Ford Focus RS vs Honda Civic Type-R vs Audi RS3 vs Mercedes-AMG A45 & more: Hot Hatch Mega Test

[@dashcamuk6168]

To save you reading all of the comments, I've summarised for you. Auto trader is a UK publication, so the review is based on UK driving conditions. There was no VXR because it's soon to be replaced. The weather in the UK is very often wet, or roads covered in leaves i.e. slippery. The M2 is not a hatch. The Civic wasn't up to the job. Mazda speed 3's are almost unheard of here. Any of the cars here can be chipped to make them faster. The Ford won because it was the best overall drivers car. The RS3 understeer is terrible. Ford did not sponsor this, they just made a fantastic all round, drivers car for people who don't spend all day on the track or just go 0-60 time after time

[@AutoTraderTV]

+DashcamUK Love it!

[@chriskerry3777]

+DashcamUK don't forget the flavoured windows on the £38,000 model and the included repair grenade that should be issued with all British fords

[@daniellaraeroberts8827]

jm0

[@TheRangerman00]

My favorite part is what you said about ford.

[@darenn71]

RPG Entertainment Mine was the most reliable car I've had. VW, Skoda, Vauxhall all had issues that needed dealer to fix within first 3 years. Focus ST had 0 issues.

[@BigEddie.]

Auto Trader should do more of these. close to top gear but keep doing these

[@soundseeker63]

+Sir Gaming "Close to Top Gear"....? I disagree. This was WAY more informative and in-depth than anything on Top Gear!

[@adriand1586]

+soundseeker63 right, real review not a show

[@LittleBitOfThisNThat]

To be fair. They did say "Close" not exactly like.

[@JackBandicootsBunker]

+soundseeker63 Maybe closer to the old Top Gear?

[@gregmcclelland7105]

Regardless of the outcome, this was one of the best car reviews I've seen.

[@dallasmellsop5488]

Really?

[@gottliebdee263]

Lost all credibility for me when he claimed some rubbish about not believing the A45 is a 4 cyl. Oh please. Anybody who's been in a 5, 6, 8, 10 or 12 cyl will never make that mistake. Quite frankly a 3 cyl has more character than a 4.

[@DevPack]

Love the Focus RS and A45 amg...both amazing. Ford is just building some world class cars right now.

[@Flying_Lexus]

+DevPack I agree at a much better price too.

[@justfunstuff5418]

I wish they give the cars the right amount of power like the mustang but I still love ford!!!

[@Flying_Lexus]

The beauty about the 2.3L 4-cyl engine is that you can easily tune it to get more power if you need it. I'll be getting an RS probably next year if not at the end of this year, can't wait.

[@jacobwigley2689]

Ford have always built world class cars if you ask me, but at the minute they do seem to be on top, in the past with the cosworth's for example they we're 2nd best to Lancia's, M3's and maybe R32 skylines too but now as a proud owner of the new ST (and a cosworth!) I can't think of a better car in its class!

[@justfunstuff5418]

+Jason Bourne yea your right as well but I want a ford that's has a great amount of power all around like the gt350 and also raw speed in stock I been a ford fan since I was born .

[@baronvonhoughton]

4 years on and Ford have cancelled making the RS. Sad face.

[@willscurran]

Because no one really wants to be in a "Focus". They need a new model.

[@davidlegkodukh6969]

@@willscurran Probably renamed it honestly

[@subscribemf3528]

The merc is better anyway

[@supercarsofchester4319]

That Focus RS is just beautiful! Great video as well!

[@DutchMastermind]

The megane CUP-S has no cup holder.... how ironic :D

[@djkonflikt713]

lmaooo seriously?

[@DutchMastermind]

+djkonflikt713 xD

[@Chrisf1990]

XD

[@BrianKongXD]

Weight reduction bro

[@DutchMastermind]

+Brian KongNam because racecar?

[@recpro7847]

I had an ST when they first came out. I've never driven anything that could compare to it. I can only imagine what the RS is like. Job well done, Blue Oval.

[@malcolmh5736]

I had an ST3 and loved it. I test drove the ST and GTI both 3 times and the ST won for sure! I have a new RS now and it is an awesome car!

[@pfwww12]

Omg same. That rally car steering and push is crazy for such a small car.

[@ikybaiiki]

Ford Focus RS deserves this crown 👍🏼

[@Apple-ct9wc]

FUCK SHIT 1 track, 1 car, 1 driver doesn’t mean a thing...

[@tassoskoutsoubas4510]

agree fully!

[@ImEnhalos]

hate how you guys ruled cars out because of wet traction, that a lot of tire and not the actual car

[@TsuiFelix]

I have been searching for a good review and comparison of hot hatches for long time. And here I have found from Auto Trader. Thanks! Well done guys!

[@Jikangire957]

An exceptionally well done comparison between the Focus RS, AMG A45, and the Renault 275 Cup-S! I was really hoping you wouldn't automatically tag the Mercedes as the winner just because it was a Mercedes, and you did not! The information you provided in every test, from track running to every day practical use, is spot on! You get a well deserved Like and Subscribe from me!

[@FordNewsEurope]

Nice group test. It's a rather long watch, but well worth sticking through for the best part: which is just before the end.

[@ditchy1mini]

+Ford Europe its swung me to get one!

[@emgaming2004]

I'll stick with the old rs500

[@revoltoff]

+Ford Europe How much did you guys pay them so that the Focus would be 1st place?

[@danielchia23]

+Revolt agree

[@FordNewsEurope]

Euan Matthew​ still a good choice.

[@JennyPenny707]

Awesome job guys. A45 AMG is my pick through.

[@dschonsie]

+SuperSayanFitness mercedes and dacia? Since when?

[@azihanazuka]

👍

[@valmirsadiki536]

+James May I like the A45 AMG more it's more beautiful and it's pretty damn fast

[@verzekeringsadviseur]

+James May and what if you had only 32.000 pounds?

[@valmirsadiki536]

***** We are not talking about budget in here we're talking about the cars we love.if i had those money i wouldn't buy neither of them cuz I love Mercedes

[@realbeef6538]

This was a great video guys. As an American I am jealous of your country side. I will definitely be watching more of your videos.

[@ApexIXMR]

Any other publication in the world: "Damn, it's going to rain. Better postpone the test" UK publications: "It's raining. Just another day. Fuck it."

[@vincentlee9638]

This is the best comparison test ever in quite a long time. Keep up the good work guys! A similar comparison for some affordable coupes would be prefered

[@ChristopherPovey]

+David Cloud Depends on which manufacturer pays for it. That's the one what will win. ;)

[@vincentlee9638]

+Christopher Povey I chose to believe 3 companies paid to get their product through the first round :) As they are not being very fair imo

[@JonQuirkUK]

+Christopher Povey Thanks for watching and for your comments, Christopher. As the editor of AutoTrader, I can assure you that no manufacturer £££ were used to support the production of this group test. This was an editorially controlled and editorially funded group test with the single, consumer-focussed aim of finding Britain's best hot hatch. Our highly experienced road testers, both on screen and off, take this responsibility (and impartiality) incredibly seriously so there was no pre-conceived outcome. The Focus RS has just gone on sale in the UK and was merely our catalyst for conducting the test. Hope that helps to clarify. Best, J

[@dushyantx]

+David Cloud agreed

[@kenwhite98]

@@JonQuirkUK9ooo

[@Goriaas]

Pros: Automatic Gearbox wait what?

[@sinnersspeed472]

Goriaas I'm assuming they're talking about the functionality of the auto, not the fact that it is a auto.

[@AliSalahat]

Goriaas they mean that there's an optional automatic gearbox

[@jonnathanjean7071]

A ladies car

[@GraveUypo]

at 34 years old i'm buying my first automatic. Kinda tired of manuals all the time. although i made sure i got a model that supports manual shifting.

[@BennyJ69]

@@GraveUypo I feel like it's a swap you have to do some point in your life. Fuck manual clutches 😂

[@malachiashley528]

Coolest, awesomest car video I've seen in months. Well done! Subscribed!

[@Yoni-G]

Great and entertaining review. And great scenery, especially in North Wales. Even the non-RS Focus is extremely well balanced, powerful, and a joy to drive (I have a Trend 1500 Turbo).

[@blackops070771]

i was always a big fan of alfa romeo, 147GTA was my favorite hot hatch untill now i guess.,but thisFord RS...is my next ride!!!! Great work guys!

[@jackvanepps7301]

I'm gonna buy one soon!

[@soundseeker63]

Great in-depth test! Nice to see the emphasis placed on road driving fun rather than lap times and drag races, as is often the case. Also great to see ownership costs and practicality factored in. More reviewers should do that! I agree the RS is the best combination of fun, speed, practicality and value. I must admit the A45 is desirable, but at 40k, so it darn well should be!

[@TheOutdoorFun]

Who needs TopGear. Good camera, Good editing and Good hosts. More videos please.

[@DMX-PAT]

A few more wouldn't hurt, Hyundai Veloster, Mini Cooper, Mazda 3 MPS...

[@decaygrim8943]

Those cars are all gay as fuck and hella slow compared to the video cars lol

[@dallasmellsop5488]

@@decaygrim8943 wow your thick, 0-60 in 5.8 for the mps is faster then the pug, megane, and same as type r? Some people 🙄😂

[@PubsWubs]

Great video guys, would have loved to see a drag between all 10 though

[@stinger15au]

+PubsWubs can already tell you the result. The RS3 winning by 2 tenths over the A45, the focus next, then the rest.

[@stinger15au]

Tab Tiurf the A45 isn't faster, we know this. The RS3 does a 12.19, have also seen it backed up with 12.24, 12.26 the FASTEST stock A45 Ihave seen is 12.42, most in the 12.5 range.

[@stinger15au]

Tab Tiurf for the RS3 motor australia got 12.24@113mph, autobild got 12.19, Every video on the internet has the RS3 faster to 60mph, 100mph. For comparison motor got 12.42 for the A45@112mph. Same day, same conditions. They also clocked the RS3 3.95sec to 62mph, the A45 4.19 sec to 62mph. So what does this tell us. it tells us the RS3 is making way more than its advertised power, somewhere in the region of 385 to 390hp. Since it is much faster than its "claim". The A45 may make more on paper, the RS3 has more in the midrange in the real world. 80-120kph the RS3 is .2sec faster despite a gearing and weight disadvantage, the reason why its faster is because the makes more torque over a longer rpm range. That isn't personal bias, but the cold hard numbers. As for exclusivity, i guess it depends on where you are, here in Australia at least, there is 10 A45's for every RS3. Of course I like the RS3, but I know its limits as well, ill freely admit, when pushed to 100% on a track, it will understeer and generally be less fun than the other "hot hatches" But the reality is, its not a hot hatch, its a day to day road weapon. The near pace of a supercar with the practicality of a hatch. It sounds amazing, it draws attention when wanted, but subtle when not. Its a road car, NOT a track car. The A45 is fantastic, and if its gearbox was better and the interior was better, I might have gone for it, But Those were deal-breakers for me on a daily driven road car.

[@kurtrusellpatrickswayze]

+Tab Tiurf Your small town has 4 RS3s? Shit, do you live in Monaco?

[@zarakmaxful]

+Nich Rigga lots easier to lease or hire cars nowadays.

[@dallasbagley]

Went to Ford the other day, in hopes of checking out the new RS. And they were sold out before any of them ever arrived. Bummer. That car looks absolutely amazing!

[@martin8uq]

+Dallas Bagley Went to Polar Ford in St Helens to be told I cant even buy a car! (problems with their computer system) walked past 400 cars in the sale, and went to Honda - Brilliant!

[@FastRedPonyCar]

+Dallas Bagley - I've had several dealers offer me a place in line to buy one but they all are commanding 3~4K over MSRP and no one is budging on that due to the demand. Not worth it IMO. I got my 2016 Golf R for $37k and I just don't see the RS being worth 4~5k more than that. I'm not exactly suffering.

[@matthewd6306]

+Dallas Bagley I was on there first contact list to order an RS. I declined because I was in the process of buying my first house. If they just called me a few months later I would have jumped all over it.

[@brianliu3380]

I love this video! It's the best test I've ever seen. Thank you! I own a 2013 Ford Focus ST and now I can't wait to get the 2016 Focus RS.

[@danaichinyenze2105]

Insane review that covered all of today's hottest hatches, not (and most likely never) to be conducted anywhere else. And all bases covered too! Auto Trader for the win :)

[@ryancooper73]

Props to the Mégane RS, released in 2009 and competing in the top 3 against 2015 high tech 4WD hot hatches... makes me wonder how good the next gen Mégane RS could be.

[@storyclips]

I am fraid not as good as this one...just like the clio😨😨😨😨

[@romanprudkogliad]

Lap times: MB A45 amg 1.23.86 Focus RS 1.23.96 Audi RS3 1.24.12 VW Golf R 1.24.73 Honda Civic Type R 1.25.11 Subaru WRX Sti 1.25.34 BMW M135i 1.25.44 Renault Megane RS Cup 1.26.81 Seat Leon Cupra 1.26.94 Peugeot 308GTI 1.27.39

[@robotman321]

Just more reasons for me to get excited for my RS to arrive in the next few months! Fantastic video :D

[@gmannym3]

A truly awesome and detailed comparison test. As expected, the Focus RS won :-) My only wish would have been to see the laptimes of all these cars in the dry, but weather wasn't permitting, I guess. Thanks once again for this!

[@JonQuirkUK]

+gmannym3 Thanks for watching! Indeed, we only had access to Anglesey for two days and day one was rain. Incessant, relentless, sideways rain. That said, it was very interesting to see how dynamically consistent cars like the Ford Focus RS were in wet or dry conditions. And how others were less so...

[@gmannym3]

+Jon Quirk Thanks for the response. Perfectly understandable regarding the limitations due to weather. Living here in the northeast USA, we get nearly every weather condition imaginable, so I think that consistency in dynamics that you speak of makes the RS a win in my book as well. I can't wait to see it arrive on our shores.

[@joobaggs6886]

+Jon Quirk those pilot super sports are killer in the wet too!

[@gmannym3]

+joo baggs from their description in the video of the vehicle's equipment/options, it sounded as if their RS was fitted with the Pilot Sport Cup 2s (which are not as good in the wet as the Super Sports). Hmmm 🤔

[@AutoTraderTV]

+Ken Healy All the cars were tested both days.

[@luciengranger2762]

After 5 years and the Ford still looks amazing till this day... 😍 👌🏽

[@rolo_061]

35 minutes of my lunch break well spent!

[@ethannewhouse7541]

Whole-heartily agree with you. It's been too long since we have seen a Ford RS and this one is a worthy successor to the lineage.

[@LESHEWIN]

Amazing video. Great job! better then all those bigger reviewers, make more long lengthy videos we appreciate them. Next for me its still the A45 cause each time you get in and start it its materials and finish does it for me. Not everyday you will drive your car hard lets be honest the merc is a better all rounder in terms of power it blows your mind away yes there is not much driver feel as the ford or renault but at the end of day its about that one sparkling feel that only the mercy can provide. No offence to the rest its my personal opinion and it may vary for others. Anyways great video well done! make more of this and i am pretty sure you will get the viewers in.

[@kapolani9539]

Just picked up an RS. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. Special car for sure!

[@tylerhoagland1535]

I just ordered mine! super stoked for it!

[@steeldevil98]

Have you broke down yet

[@kapolani9539]

@@steeldevil98 I did get rid of it. I had to replace the head for the recall. Car never ran right after that. Got rid of it! It was a great car, but didn't want to deal with the headache. Looking at getting into an M5 or RS7.

[@steeldevil98]

@@kapolani9539 yeah it's a shame, I'm not sure why Ford can't build a reliable engine these days.

[@davidlegkodukh6969]

@@kapolani9539 I have no idea if you bought anything yet. But the M5 sedan is one of the FASTEST cars in the world Top 5. Beating many super cars. If you want the best performance

[@Oldpainless]

Thanks AutoTrader for a great in depth test and review which we need to see more of on youtube from other channels. It's good to know that the RS will hold its value better too compared with the others in the test. I have one on order and really looking forward to it. Would be good to see dry lap times too if you did them.

[@nicholas4611]

I'm a Ford Focus SE owner and I love it. Considering an RS upgrade. The ST is nice but I'm after the AWD feature. Thanks guys. I vicariously lived your experience.

[@shaunstst]

did i just watch a 35 minute ford advertisement?

[@AutoTraderTV]

+Shaun Pugh Hi all. Just to make it absolutely clear, THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT. We weren’t paid a penny by Ford - or anyone else - to do this test, or deliver this result. This is a genuine, robust and thorough group test in which the final three weren’t known until the discussion scene took place, let alone the winner. Sponsored content does occasionally appear on this channel, granted, but when it does, it’s marked clearly so there’s no confusion. People may not agree with our choice of winner, and that’s fine because everyone has their own opinions and priorities. We do, however, stand by it. Thanks for watching.

[@bobbybawbager]

same!! talking shit like the scooby hasnt changed in ten years lol yet it won track car of the year!! lmao XD

[@naysaynever]

+Shaun Pugh no, you didn't. these guys are not the only ones that are saying that the ford is amazing, many other reviewers have said very similar things. you're just being overly cynical

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

+Auto Trader " The lady doth protest too much, methinks. O, but she'll keep her word. ". Don't get your knickers in a twist, girls, you're not being accused of taking backhanders; just sycophancy.😅😅😅

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

+BillyTwinkle Have you ever driven one? It's well known in the car community that Subaru has changed basically nothing in the last 10-15 years, yes they are still great cars but it's a fact they have barely changed a thing. Like he said to a lot of people it will feel old fashioned and a bit cheap but amongst purists and real car enthusiasts that like a more hands on car that doesn't drive itself.

[@FLRSKLVR]

UK car testers will always put the Focus RS in front of everything else, it's like a car god.

[@DarthTed369]

Pistonheads didn't... ;-)

[@TC-db5fm]

Because most UK car testers and U.S. Testers are either as blind or as brainwashed as those who voted trump for president thinking he'd be a successful leader

[@letsroll2463]

funny cause i see alot of mustangs and other ford vehicles on the road , and there a dime a dozen. Not a ford fan btw but i do like the Ford GT and the RS is rubbing off me a little

[@TechReviewInsider]

Focus RS was such a legend!

[@zGJungle]

Top quality upload, big fan of hot hatches and you chose a good selection to compare, presenters that seemed sound, subscribed.

[@Axwell-fg2jb]

The new Honda is a bit disappointing in that test... losing to the way older Renault. A-class and Focus are really awesome!

[@24motor22]

Tires. They are shit, it was mentioned over and over again and they still are breaking them fwd records with those shitty plastic tyres.

[@djwarren5081]

Bought myself a Focus RS a few weeks ago and I am really pleased with it. Great fun.

[@steeldevil98]

Has it broken down yet?

[@sniper2606]

While i do like the Mercedes better on looks and interior, i feel like people are bias towards the Mercedes just because its a "Mercedes"

[@sniper2606]

Well thats why i picked it as well. The point i was trying to make was simply the fact that people will always pick a Mercedes over a ford lol

[@Nakke144]

+The Truth LOL you again. You are biased as f towards Merc.

[@Nakke144]

The Truth It lost to the Focus. The Merc is ugly, too heavy, too expensive and has shit steering. And not a proper manual gearbox. And Mercedes reliability is VERY bad. "The Focus RS is simply the best hot hatch money can buy."

[@shaunsimpson3499]

+Nakke144 the merc is lighter than the focus

[@AlDim000]

+The Truth There are also people like me who are not Ford fans and couldn't care less about Mercs. I just look at what the car can do. In this case I think the A45 is a fairly exciting car due to its engine, but it's got a rather shitty Haldex AWD system just like the Golf R (that's why they kept saying it felt "heavy" in the comparisons even though the RS is actually heavier). In terms of driving excitement and dynamics, I'd pick the RS or an STI any time over the rest of these cars.

[@alexpalmer9379]

Focus RS is still my dream car

[@TheRossicle]

Well, of course I agree with you... I bought a Focus RS here in the US! Fascinating lineup you had. That Mercedes looked like a monster! Glad I made the right choice. (Also glad Ford finally brought RS to the States!)

[@anonharingenamn]

I don't understand why people are downvoting this? Salty Audi owners?

[@Feintgames]

Awesome video. Watched to the end. Very well done comparisons and well thought out. Nice job. Cool cinematography and editing too.

[@gurungmadan]

wait so let me get this straight, merc was the fastest, most powerful, had the best interior, the best sound, was the best looking, had the lowest CO2 and economy yet it placed second???!

[@henrypayne9273]

Too expensive

[@missygraley2426]

Not to mention it was favoured over the Focus by almost 2 votes to 1 by the public invited to view the top three. Really enjoyed the review but feel the Focus was always going to win.

[@henrypayne9273]

+missy graley if I had the money I'd buy the Merc over the other 2 any day

[@missygraley2426]

I was on the waiting list (HULL, min 12 months)for the RS but could of paid a premium for an immediate delivery of the car from other suppliers offering the RS for upwards of 37k. I now have a beautiful white A45 supplied by Inchape Derby.The quality of customer care displayed by the whole team at Derby was just superb.The car is awesome in every aspect although having driven the RS3 the A45 is very stiff! I have luckily owned countless ford rs and xr vehicles not to mention Megane rs full fat the,f1 and 172 cup(my favourite car). Love the ford but it really isn`t in the same class as the A45.

[@antongriffiths5796]

+missy graley hvvv vbs u guy

[@gazman9468]

Interesting test and I'd agree that the CIvic is a lesson in how much power you can put through front wheels - in fact I wish it had less power but remained NA as opposed to just another turbo 4. Still impressive that it was also the only one to give the AWD cars a run for their money in lap time being almost 2secs ahead of the other FWD's on test including the Megane that the reviewers love so much.

[@BerserkFury89]

This comparison was just wonderful. Full of facts along with great explanations of how the cars make you feel. I saw one of these AMG A45's fly by me on a B road last week, the way it sounded and how flat it looked going over a hill made my heart rate spike. However with that price difference it's really hard to justify it over the RS.

[@lukemege-bikeadventures9712]

I am very thankful and fortunate to be in a position to buy any of these cars, and I had tested most, I assure you, the A45 is truly special, you could pull up to a 7* hotel and pass the parking attendant the keys with a feeling of pride, you could turn up to an important business meeting and gain respect for you choice of car, or you can tear down a country lane like a madman feeling like a 16 year old who's just lost his virginity!!! This is why I am picking my A45 up tomorrow! It ticks every box. All of those cars are good, but no tick all the boxes like the A45 does :-)

[@FakeSTi555]

that's a brilliant test, wonderful scenery, and finally agreed with your top 3,

[@bdr1414TV]

if there's one word to describe the 3 cars megan = purity focus = balance A45 = quality

[@zarakmaxful]

M135i = versatility

[@TheRatchet35]

+Steven Ross-watt We all know you can't transport a nuclear warhead in the BMW. ;)

[@zarakmaxful]

+TheRatchet35 haha not in the back seat anyway. Terrible space in the rear. But overall very well refined according to reviewers.

[@Bluelizard87]

+bdr hsin lol, A45 = the real winner

[@BabySkinCondom]

+bdr hsin type r = vtech brah

[@brianellis1257]

I test drive the Golf R, Focus RS, Renault and A45. I purchased the Type R and have no regrets. 8000 miles in 4 months in and out of London and have passed one other Type R on the road. I pass Golf R's, Focus RS's and A45's every day which I wanted to avoid. Within 3 minutes walk from home there are 3 RS's in light blue and 2 Gold R's!

[@justpassingthrough...6128]

My RS should be arriving here in Chicago... early July. Happy times almost here.

[@michaelhesford5191]

I totally agree 💙 great choice!! I’ve also test drove most of the cars you picked and the focus was to me the best and now I’m a proud owner 😎

[@jackvanepps7301]

Congrats. I want one

[@godlamma1792]

Facts, the RS is way more of a blast to drive, speed ain’t everything

[@michaelhesford5191]

God Lamma defo mate 🚙💭

[@MandeepPanesarkenya]

Great episode. There's a lot of really nice hot hatches out there, very exciting times. If i could, I'd find the extra 10k and go for the merc A45 personally. I'm not that keen on the way it looks, but that exhaust sound and the AMG "one man, one engine" philosophy although a bit of a gimmick is very seductive. It is highly practical daily driver and comfortable too. Some of the other cars certainly offer a lot more bang for the buck and near identical performance like the ford and audi. For me it comes down to budget, if i had the money, i'd go for the merc, if not, there are so many other choices which are almost equally as good going down to the very comparatively cheap Megane which is great. Everyone's a winner lol

[@DreamCarGarage1]

I knew from the beginning they were going to go for the Ford, I wouldn't be surprised if Ford was in fact the sponsor. That said it is a pretty sweet looking thing. If it were my own money however I think I'd go all out for the Merc or maybe eve the banzai Type R. I saw one the other day in metallic grey and it just looked epic! Failing that for everyday usability it would be hard to look past the Golf R.

[@BERGERJeah]

I bet it wasn't sponsored by Ford at all, they just liked the RS best. And the RS badge has been only on some of the best Fords ever built. I'm getting an RS, so yeah I like it. But, the Merc was badass, but you also play 10,000 more for it. Which hurts your average pocket book. And as for looks Type R is the sexiest looking hatch back on the market. But the review was based on everything, the all around package. That's where the RS delivered.

[@DreamCarGarage1]

BERGERJeah My man I hear you. Good points. Which would be your choice?

[@AutoTraderTV]

+/Dream Car Garage 1 (DCG1) Hi all. Just to make it absolutely clear, THIS IS NOT SPONSORED CONTENT. We weren’t paid a penny by Ford - or anyone else - to do this test, or deliver this result. This is a genuine, robust and thorough group test in which the final three weren’t known until the discussion scene took place, let alone the winner. Sponsored content does occasionally appear on this channel, granted, but when it does, it’s marked clearly so there’s no confusion. People may not agree with our choice of winner, and that’s fine because everyone has their own opinions and priorities. We do, however, stand by it. Thanks for watching.

[@Porschelover456]

The comparation is pointless, because the cars where tested on a wet track! The amg is slower than the rs3 in a 1/4 mile race, the Golf 7 is beating the Ford Focus in any aspect, and know the RS is better than the Golf 7 R? Is very intresting that cars like: jaguar, range rover, ford, aston martin, mclaren wins only in british tests:)) We don't know why....Something is very special about this cars when they perform in Britain. They chose the car they like the most, not the cars that are better from an objective and tehnical perspective. Ok, i like ford, so ford should be the winner! I like x, so it should win the test! This is an amateur test!

[@terencekuzgundehaas5025]

+Auto Trader Well its a stupid Comparison.... kick the 4 wd cars.... because they have a league of their own

[@batman291]

Why not the M2? Would be more fair to compare that to the A45 and the RS3.

[@Malc180s]

+Anders Olsson It's not a hatch? Isn't the answer really obvious?

[@batman291]

+Malc180s Is the Subaru ?

[@Shabec2982]

+Anders Olsson a45 and rs3 are hot hatches. Yes, you are right about the subie but... Even though it's not a HH the fan base and support (people likely to buy it) are in fact HH guys and gals so I see why they included it.

[@clivereid]

+Malc180s True...although it is a competitor for some of the higher-priced cars in this test. I'd rather have one over the A45 etc.

[@Malc180s]

Anders Olsson There isn't an equivalent subaru hatch. Why not a cayman?

[@nickfox4766]

That was a fantastic hot hatch test, if I had unlimited funds I would buy the A45 AMG, but for the price it has to be the Focus RS, it looks and sounds amazing. I used to love the Type R until you hammered its handling in the wet, although I still think the Type R looks the best.

[@ibyoutube6009]

The rs3 will be my choise everywhere, everytime, everyday , forever

[@dehv]

boooo

[@simeonaleksiev8690]

😂😂

[@TaefDewan]

I'll take the VW Golf R as with a APR Stage 2 Tune it'll be so aggressive also the build is strong so it'll last a long time

[@deanmarr785]

Agreed

[@kennybrooks8374]

Taef Dewan same here

[@skepta5499]

No, they're shit and slow and embarassing just like you

[@deanmarr785]

Sounds like you got gapped by a Golf R in your lil ricer subie.

[@skepta5499]

No I don't have a "subie" I'm not the right race for that, I certainly didn't get gapped by a Golf R, the slowest Hot Hatch of recent times, a Golf R is something you buy when you can't afford a decent car but you actually believe that Golf's are a car for the Rich, they're not, in fact they are for poor people. A poor mans Audi S3 and the S3 is a Poor mans A45 so, put into perspective how much of a lesser person you are when you have a Golf R. They have no big following like the R, they are just liked by wannabe fuck boys and asians. You must truly have disgraceful taste in cars if a Golf R is your dream. Dream a bit bigger, maybe you'll end up with a proper car.

[@dhruvsinghpal8737]

A45 amg quite aggressive best low end torque best seats but still prefer focus rs,fun to drive,handling

[@3goalex]

Absolutely agree with the final result I love all the cars of the review but I think the Focus has the best balance. Thanks for this great review. You have make me smile with the sound test, I´ve enjoyed with you the explosions of the exhausts.

[@Montblanc1986]

evo x would have been a great entry

[@AutoTraderTV]

+Kazak Thranduil You can't by one new in the UK anymore, so we couldn't offer that up as a choice in a new car test. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@matthewd6306]

+Kazak Thranduil The new STI tops the EVO on the track and the Focus RS beat the STI by 2 seconds in this test. EVO X is a great car but outdated.

[@carluyabut2824]

+Kazak Thranduil That would have been an awesome wildcard cameo for the Evo

[@Dzver000]

+Auto Trader Is the Astra VXR available ?? Cuz that is a good hatchback car too ..

[@vulcanproject]

+Kazak Thranduil Yeah, the Evo X is like the Subaru, prehistoric really in new car terms. Mitsubishi knew this and already discontinued it. The interior was badly dated and cheap, the engine old, thirsty, dirty (emissions wise) and turbo lagged to the eyeballs. WRX and Evo X are now cars from a bygone era, this new generation of AWD super hatches are superior in virtually every measurable metric.

[@DunkyThicc]

In the US we only have a few of these car available and chose an RS. Rains 9 months out of the year, roads are crap with grit, dirt and Leaves so the car does very well. Payed only 2k over MSRP. Lots of twisty tight back roads here where the car does some amazing things. At low speeds the car is a little stiff even in normal mode but not unbearable, after about 50mph you can see why the suspension is so stiff, nothing unsettles it. I noticed something a lot of people who review the car don't do is giving the car a little gas in the corner instead of just power on exit. If you continue to give it a little power it helps rotate the rearend because the rear diff will speed up the rotation to the back wheels by 1.8 times. Its fun, I like it. I was looking at getting a new 2017 CTR and a few dealerships had one but they were asking $54K, $59K and the other was auctioning it off. Wanted AWD for the weather conditions and roads here, owned 2 different GEN si's and a TSX. Love hondas but FWD at that price compared to available cars just doesn't make sense for me. I wish we had a few more options here in the US for Hot Hatches but we are limited. Golf R most refined, most liveble and best looking interior hands down out of the options we have here, STi's are amazing cars but everyone and their mom has one here in the NW and they like to charge a hefty asking price because of the popularity, but for the North West the car is a beast and makes back roads and conditions a non -issue. I don't know why the comment sections on car videos becomes a pissing match, a true car enthusiast appreciates the details and engineering in all cars aimed at performance on a budget. Drivers drive and enjoy the car they are in. If you have a smile on your face as you come over that blind crest or get a good chuckle out of the last corner you apexed on your way to the local market then who cares. Enjoy the drive.

[@markjones2547]

what a selection of cars. epic review

[@LuisNunez777]

Europeans get all the nice cars and here in America we get the crappy version...

[@LuisNunez777]

+TheSCR1899 Is that right? hahaha i will trade you anytime

[@colingiles5516]

+Luis Nunez The RS is coming here, I've ordered one myself.

[@LuisNunez777]

Colin Giles Yeah I know that it is coming here but no Civic Type R :( or any other cool cars

[@LuisNunez777]

***** Dude what are you doing in Europe. Trade you homes haha

[@colingiles5516]

+Luis Nunez We get the Golf R and will get the Type R in a year or two. Besides, the best one is coming here (mine is on the way across the Atlantic as we speak) so who cares?

[@sTL45oUw]

This is simply the best video on youtube for me. Im 28 car-head with a bit of change in my pocket. Will be getting the Megan because really it's only a little change and not a whole lot.

[@Ben-wq4zf]

Uk, Germany, etc.: "the seating position is too high" The states: "the seats are too low" Ford:" WHAT IS THAT YOU WANT THEN DAMMIT!!!!!"

[@Crazyced]

The ability to lower the front part.

[@Ben-wq4zf]

@@Crazyced honestly tho

[@diogoalmeidavisuals]

What about the Vauxhall's VXR line? like a Corsa or an Astra!

[@AutoTraderTV]

+Diogo Almeida Absolutely right that the Astra VXR (now known as the GTC VXR) would’ve been right at home in this test in terms of size, power and price. However, being based on the old Astra, the VXR is just about to be replaced with a new version. That’s why we felt it was fairer to leave the Astra out of this test and wait for the new car to see how that one does against its best rivals.

[@denrico777]

+Auto Trader could say the same for the sti. The non sti Wrx has already been updated and the sti can't be too far behind for an update. Which reminds me, I actually would like to have seen the updated non sti Wrx in this contest.

[@gemmahicks185]

+Keith Jones ikkoiiooppk

[@fl4600]

Hickok 45

[@siyuanwei3219]

Astra VXR would be the cheapest yet slowest here. Powerwise it comes nowhere close to these cars.

[@Happykillerrr]

Man.. I wish I could afford the Ford Focus RS one day.. It's truly the most beautifull car i've ever seen. The color is stunning. It's the complete package for me!! Well done Ford, for now I'll stick to my Fiesta ST:).

[@Andreas1818]

Focus RS for me..now what color do I choose?

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

+Andreas Karlsson *Smart Man*

[@GooseUK]

Better hurry up there's not many left. I went for magnetic as I couldn't make my mind up on the blue.

[@Sarm-mx6qy]

Black

[@Fresh0nline]

white

[@Rolilasx]

5:31, pros : automatic gearbox ? WHAT THE FUCK ? Nice video though.

[@OussamaErraji]

+Rolilasx It is one of the best auto trans out there

[@MirageTactics]

+Oussama Erraji They should have wrote something about it being a good transmission not "automatic gearbox"

[@Rolilasx]

Yes, I agree

[@Neuroguitarist]

How can a FWD-car manage to do better laptimes than a AWD-car on a WET track?? (see times at 9:08 min) Civic Type R (FWD): 1:25.11 WRX STI (AWD): 1:25.34 BMW M135i (RWD): 1:25.44

[@HazzerV12]

Brilliant review. Thoroughly enjoyable! Any reason why the Astra VXR was missed out?

[@braintrain5000]

becuase that come from a shitty company

[@ShiftRGaming]

I don't think the Astra would have really contended for the win anyway

[@ShiftRGaming]

Agreed #GMHaters (Cause I am one)

[@den_525]

Theoretically a great test, with a great bunch of top hot hatches... but all these tests and not the best car won! Don't get me wrong Focus RS is a great car, but Mercedes won alot of the tests yet it didn't win, just because the RS did a better track time. What's the point of all the other tests? Seems like a paid advertisement to me.

[@ChristopherPovey]

+den525 Exactly! So Ford RS goes round one particular track well. Small crumb of comfort as it smashes your spine to pieces on Britain's pot holed roads!

[@den_525]

Christopher Povey Yes. I was excited watching this, thinking reviewers did a track test and onto a road test, which represents a more overall feel rather than just review rating based on just track or just road. It has the right ideas, talking about the price, MPG, sound, interior, boot space, external appearances. But the overall result doesn't represent that information they provided.

[@shaunsimpson3499]

a45 best track time

[@slaWterCH]

+den525 These cars are about fun and the feeling behind the wheel. That can't be measured. So this subjective test overrules the objective measurements. That's why the RS3 is last (no surprise there) even though stats-wise it would be up there with the A45.

[@Malc180s]

+den525 It's almost like you're too thick to actually listen.

[@tucfinland]

I think this was well planned, well shot, well performed and it looked like you really enjoyed these cars. I am not surprised about the verdict - the Brits tend to like British cars. And I think the AMG does have the faults you mentioned - but why have all these tests where the Merc wins hands down if you are going to disregard them all anyway... I think Top Gear "no matter the tests - this is the one I would drive home" -bombshell is the better way to tell your own opinions. Despite the verdict I think this is one of the best car comparison videos ever made. Including TG and FG. Well done guys, please make more!

[@gtilover11]

Would still buy the Golf R

[@ChrisBrown-dy8ts]

Golf R , for me as it’s all the car you need

[@brodiwheeler7583]

Especially now with the newer upgrade Haldex AWD & 7-speed DSG with launch control! The winner in my book would be the new ‘18 Golf R. If you have disposable income than maybe it’s German cousins, but bang for buck= ‘18 Golf R by far!

[@MrCorgh]

Best film on this matter by far

[@GetLuckyGaming]

I would disagree with your final decision because the a45 destroyed the rs on speed handling comfort style sound and just greatness

[@snvlogs3216]

Awesome video I totally agree the focus rs is the best :D

[@Focusclubtr]

Thanks guys, great video.

[@John_cupra290]

The 290 is definitely the quickest fwd car there! I’ve owned a 265 st1 and my new stock 2020 cupra 290 leaves it through any b road and easily walks away from it on an a road using my dragy for times. The renault is an amazing car and when it came out was much much better than everything else and gained goat status and i think people just get starry eyed about them! Great great video but wrong fwd conclusion! 🙏👍

[@BlaziNTrades]

For the money I'd rather have the RS, but if I had the money to spend, the A45 wins all day long.

[@onuohafamily]

yup

[@ZenzDeluxe]

Well i have the money for any car in this test, but i have an RS on order. I have test driven the A45 AMG, Focus RS and RS3, and in the end it all depends on what you prioritize. In my opinion if you want the most complete car, that is practical but mostof all fun to drive, the RS was the only option for me. To me it was all about that rear diff that Ford has going on. It's such a special thing that has to be felt to be believed, especially when compared to a regular Haldex system. It wins over the additional power and glorious sound or looks an A45 or RS3 has. To each his own though.

[@BlaziNTrades]

+ZenzDeluxe very true. I'm sure you will not regret your decision! I'd murder for an a45 though :p

[@swers6297]

Same here, tested the lot.. collecting my fully specced RS next weekend

[@GetLuckyGaming]

I have the a45 it cost me 60k😭😭but it's amazing

[@Bluelizard87]

How they decided that the ford focus was better than the mercedes AMG A45 which has more horsepower, better looks, better practicality, better sound, better interior, better quality, and even freaking canards on the front is beyond me.

[@alexmotors4172]

First of all the rs is cheaper and more reliable than the A45, and other things The RS will be better is modified it

[@aakashpsf]

+Alex Cuevas the reliability in mercs of today are great. I would say that they are both reliable

[@rickyallen3773]

Actually the merc has a worse interior than the rs, although the rs isn't a special looking car

[@aaronellison4775]

+BlueLizard87 To answer your question, go back to 15:44.

[@Bluelizard87]

Alex Cuevas Price is a big thing to consider when buying the car but not when judging how good it is, the price was higher because it was the best, engineering perfection comes at a price.

[@BOOSTEDDUDE]

Excellent review guys! I gotta say I was very impressed when I took a Ford Focus ST out on a test drive not long ago. It impressed me quite a bit more than I thought it would! However, the GTI beat it for all out refinement. Not to mention I'm a huge VW fan.

[@aaahhh5236]

Great review , and rs deserve to be nr 1 in hot hatchers sportcars . I would really want to see a similar comparision between hybrid/electric supercars . the amount of cars will be not high , but it's always interesting to see where are we going to in the near future . a comparision between Spyder 918 , Mclaren P1 , BMW i8 , ferrari laferrari , Acura Nsx , Audi R8 etron ( has still to come ) , and maybe also tesla .

[@AutoTraderTV]

Hi Amjad, we are thinking about what to do next, your comments are very welcome.

[@jakiaparbin2445]

Auto Trader ĺk

[@chrisbirkett5893]

Auto Trader

[@joshlawhorn]

Кислород haha haters

[@Nobody-dh3bm]

Кислород oxygen lmao

[@Neil2022]

Bmw claimed 0-60 of 5.1 is for manual not auto. (4.9)

[@REDEEL16]

Great video! so wanted the amg and want with focus, gotta say after 8 months of owning RS its sic as but gotta keep rippin it to bits to enjoy it, I’m happy

[@drivelinetime]

You're details are all over the place with the 135i - one minute it's a 6 speed manual, it's a claimed 4.9 to 60 not 5.1 which refers to the manual. I'd update the figures Auto Trader.

[@JonQuirkUK]

+drivelinetime Thanks for your comments, James. You're absolutely correct - we had originally planned to test a manual 135i, but when we received this auto version instead, the stats weren't changed to reflect the new derivative. Unfortunately the edit has now sailed, but I hope that clears things up. Best, J

[@drivelinetime]

+Jon Quirk Ah yes that clears it up, thanks. Couldn't fault the review other than that! (ZF)

[@jamesross2373]

The A45 should have won. Faster acceleration, faster lap time, more practical, better build quality, better looking, way nicer interior, better exhaust sound, hand built engine with more power per cylinder than a Bugatti Veyron SS, and it feels more special than the Focus. The Focus might be better value, but it's not the better car. And affordability is relative anyway. In the tests the Focus only won in one area, steering feedback. But many reviewers have said the A45 has decent steering anyway, by no means bad. How the Focus won with a slim margin in only one area is beyond me. I really like the Focus, but they should have picked the better car, not the one they wanted to win.

[@itshappening100]

- Obnoxiously loud (switching exhaust valves makes no difference), awful turbo lag, heavy, bad visibility... + Looks, Interior, Mercedes... CUPRA is the real winner.

[@PR-fs9os]

The Type-R is the fastest of all of these at the Nurburgring and a few other tracks. It's got the best 6 speed manual of this entire group. It's at least ~200lbs lighter than any of the AWD options.

[@veinssvise6775]

Boooo.

[@focusspeed28]

new Focus RS .....perfect

[@12taskforce]

+Jim Garrity put an st badge on it

[@markdenyer8072]

shocking interior though

[@focusspeed28]

The best

[@davidgriggs3967]

If you can stop the head gaskets failing .

[@patrickwoodmency]

David Griggs HGs are getting fixed. You'll need something new.

[@LaneHouse]

This is a pretty easy decision over in the States, we do not get the Civic Type-R, Audi RS3, MB A45, any Renault, any Peugot, the 1-Series or any Seat's, leaving it down to Focus RS , Subaru STI or Golf R. I'd take the Focus RS any day of the week.

[@The32694]

You can get the rs3

[@radityaanugrahp]

civic type r is officially crushing them quite far on nurburgring, how can it so slow on this track? is it the driver's problem? or the wet grip?

[@jrzez]

Surprisingly good video. Good job. More of these please. The RS is the new benchmark, no doubt, having the performance and charm. Good job Ford. Now, their US Dealerships though, biggest scumbags ever. All of these guys are marking them up $5-10K over sticker, others don't know what you're talking about, and some others are just flat out disinterested. Horrific shopping experience, and I basically give up looking for one of these cars because of it. They also are losing an additional sale as I need two vehicles, the RS for me, and something for the wife. You lose Ford, and a big F-you to Ford scumbag dealerships.

[@lee1130fromtwitter]

+jrzez i got my rs at sticker, and its produced sitting at the port in germany right now. i cant wait, after august you can order a 17 rs, dont let a dealer screw you the 16 allocations have been out since november.

[@OopseaDoopsea]

+jrzez I put my order in the day the banks opened up. Still waiting on getting a VIN and build date. My dealership has been less than communicative with me. However I did manage to lock in a price for MSRP with some extra goodies to boot. It isn't Fords fault that the dealerships suck though. They have no control over what private unionized dealerships do in the US and since it is not legal for any car manufacturer to sell directly to customers we probably won't see any better treatment any time soon.

[@lee1130fromtwitter]

Jon Bromley I hate to break it to you, if you are waiting for a build date by now. you better call the regional rep for ford and check if you even have an allocation. dealers only get a certain number of them, if any. based on st sales. ive heard it on the forums alot that dealers are lying to people when there is no allocation to be had.. best of luck

[@lee1130fromtwitter]

+GermanCarsRule idk. i dont want an automatic. But i agree with the greedy dealers scaring off people. but on the flip side its limited production soooo. i