Ford Focus ST v Vauxhall Astra VXR | evo TRACK BATTLE

[@future62]

Man that Astra looks like a shit ton of fun

[@Nakke144]

Im a Ford guy, but i don't see why all the other Ford-guys are whining on here. Of course the VXR won, it's much more hardcore and has an LSD. The VXR should be compared to the likes of the Megane RS, and the Focus to the all-rounders in the hot hatch market, like the GTi. But it has to be said that the lack of grip on the Focus can be greatly improved with stickier tires and upgraded engine mounts.

[@topsznaj3791]

exactly !!!

[@asifnoaman8978]

@@meganjay30 same could be said with Jeremy Clarkson and the Vectra VXR, YIKES

[@itsamemario333]

I love my focus ST but that Astra is a beast. I also think that you have to use the ST with a different approach and technique. Maybe he should have driven the Focus first. I went from a 2013 rear wheel drive Camaro to my 2013 front wheel drive Focus ST and couldn't be happier. I got the Focus for the room and ease of access to the back seats for my 4 year old and I got the ST so I could still have my toy and it's a blast. Took me a while to get used to it and the way it handles. Also took me a while to get to a 5.9sec 0-60mph because the break in the clutch is different from what I'm used to. He needs more time with it. Lots of torque steer to on an aggressive acceleration but now I don't even notice it because I'm so used to the car and my habits are taking over.

[@rockchen9976]

I'm driving 2013 focus st, too! Can you drive it for big slide while cornering?

[@JamesAH1]

It's simple, VXR beats ST, RS beats VXR All good hot hatches

[@rushinize]

James of course all wheel drive is gona beat fwd fact is the rs can't be compared to the vxr for this reason

[@Payne..]

If the vxr was made with 4wd it would piss all over the RS

[@johnstannard8366]

Golf R will destroy both.

[@goldeneagle99]

​@@johnstannard83664x4 that's why...boring as hell grandad car...

[@Majki182]

I was longing for an OPC model that oversteers and here it is!

[@johnny6476]

Why do people keep talking about the astra only has 2 doors and the focus has 4? That doesn't make any difference the astra weighs more than the focus and still beat it end of.

[@StephenButlerOne]

Have you felt the with in them two doors. I live on a hill and have to reverse in my steet, my wife and my then 7-10 year old girl had to have someone to open the doors. As it's a 2 door there is alot of rigidity and strength in them doors. They feel like bank volt doors. Got rid of mine in November, for somthing the kids (and wife) could get out off. Cracking car to drive. Terrible internal electrics. Suffered from a grind loop issue from day one, Vx told me it was a design flaw, so a fix wouldn't fix it. A £4 inline passive noise 'risistor' fixe that. Also my driver door card, trh leather squeeked intermittently from about 6 moths old, "fixed" twice, didn't bother fixing it a 3rd time. Also the fuel tank needs baffels. Only car I've had where hen over half full when you stop it sounds like a dedlad person slams into the rear seats. Anther thing that I've only noticed with the gtc is how much diffent the drive feels between an empty tank and a full one. A thing over half full mad it seel like a boat. So I'd ony ever half fill it. Which pissed me off no end cos half a tank doesn't go far.

[@CagMito]

I Love Vauxhall Astra VXR/Opel Astra OPC

[@tomderdoktor2159]

More torque..more power...better brakes...and a mechanical slip differential...the winner was clear before the test !a comparison would have been a ford focus rs. (305ps)

[@goldeneagle99]

Stage 1 gtc vxr 320 bhp.......

[@rvind92g]

Drove an ST today, I really like the gear and clutch combo along with the driving position.

[@themancuniancandidate2744]

It's a shame so many people are badge snobs. I traded in a mint series 1 Boxster S for my VXR, and the VXR is better in just about every measurable way. Of course, it's 15 years younger, but it's faster, more agile, safer, better equipped, handles better, and uses less fuel. It just doesn't have a Porsche badge on the front (but it also doesn't have Porsche-sized repair bills). I'm not sure why people in the comments are comparing the VXR to the Focus RS; maybe the RS was cheaper in Europe, but here in Australia it was about $15k more than the VXR but only 0.2 of a second faster to 100kmh.

[@schlumperdick]

the vxr is unreal it drifts like a 3 in this

[@Noukz37]

Me thinks the EVO guys should provide us with a proper on-board camera. Behind the driver, facing forward while recording his driving as well, so we can see "live" what's going on. Thumbs up if you agree?

[@rbhoulton]

Chris Harris didn't seem to think so... Search Ford Focus RS vs. Renaultsport Megane 250 Cup, Part 1/2 ...and the Megane RS265 is still the Nurburgring FWD record holder

[@goldeneagle99]

Type r took that away lol

[@roballman2881]

always been a ford man,but ive got a 2013 astra vxr and its incredible,very quick and great to drive

[@tan9640]

Vxr all day

[@anthonyshackleton6178]

@Fiesta ST all ST's are 💩💩

[@5ivetimes1]

Having owned both, the ST is the better allrounder day to day, ST really lacks a diff though and that’s the big difference. ST has the better interior, VXR looks nicer and is a bit quicker and is a sharper drive until you fit a diff to the ST and then it’s a whole different beast. I’m just done with Vauxhall’s lack of reliability and terrible gearboxes. My Astra VXR kept popping out of gear at only 10k miles. Garbage.

[@dannieboy2105]

I work at a Opel dealership in Germany, and I drove the Astra OPC (which is Astra VXR in Germany) just today and it is awesome!!!! Good Interior, in my opinion great looks, a good engine and dampers and a lovely sound!

[@xTruthxWithinx]

I own a regular 12 Focus and love it. Both of these hatches are beautiful and I wish they had the Astra here stateside...

[@1989rs500]

Wow Fiesta ST did the track in 1:30.4s and Focus ST in 1:33.9, seems the wetness of tract carves out around 4-5 seconds off the dry time for Focus ST

[@aethrus]

The astra REALLY doesn't look like a FWD car in those opening shots. Very well driven Mr. Meaden!

[@mikeh2006]

These astra vxr's are nice and aging well. Seems reliability isn't bad either from what i've heard. May get one, in blue.

[@NoLie6]

Current ASTRA and INSIGNIA models are sooo amazing (performance as well as the look). Great!

[@Ocharles3148]

The weather was really bad during the Ford's lap time

[@mrdjc100]

It's good for once to see an honest review for once

[@Payne..]

I got the Astra GTC 2.0 turbo and I'd still have it over the ST

[@danieljordannicol9937]

thats daft

[@Payne..]

@@danieljordannicol9937 it looks better than the ST and I like the handling and acceleration so in my opinion it's not daft

[@Beesechurgler]

Nice to see the vxr win, the better car in every single way

[@85gt]

He looks quite handy to me! Not many people can drift a FWD like that, is not throttle is doing the work its driver skill.

[@stevie007]

VXR rules the day for me.💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@tan9640]

The facelift focus st looks alot better than this especially the interior Hope they dont call the diesel version std tho lol

[@scottsvxr]

We all know why there's so much hate for the VXR brand now.....someone once said "better to be talked about than nobody talking at all"👌😅😂

[@rextetron]

Best fwd hatches at the moment seem to be Megane and Astra. Crazy good drifting, have to say.

[@jackamick]

I've driven the Focus, the wheel really isn't that big, it's just positioned higher than the Vauxhalls in this video.

[@StephenButlerOne]

The 255s on the gtc just cling on so much more than you d think they should. I now have a lean St FR and the difference in cornering traction is night and day.

[@neildavies3762]

Rather focus st on daily driver, I got family and dog, so estate at it is. Love it.

[@klstrucker930419]

I'd take the focus just for this sound. Only subaru 4 cyl. turbo sounds better.

[@STdaleRS]

Focus ST 4 life The astra is fast and nice but I would have the ST I saw one in real life n It look amazing also the astra cost more if u spend some money re mapping the ST it would shit all of the astra cos that's what I would do :)

[@TheMaciek51s]

Vauxhall is a British automotive manufacturing company subsidiary of German Adam Opel AG, itself a wholly owned subsidiary of the American General Motors (GM).

[@Rossamus]

MK 2's 5 cylinder sounds waaaaaaaay better than the 4-pot in this new one as well. It's worth every extra gulp of fuel it drinks!

[@Normanroberts]

You are the master of sheer incompetence, sir!!

[@846524162]

I don't know, I just visited the Ford salon yesterday and also from all the pics and tests, I have a feeling the steering wheel is too big. If I were serious buyer of ST, I would want slightly smaller wheel, but I quite like the design of it.

[@charlesholzy]

and you forget the fact that these two cars here were only a few seconds off the Megane when the track was damp/greasy. and also that they only have 20-30hp less than the Megane. The new line of hot hatches are going to catch and outrun the older ones pretty soon. and when the new Focus RS comes out the older Megane will be completely destroyed.

[@MrRohanThomas]

charlesholzy Mégane is ugly looking compared to these 2

[@AlexOliver555]

Whats with the large bonnet gap? Looks like it isn't closed properly.

[@petaypark82]

Ive just took one out today, tbh I preferred the new one. The clutches are 1200 to replace for the uprated rs one as I was running 300 bhp. Better spec and loads better on fuel.

[@derbigpr500]

Besides, you forget that the driver in test with BRZ was different, and there were two men in the car, not one. Whats your point of argument anyway if Megane RS is undeniably the fastest (and according to the best journalists, the best hatchbach), and officially holding FWD records on any track it was ever tested on?

[@genericdenizen1]

Ha! There's a Lamborghini, broken down in the middle of the track and the hot hatch zips past. Too bad the Ford Focus ST lost to the Vauxhall/Opel. We don't have Vauxhall/Opel in the US. I just bought a 2013 Ford Focus ST (over the VW GTI) and it's a really fun car to drive with 252 HP and 270 Torque. Plus, I can even drive like a normal person when the wife and kids are in it.

[@SuperSimmy01]

The vxr has great balance!

[@hennessey861]

I would rather have the astra, it has some class. The Megane is a chavs car

[@JanMichaelFranklin]

Just what I was thinking! That would be awesome! Buick's first hot hatch! The Buick versions usually make the transition with a slightly bettter looking package too!

[@HENRYHOBBS1]

respect to vauxhall for making a bonkers car that works to

[@Zjories92]

Yeah, I'm not arguing about that but in terms of speed it shouldn't make any difference since both have about the same kind of horsepower. The LSD on the Astra makes the difference in lap time. And what about a m3 saloon (4 door)? Definitely more practical than the 2 door coupe if you ask me.

[@sfiifs458]

I do not know if it still deals with Manuel Reuter OPC Nurburgring rekorditega workouts and the man gives the best information on VXR OPC Insignia OPC with Manuel Reuter was probably having to go to Nurburgring But hopefully he travels with the Astra VXR OPC-

[@Stagobos]

VXR looks so much better!

[@orbhot]

What tire is the Astra running? It comes down to tires so often. The Goodyear F1 the Focus uses are not the best.

[@derbigpr500]

Actually, you're wrong. Megane RS is not a hardcore track car. Its got all the luxuries focus or astra have, and its in fact very comfortable and refined, more than some normal hatchbacks. New Megane is not like the old R26R. Its all around excellent car and won pretty much every single comparison ever conducted, even here on Evo.

[@fusion01wp]

personally I don't consider the amount of doors to make much of a difference when considering power output, suspension, steering etc etc etc!

[@blackflagpirate3444]

The VXR is defiantly better on and off paper.Even the old RS just wins a drag race against the GTC VXR ;)

[@shrewsnose1]

Can you sit any closer to the steering wheel ?

[@846524162]

- Focus has great sound, looks great but the steering wheel is massive! - I like this guy, nice and honest, no mocking around or being snob like some are - Since when the FWD cars drift like these?! :D

[@sim-jk2dr]

ford fans can't take it, that a Vauxhall is actually better than a ford. I'm non bias I'm a fan of both but on this one I would have the vxr over the st anyday.

[@reecefallon1772]

No doubt that the vxr is a quicker car, but what people don't realise is that the st isn't made to contend with the vxr, that's the job of the new RS

[@rushinize]

Reece Fallon your wrong, can't compare a front wheel drive car to an all wheel drive car idiot

[@reecem2989]

Reece Fallon totally isn't

[@cbecks2051]

Astra gsi turbo kills focus st

[@jackamick]

I with the Vauxhall (or the Renault Megane, for the matter) was available in the US, but I'm glad that I purchased the Ford. It was my best option.

[@ThePoptartMaster]

I own a ST and i drive it in the track and i like it i think its one of the best front wheel drive car in the market out there

[@fusion01wp]

nice review, cheers Evo!

[@Doktorfailgaming]

The old ST has less HP and less Torque than the new one, while being quite a gas guzzler compared to the 2l Ecoboost Engine. So what makes it better?

[@dimos47ki7]

looks is a matter of personal taste so i can't argue to that. but don't expect from the VXR to burn less than the renault if you go at the same pace. i never take for serious the official consumption numbers that companies announce. they are always WAAAY out from reality.

[@jonathangandy]

Can't wait to see the M135i on an EVO track vid. Maybe up against the Megane RS?

[@djrowley1972]

I have always loved Ford's I've been lucky enough to drive the old and the new st inc both mk1 & mk2 focus rs (I work for a Ford dealer) we have had a couple of Vxr's px the rs would cream all over the vxr no doubt the 1 thing they all lack is awd my own car is a 03 impreza wrx ppp roughly about 265 bhp in damp conditions a 350 PHP rs couldn't keep up in this country the weather is usually crap fwd and big bhp & our climate doesn't work

[@Lolzilol123]

I think you're wrong to be honest, if you look at the time when they get to the first apex, it's about the same, and the Vauxhall has more power.

[@1066gaz]

The wide rear arches spoils the astra as its a problem getting it in the garage.

[@MrAmalto]

Wow... and here in the states everyone's basically declared the Focus ST the best hot hatch in terms of performance (excluding the Golf R). Makes me wish the Vauxhall Astra VXR were sold over here.

[@petaypark82]

difficult conditions, but seemed more concerned with sliding the rear end around. Also Vauxhalls have always been renowned for crap gear boxes and this one didn't sound too much better after a bit of hammer. The ST is better to live with, but to be honest the fair comparison would be the RS as that is the same price bracket and targeted more at the hot hatch market. Cant wait to see if ford release the new RS to trounce the VXR like the old one did!

[@evan_lau]

damn it, looks like vauxhalls should be sold in the U.S...

[@sfiifs458]

i mean at this car tester driven golf r this ring and what time and wet or try

[@tedtheturbot]

nice bit of in car thx...could do with seeing a bit more of the steering wheel and the road at the same time to get a more feel for it

[@Willlysson]

These comparisons are great!

[@Jigsjigz]

We only just got the 2 door 3months ago... maybe its on its way?

[@mrdragancelan]

I think the LSD in the Vauxhall was a major advantage in this race considering the greasy condition of the track.

[@IMRKJMSBITCH]

True sliding is the slowest way around, but sliding a front drive car like that in the wet shows how well balanced both of these cars are.....plus it's just plane Bad Ass!

[@ghibli608]

Guilletta? I know that the 75 America V6 or the First Gen GTV6 were awesome.

[@Tenbegdoh]

I drive a 15 year old 4 pot NA FWD Honda I bought for £2500 a bit over a year ago. My insurance is under £500 fully comp with 1 year's no claims (I'm 34), It's about as quick as these cars. I do wonder why people buy new, sometimes.

[@RazgrizNinjaEX8]

And the more interesting interior.

[@BlurringCars]

What's with the jerkiness with the steering wheel. No wonder the rear end kept coming round. It's impossible to find out whats the fastest around this track with driving like that!

[@ScottaHemi440]

we so need this as a Buick!!! also why don't we get the 2 door versions :(

[@camaroman101]

isnt that sound being pumped through the speakers?

[@846524162]

Opel se izgleda popravio na Astri, prijasna generacija nije bila bas nesto, ali ovaj novi model stvarno ima potenciala, a Focus je pao u razvoju, izgleda da imaju neke pametnije stvari u Fordu nego napravit dobar ST. Losa strana Astre je izgled (barem meni, nije bi bas legla) i mjenjac, a ostalo bas super, iznenadjenje od Opela.

[@keybraker]

opel astra opc for ever

[@Remkooo.]

Astra OPC is my dream car. I got a new 2012 astra gtc 2.0 cdti 165 hp because of the long distances i drive. If not then i would have baught me a OPC:D but ofcorse im not allowed to complain because this car also drives really really really good! Soon i will put a video of my car on youtube:)

[@stanthemafia]

Still Donno what to get.. But I'm edging towards the ST

[@tomforrest7814]

+Larry Adjei are you mad?

[@stanthemafia]

+Tom Forrest are YOU mad ?

[@tomforrest7814]

lol, Can i edge you towards the VXR Astra seriously drive one the torque is insane and the pulling power is seriously next gen :-)

[@sammaes]

+Tom Forrest and the problems with the paint. Even the doors get stone chips!

[@VictorySpecification]

Instead of putting it on the mondeo, why didn't Ford use the design cues they stole from Aston on the focus?

[@derbigpr500]

Hey, look at the times or M1 and RS3. Megane RS is faster than both, even at their home track in Nurburging. Its over 20 seconds per lap faster than RS3 and 8 seconds per lap than M1.

[@sfiifs458]

WAS THIS SAME RING BATTLE MEGAN 265 VS SUBARU BZR DRY TRACK MEGAN 1.28 AND SUBARU 1.33 DRY DRACK BUT DIFFERENT DRIVER

[@skylineXpert]

and you call the focus st dissapointing. the power advantage of the astra having 25 horsepower more is clearly a difference. but the st got individual traction control. one everyday setting. one for novice race drivers and race mode where tc is turned complety of. it even got torque vector control. which means distributing power between the pulling wheels evenly

[@itzlamaj]

Its about time Vauxhall has there own designs now...I remember when their cars resembled other manufacturers

[@MrRohanThomas]

Jamal Phelps which one of their cars resemble others?

[@Ustra13]

i know its not the "M1" but thats how we normally call it in germany, I sure know the original mid engined M1 but the new 1series M IS called M1 everywhere ... And i bet i do know more than you at least i have a drivers license and i own a 1series 120d myself .

[@sarahkingsnorth9890]

thank you Tom Forrest.

[@den_525]

On paper yes... but the times are pretty close Astra did it in 1:31.4 and RS265 did it in 1:28.5 both done by evo, different drivers and Renault did it completely dry. I'd still prefer the Renault though.

[@gavinduncan123]

so the Astra was quicker than the SLS and the Aston?

[@sfiifs458]

I WANT SEE THIS DRIVER DRIVING MEGAN 265 . It is difficult to obtain or similar climatic equivalent conditions BUT It would be interesting to know how Megan 265 on this track. Of course, this driver did not drive IDEALLY VXR But no matter

[@derbigpr500]

In which universe is Megane more expensive? Its actually 3000 pounds cheaper than Astra and costs the same as Focus.

[@jb1563700]

I enjoyed it rather a lot... to each his own I guess. It's nice to see a reviewer who isn't a shouting jump-around.

[@afranklin1976]

Also look at the weather it was raining while driving the focus st! You could see he had to use the windshield wipers but when he was driving the other one the weather was much better and look at the track it was much dryier!! Yes these shows r always making US cars look bad!!

[@charlesholzy]

Except for the fact that the Megane RS did a 1:28 here on a DRY track, compared to the greasy/damp one featured here on this video. I wouldn't really call that wiping the floor..... Maybe it is to fanboys. Check the track battle between the Megane and Subaru BRZ for laptimes if you don't believe me