a track.

[@kurtrusellpatrickswayze]

I wish there was a mix of all hyper hatches: -Focus RS handling, fun, lightness -M135i rwd, manual gearbox, sound, low rpm torque (450 Nm at 1300 rpm) -RS3 looks (ext + int) -A45 AMG power (381 hp)

[@jamdc2000]

If I had 40,000pounds, i'd get the ford and 10,000 pounds of fuel to go around

[@mattdaines8054]

jamdc2000 it would rust before you used that fuel chap!!!

[@jamdc2000]

@@mattdaines8054 i wouldnt mean to store 10000 pounds of fuel, I meant to spend 10000 pounds of fuel by filling the tank when needed

[@LILLO84]

The Focus RS is the clear winner here

[@hexyar]

clear winner? it's just what that guy thinks. lap times would maybe show a clear winner

[@vincesplc]

+Lorenzo “LILLO84PSN” Locchi have to AGREE there mate!!

[@Jisker91]

Lap times show the RS is the winner, so...

[@ibyoutube6009]

Lorenzo Locchi cant explain in words how wrong you are. let me tell you a saying which is used in my country : "ford and gypsy dont work in winter".. ford is the clear winner? its like compairing nokia with iphone for fucks sake. AUDI!

[@Alex-FFM]

Please bring us when possible a direct comparison with the focus rs, RS3 , a45 AMG maybe golf R and the very important M2 :P thanks

[@WiZe1972]

Still, can't wait to get my full black RS3 this July!

[@bfyrth]

Black. oh why

[@WiZe1972]

+Arsenal K Why not? :-) I first ordered in Nardo but the changed my mind and went full black

[@NmrBn3dw4N]

nardo is cool, black meh ... try the fucking blue so op :) i'll buy RS3 soon as possible blue ofc

[@michaelwillis1202]

I Prefer The Audi RS3 (if someone would buy it for me)

[@redliner9995]

Believe me they're worth the extra

[@edmedm7993]

RS3 anytime.

[@billyjoe3309]

RS3 Sedan confirmed. I'm gonna get one!

[@-pcmr-108]

Gotta say, owning a Focus ST has made me never want to buy another performance turbo/DI car from Ford again... Spent more time in the shop with that car (bought it brand new) and dealing with issues than I have enjoying the car in a good running state. First with the motor mount (they used a stock focus rear motor mount instead of something a little stronger), then map sensors going bad, then carbon buildup, and a bad wiring harness... all within the first 10k miles. Finally got that all sorted out at about 15k, and here I am, 33k and carbon buildup is back (and I dont buy cheap gas) radio is still malfunctioning almost daily, and my door sensor on the driver side went out... So yeah. Got to say, I'll be skipping the RS.

[@lacoast212]

I'll choose the Golf R.

[@relaxationcomediesmemes2953]

Why?

[@CMASAYSNO]

@@relaxationcomediesmemes2953best choice

[@jgpwlcs36]

VW owner here, I'll take the Ford... Never thought I'd say that

[@johnfeatherbe7810]

Nothing to be ashamed Ben ford know what goes into making a great fun racing pedigree car, unlike the boring Germans can’t for the price

[@STR1XDLB]

@@johnfeatherbe7810 stfu they have different selling points you cant compare them.The ford is hoonigan wanna be while golf tries to be a good overall hatchback

[@mattdaines8054]

Dagenham Dustbin!!!

Golf R and RS3 have Haldex AWD systems, which means they are fwd bios, Focus on the other hand, has a proper AWD system. Sure, they r both more comfortable and higher quality cars in general but as far as driving goes, I choose Focus RS anyday, but only this model, MK3.

[@MrMitchell1962]

love the video

[@jaybladeart88]

I'm going with the Golf R because with a stage 2 tune it will smoke the Ford

[@savannahkorben7353]

smart man

[@sanu2809]

I'm with you sir....all day!!

[@oppos727]

+jordan johnson "Stage 2" Ugh. Can't stand those marketing bullsh*t "stage" labels. Either way, we have no idea how both cars would stack up in terms of straight-line performance with similar mods; we also don't know what kind of boost the RS's 2.3L EB variant can safely handle with a tune. Anyone buying these cars for straight-line numbers is a goof, anyway.

[@savannahkorben7353]

Sean D I heard that the RS's AWD system can't handle much more power then the 350 it comes with. The R can handle 400hp/400ft-lb all day long, and the R weighs less.

[@hamronD73]

+jordan johnson and smoke your warranty.

[@jlue1993]

A45 AMG is too expensive..! That's why it'll hardly ever be included in comparisons like this. For me the best car and best all rounder is the Golf..!

[@v_alexiadis]

+Joshua L The RS3 is even more expensive.

[@jlue1993]

+ianiva how much is the RS3...? I didn't realise it was more expensive than the A45..!

[@v_alexiadis]

Joshua L I think a little more than 40K. The Merc is a little less than 40K :p

[@jlue1993]

ianiva never knew that..! Thanks :). That's why I'd have the Golf. Best all rounder if you ask me.

[@pulamoul2535]

+Joshua L The A45 amg is less expensive (no much) than the RS3. Focus rs ? I prefer the Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters than manual cars :) My car is the Golf R 7, very comfortable and the RS3 will be the next thanks to the comfort (the A45 is not comfortable at all !)

[@deet4895]

The only car i wanna see go up against this Focus is the all (FK2) Civic Type-R, and it better be an all-out track battle too. i really want to see how these two car stack up against each other.

[@Ultrabenbooyah]

I want the Focus RS with the RS3's engine and Black/Red interior. That would be my dream car.

[@bfyrth]

c is for chav

[@jamesj97370]

On finance the figures I'm getting on the RS3 are the same as a Focus RS 😐 not so cheap after all 😂

[@gixxerollie]

How u work that out?

[@jamesj97370]

+gixxerollie with a £3000 deposit over 3 years (Ford won't do 4 years) on a Focus RS the payments are £510 a month with £3000 on an RS3 over 4 years the payments are £520 with the spec I want on both cars.

[@gixxerollie]

+James Jevons umm il have to look at that, I'd rather the 3 but I do like the rs3

[@jamesj97370]

+gixxerollie I know the Focus handles really well but on the road you'll never split them and the sound and pace of the RS3 is amazing 👍🏻

[@massiveglove2960]

If you need finance you need to buy a cheaper car - get something at 5 years old and be happy!

[@BDthizzin]

Focus RS is the best platform of the three to make big power

[@stinger15au]

+BDthizzin not true, the 2.5L 5pot of the audi can be tuned to basically whatever you like. Tune only is 420+ hp.

[@TheBb6prelude]

+stinger15au I'm pretty sure almost any turbo motor can do that with a retune.

[@stinger15au]

+f2b.....f20bEG well not exactly. most small modern turbo motors are tunable but i assure you the 2.3ecoboost/ea888 cannot do 420hp tune only. your looking at dump + stage 2 + intercooler. so yeh they can do it with a little effort but not tune only, at least not safely

[@TheBb6prelude]

stinger15au what I meant to say is most factory long blocks can support that power.

[@stinger15au]

+f2b.....f20bEG ohh yes absolutely. but not tune only :p

[@rka1916]

Comparing them on the track will be nice.... good video anyway.

[@healthiswealth6797]

Not £10k more when you take into account the premium price on getting hold of a RS now . So Golf is best value .

[@angus20715]

Track car : Focus RS Daily car : Golf R My choice : A45 AMG

[@Borntokirune]

okay granddad

[@angus20715]

sup grandson?

[@timler6099]

Car with the Most Character : Audi RS 3 (Engine ,Design ,Sound , downshifting)

[@angus20715]

yet slower than its VW cousin lol

[@mojostevo]

+angus20715 I'd be all about the A45 if it had a manual option, but is doesn't. Well, lets just pretend for a second that money isn't an option here. My new hatchy corner of the garage would be Focus RS, Fiesta ST, Golf R in MT, and A45 DSG for my lazy ass days.

[@mrbiglez8299]

the golf r may have less horsepower than its counterparts. Nothing an APR tune cant fix.

[@hamronD73]

+MrBiglez Can't fix your voided warranty either though..

[@billmcgregor4112]

+hamronD73 You should check out APR, they have dealer warranted tunes now. The Golf R is an 11 second car with just a tune.

[@hamronD73]

Samuel Chernin You are right, but it would still under steer and have less than superior handling characteristics compared to the RS. Speed isn't everything, especially if you can get your car impounded by going to fast. There is a reason car journos are going nuts over the RS.

[@billmcgregor4112]

hamronD73 Yes, because they're driving them fast around race tracks. Out on the street the only thing that matters is beating the guy beside you on the highway or from the stoplight. I'm willing to bet that over 80% of RS and R owners will never take their cars to the track.

[@mrbiglez8299]

What matters is fun.

[@pstrife2547]

I love fords and I always get shut down when I mention the blue oval, but I'm such a VW fanboy because it just does everything I want from a car. He's right about the porche reference, right now in the motor industry it's about refinement and the golf r is the best at this price range. With the VW you can drive comfortably while getting the looks, race between the lights and park in the valet section with pride

[@jayMbodybuilding]

For me, everything is about balance. the Focus may be 10-20% more performance oriented than the R, but the R's interior is twice as good as the Focus's. If you were to go on a road trip, you most likely will choose the R over the focus. for Daily driving, the R would be more comfortable day to day. Put a stage 1 APR tune, and you will probably have the focus over on performance.

[@Jisker91]

The interior of the Golf is not near twice as good, lol. The difference really is quite negligible for both and the Focus is great to be in. I don't doubt that the Golf R is more comfortable though, the RS is fairly stiff, though the seats are amazing.

[@ScottZ370]

I'm sorry guys but I would choose the A45 any day

[@marcofava]

+S Miller an A45 AMG costs way more than any of the cars driven here

[@kuddin9021]

+marco fava £45 more than the RS3, way more indeed 😂

[@TheSuperMotoHooligan]

R to the S to the 3...

[@nikb6528]

... is the worst, indeed.

[@TheEryk03]

+Nik Brudar only in your empty head. Rs3> rest

[@nikb6528]

TheEryk03 elucidate, please.

[@nikb6528]

Valoro85 bruh, I do. I drive better than you.

[@TheEryk03]

+Valoro85 of course he doesn't. He is too stupid to have one.

[@kamata93]

Its a really nice move from VW to make the Interior sound match a 5 cylinder engine sound note. The best all-around car is the Golf R. If I only had the money..

[@michaeltsoi9836]

mega test please, add civic type r and A45 AMG?

[@jameshawkins809]

Paying a premium for nicer interior. No thanks, Focus RS all day!!

[@Irishluckily]

have you driven an Audi? and by that I mean 2015+ it'll blow you're freakin mind how good it is

[@mattdaines8054]

Ford = Dagenham dustbin!!!

[@Stichting-AAP]

In my country the focus rs is about as expensive as the mustang ecoboost. I'd go for the mustang. This focus is just so ugly and looks so childish.

[@DoItLikeBerny]

+TurboDifferent Trust me, the RS is a far better car. You don't want a 4 cylinder muscle car lol

[@pswmetalmonkey]

Track battle vs the Honda CTR please..

[@fastdays_1]

I love the traction control settings of the focus (finally someone has done a "rear quattro traction", I've always wondered why it took so much) and the sporty engine but the exterior design and the interior are just a big no. The RS3 is all the money it asks: engine is really good and the interior just screams quality and design. Look wise it's a very good shape with muscular wheels arches (even if the previous one had bigger shoulders), but yes the understeer is still a problem but you can work on that. Golf R is a compromise: styling is ok but nothing remarkable, very good performance overall with nice quality and good money for value. So in the end I would go for the traction and agility of the Focus with the engine and overall quality of the Audi. ANY CAR MAKER HERE?

[@atascatorDAOC]

10k more for a soulless audi with no manual? No thanks. Same price for 50hp less with fake engine noise from speakers? NO THANKS! Ford stomps this competition hard this generation Im afraid

[@atascatorDAOC]

+69mrbrightside691 Best all rounder? what does it do best exactly? be boring? powerless? understeer? break down?

[@bfyrth]

+69mrbrightside691 yes but we all know that it is for people with little style or class. kind of motor you see at mcdonalds drive inn throwing litter out of window

[@johnjackson12]

The RS3 looses every test its in, too expensive and the S3 does the 95% of what the RS3 can do for alot less cash! Golf R nah i havnt got a bald patch in my hair yet, so yea focus RS for me please :)

[@Zero_Ninety]

+john jackson You could just buy an S3 and get it remapped and you'd probably spend a lot less than what you would on an RS3.

[@KarbisSarafyan]

+john jackson lmao!

[@VaunShiz]

best comment

[@marcnobel3938]

+john jackson We wait till March until the Golf R 420 is out. The RS3 Limo will also get 400 hp but with the new and better cockpit. Same with this R Golf. The R420 will also have gesture control and the new cockpit.

[@hexyar]

you driven the R? bald patch my arse

[@waelal-zubieri5358]

If I am going to buy any of these, it would be the Golf R. Like he said it's easier to live with and it's a very comfortable car, but it can be really fast and fun to drive when you want it to be. The Focus RS will get tiring after a few months and it would make an excellent second car, but I don't think most us could afford that. I also don't like the design or the interior.

[@SordMasta]

this comparisson needed a megane and civic too :) i mersonally would go with either the megane, or maaayyybe the focus.

[@nikb6528]

Golf R here, please. The Focus looks to ricey even from the factory, and the RS3 is just another understeering boring Audi ...

[@phatnum17]

Too ricey? Lol, it's subtle. The golf looks like a hair dresser's car.

[@markdenyer8072]

+Flash_BeeZy have you had your eyes checked. The Ford is by no means subtle. The spec of the Ford is superb but I couldn't bare to look at it. especially the aldi/lidl interior.

[@phatnum17]

+Mark Denyer no it's literally subtle...have you had your eyes checked? Look at the last version..

[@markdenyer8072]

+Flash_BeeZy yeah for sure it's definitely subtle compared to the previous model. But then the previous one was an eye sore.

[@phatnum17]

+Mark Denyer that's entirely your opinion, but hence the reason ford toned it down quite a bit, or it would end up looking like the boy racer type r

[@craigjw1736]

The focus looks like a cheap bit of shit plastic

[@FordTaunu]

You look shit and plastic

[@lrgman1313]

Focus ST is still my favorite! Great car and should never be talked down to!

[@janrobinson6046]

the focus rs came out here in South Africa early July and they decided to make it R700 000 (ZAR) Which makes it $10 000 (USD) more expensive than the Golf and roughly the same price as the Audi RS. what do you choose then?

[@brett3140]

The golf breaks at 10k miles

[@Jr-Cane-Corso]

lol I bet you never even owned a VW...so just being a troll I see...

[@Jr-Cane-Corso]

+The Pessimistic Independent we should give him a break hes probably a honda guy...them Vtecs guys haha

[@South4153]

+The Pessimistic Independent vw's from this era were great the newer ones are fucking cheap shit that breaks all the time

[@South4153]

+Norman Habecker Jr hahaha a honda guy how funny. pretty sad that a honda v-tec enigne will last longer than any ugly german car haha

[@pheasantpluckersson2138]

That ford interior is the most ghastly thing i have ever seen

[@drewgunner14]

Whats the mpg for the focus rs?

[@rayhaanparker1826]

Why was the A45 AMG not included in this test???

[@philasturian8477]

the world knows English and many Americans do not like Germans cars. and Germans are the best cars

[@jayMbodybuilding]

not true, the english absolutely love Porsche.

[@th-l8936]

Thank God you picked the RS3, I thought that you were gonna pick the Golf R with what you were saying. Great vid though

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

Shame they didn't stick with a 5 cylinder for the new RS. It was great in the mk2 Focus ST and RS :/ Though if they do go wrong, they are super expensive to repair!

[@marcelk3847]

Focus ❤ but the RS3 with the Focus colour 😍

[@alexm4515]

I did 25k in ne year n the focus rs. Every mike was a smile.

[@heelsarefun4me]

Also all these reviews are with the R 6 speed. The DSG is almost .7 quicker to 60

[@lok481]

So to clarify, does the golf generate artificial sports sound inside the cabin? 🤔

[@mistreku]

No drag race, no track times.. Basically just opinions.

[@TassieLorenzo]

+mistreku Yes, that's the point. Stats are already available elsewhere.

[@bacurda]

Rs3 why because it looks awsome has the most powerful engine the engine is a masterpiece the 5 cylinder exhaust note is immense pops and crackles sounds like half of v10 the sound touches your soul has the best interior with all the luxuries and oh its an audi plus resale value will be higher then both its competetitors after couple of years and can keep up with supercars so the 10k extra is worth it bear in mind the focus rs and golf r are still fantastic cars but the audi nails it for me

[@kev501]

ive never clicked a video so fast

[@jeffufcfanaticrosenberg]

love the ST so this must be mega nice!

[@kosmakorytkowski2108]

“Lovely” counter kept going up lmao

[@dsldude1152]

Sound Generator on Golf R ? that is what the engine and exhaust are meant to do

[@strikeeaglemodels1588]

The GTC VXR is better than the S3.I have had a few runs ins with the S3 and I was all over it even gaining ground round a bend.Thought AWD was better.Not from what I experienced ;)

[@Some0ne001]

Id rather have the golf R (currently have a Mk7 GTI) and if you get a stage 1 tune for it the 0-60 drops to 3.7 seconds. The RS has high boost for their turbos already so don't respond as well with tunes than the VW. The RS3 is too much but if I had unlimited money that would be the one I'd pick, but in reality I'd take again the Golf R.

[@TinkoMollov]

AWD... active rear diff... brembo brakes .. oh it's soo nice that ford caught up with 20 years old evos :) it is a nice car thought...

[@dashcamuk6168]

and maybe VW will catch up too :-)

[@paulw5822]

Focus may be the best drivers car, but the quoted 13 month away delivery date in the Uk , quoted today takes it out of the running for me. Golf wins as it actually appears to exist!

[@joynalmotin8427]

For the money and performance on the focus rs you just can't go wrong and the plus side resale you won't lose much as you would with the other two !! Shocking for a ford lol but hey ford must be doing something rite with the rs !! 👍👌👏

[@Fucking_Legend]

should have also tested the new type r :/ against those rivals

[@Henry-dj8dy]

I'd always pick an a45amg instead of any other hot hatches

[@cmj20002]

I never much cared for VW or Ford but in this match I would choose the Focus without any hesitation. It is way nicer looking than the other two and I like stiff suspension. Ford has a winner here and it is about time.

[@AbandonEarth911]

Focus needs DSG Manual box is Old Hat. All supercars are paddle shift lambo maserati ferrari bugatti etc etc.

[@timothymountain7868]

Should of had a white golf with Sun roof, petoria wheels and DSG.

[@GrumpyFink]

Your missing the Merc A45 AMG from the test.