Ford Focus ST vs Vauxhall Opel Astra VXR - www.autocar.co.uk

2012's hottest new performance hatches meet on track, as we find out which is faster, and crucially more fun, when the potent Vauxhall Astra VXR takes on the all-new Ford Focus ST.
See more high-res images and a full review of the Ford Focus at www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/f...
See more high-res images and a full review of the Vauxhall Astra VXR at www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/v...

[@charlesjames1442]

The 2013 ST I bought 11 years ago. Has full bolt ons, a 91 octane(US) tune, Ford track springs and a Quaife LSD. 263 at the wheel and 326 ft.lbs. 111,000 miles and still using the factory clutch. More fun than I deserve.

[@JordieMotive97]

maan this Astra looks amazing. i've always prefered focuses, my mum has a MK1 Focus RS :) but the astra still looks nicee

[@SwPiotrek]

Very good review. I think that both of those cars are great.

[@jayrave4]

I'm a Ford fan, but the lack of a 3-door MK3 means I won't be buying this or the RS when it comes out. Astra is a beautiful car and a real step up from the last VXR.

[@DriftDriver36]

Yay! You finally got your audio levels right. Don't forget, most of the world is holding a smartphone and sharing with others.

[@jayrave4]

I keep expecting them to start going on about the size of the glove box or whether the vanity mirror's lights are bright enough.

[@absolutelyaaron]

when does the astra go on sale?

[@aptsys]

Not sure about that as it has the Bi-Xenon lights only available on the ST-3

[@BillyBoy444]

Even after driving one with the new gearbox, it is very clucnky compaired to a Focus gearbox and the biggest problem is the VXR feels like you have missed a gear from redlining in 1st then changing to 2nd with maybe a 3 second gap before it picks up again and it just feels like the clutch or the gear hasn't engaged momentarily.

[@carsaregood911]

Wow that Astra is pretty incredible. Wish it was more widely available in the world.

[@EZlover415]

Enjoyed the review.. but you weren't clear on the specs that make it "entertaining" Is the steering lighter? does it handle better? does it feel lighter on the road? does it shift better? do you feel more connected to the car? Maybe I missed it but I didn't hear any specifics...

[@jack91534]

The noise isn't digital (nothing is going through the audio system), it's all natural, but the engineers did some tuning to get it sound like the 5.

[@silverbullet1979]

Yeah, I noticed that too, are these hatchbacks really that big???

[@BillyBoy444]

I work for Vauxhall and driven the VXR but I would choose the Focus. If you buy the Astra then you have to get a new gearbox fitted as the diffs can't handle the power and break up so Vauxhall are recalling them all. What else will break???

[@darklander81]

Focus is a hot hatch. Astra is one notch below Ferrari F360 (with chip tuning, it can get pretty close). Look at the weight figures, and the technologies loaded. I love the Astra. It's both a track day car and an everyday car. Love it. Love it. Love it.

[@TheNuno190]

the is branded as what on the US??isnt it as a holden?

[@HesteBremse]

A bit short review for that considerable strong conclusion.

[@mark-1rc502]

The lack of feedback through the steering seems to be consistent in a lot of modern cars , Almost like it's over assisted .

[@MrCarmad94]

well and truely love the VXR's looks and how it looks on paper but there is so many hot hatches to chose from

[@1989rs500]

yaa saw that but in some websites its given 350hp ie about 330 bhp, also there mite be a 300 bhp variant too, revoknuckles had trouble putn power to the ground in wet, ford is tryn to solve this issue as well

[@lemonadeez]

That was beautiful to watch.

[@Noavaileblenames]

Yes ofcourse. I was referring to the Ampera driveline and chassis.

[@DethThrasher1]

good stuff, this guy is pretty good

[@1Bepractical]

I know about corners and love to corner with my fiesta ST, but the car that’s most fun gonna be the faster one, if I had the ST and got beat on the way to work with the VXR the ST would not be fun that day I be looking at the VXR at that point

[@ViperVenom]

wish we could get the VXR here

[@Goproflying]

So the VXR costs an extra £1,500 for a saving of 1.3 seconds costing £1,153/sec. Is it really worth it? I think I'd get the Megane, it's cheaper than both.

[@BrantFortunate]

A lot of great hot hatches out there right now. :)

[@ChickinSammichMan]

She has a very nice voice. Good review by the way. :)

[@Toledotourbillion]

Can you ask your friend to put up a video about that?

[@007RoyalFlush]

The exterior shots are of an ST-3. The interior shots are of an ST-2. The ST-3 interior has all black leather. The ST-2 has the body-coloured fabric/part leather.

[@spazda_mx5]

This is exactly what I was thinking, I know which opinion I would put more weight behind...

[@alexblag18]

Have the ST anyday

[@TheGoobly]

I went to test drive both when buying a new car, went with the Ford, VXR was ok, but slightly.....dead inside, and it has pants torque steel. Focus was fun, but really, the difference was minimal and it came down to looks. However, focus engines are blowing up all over the place so the VXR might have been a better choice.

[@ma6netho]

maybe brake fail is caused by the fake (eletric) lsd which is used to brake innerwheel so it wount spinn out of corners

[@DavidB-rx3km]

I remember reading ages ago that a performance magazine said the Focus was better 'because it had four doors', even though the Astra trounced it in every other department. 🤔🤔🤔🙄 Journalists will always 'first place' a Ford, just because it's not a Vauxhall. I hate car journalists as much as rock magazine journalists, they will NEVER admit another car is better than their Fords or French cars.

[@TheEGGtech]

I'd like to see the Astra VXR vs. Megane RS265 or RS250. That would be fantastic.

[@fusion01wp]

Couple of years time it'll be the tough choice of an OPC / VXR or the Megane 265 CUP.

[@s.flanders]

Also, 4WD is automatically less fun than RWD, though admittedly more usable in winter. However, let's once again not forget that you recommended the RWD BRZ over these hot hatches. The BRZ is not the better option for many people.

[@fgeiger41]

@00haze for sure. with the evo review the guy seemed to genuinely be having fun. very subjective for sure.

[@macrimel]

i hope one day to meet you so u can drive my megane rs 250,and i can drive your focus rs. i tell u both are great car and we are lucky to have one ;)

[@petrolhead229]

No, this just proves that in dry conditions the Focus is the more fun car, whereas EVO's video shows how the Focus' cheap front suspension setup is undone in the wet. Both are great videos, showing the two cars in different conditions.

[@limericklad2000]

Maybe one day someone will make a hot hatch that is both the quickest AND the most entertaining to drive.

[@TheNuno190]

if it is,its badged as an opel or a vauxhall

[@michaelrichards4773]

The ST for me it's so good

[@samc821]

EVO magazine had the result reversed,although the test was done in slipperier conditions the astra had the more mobile and consistent back end but still quicker,go figure

[@TheNuno190]

for the ordinary man,these hatches are just the best,their cheap,fun,good looking (IMO),you can take your kids in the back,with a bit of a struggle,but you can,a good amount of groceries,and when you finished taking them to school,you can drive to your work fast,in a fun and much more economical way than a +100K supercar dont get me wrong,we all love supercars,but in a real world where most of us will just look at them,the hot hatches are the way to go,for us,ordinary people

[@Tenbegdoh]

Wonder how quick my 15 year old Integra type R DC2 with a NA 4 pot would do that track... Before you all say it'd be completely outclassed, I should point out that although it's nearly 100bhp down on the Astra, the 0-60 is just a couple of tenths off, and it's a lot lighter too, so it'll corner better.

[@supercooled]

That's a good informational post. Thank you. I didn't know Germany drove on the left side like North American. Actually, I had seen it before but always assumed Europe and UK were all LHD with some pockets of countries that drove on the left like we do. Kind of a strange anomaly if I do say so myself. Time to WIkipedia it I suppose.

[@jamesbenfield3560]

beefycol, look at focus st vs 4+4 subaru not compairable? how come 2wd wins? have a look. subarus days are numberd my bros 2wd mk1 also killed a p1 subaru so have a re think.

[@chrisstick19]

if i had the focus st which i will in a year or so i definitely plan in getting the bluefin remap to take it to 295 bhp

[@plokooon4246]

how’d that plan go?

[@n8neiTen8n]

Opel Asta

[@007RoyalFlush]

Published mid August, when Focus ST was well into production. I am referring to European specification, which is what Autocar generally use.

[@54FLEX45]

You missed the point, which was the GTI / ST already both handle better than the Astra so you don't need to. I just mentioned that a simple power upgrade for the 2 aforementioned cars make them not only as fast but better handling cars... Making this Astra a waste of time.

[@jack91534]

And let me add, it sure does sound great.

[@fusion01wp]

I have an ST 1st gen and it sucks as much fuel as my previous car, a BMW 135i. If fuel is expensive where you reside, it is a concern you should take into account. I don't care as I work from home and this is a fun activity (track etc) but commuting? Then buy the ST or a GTI as they truly have the best balance of performance and economy.

[@steelefist]

the EVO review gave a very different conclusion

[@Noavaileblenames]

So I can get superior handling and Limited slip diff from a chip upgrade for my VW GTI? Where is this? Whom do I talk to? Besides... I'm pretty sure you can get performance upgrades for the Astra aswell. So what ever you put in a Golf you could also put into an Astra. Wich renders your point as.....? Irrelevant perhaps?

[@nismofury]

Why cant we get the astra in america? I would buy it. It looks like what a wrx should look like.

[@GlobainmenTV]

I always hated Opel/Vauxhall...but DAMN, that Astra looks amazing!!

[@z06dave]

Cool. I'll take the VXR

[@yuhkooza]

I hope they know that the power figures listed for the Focus ST are incorrect. The Focus makes 252HP and 270lbft, not what's shown.

[@the_trevinator_]

Focus so good it shared it's chassis design with volvo v 40 which is basically a Ford focus

[@RobertoBazzan]

Slower is more fun is it?

[@lffit]

Not fond of the new Focus styling, but having owned one, what a balanced car fun car it was!!!

[@sfiifs458]

Can anyone say the Astra VXR and Corsa VXR seat weight folding weight nyrburgring Edition Thanks

[@wrightpcs]

Couldn't tell you mate

[@wrightpcs]

Sorry you had to wait 11 years for that 😂

[@onepunch9]

Yes that`s because the 400 bhp evo has got a massive turbo, bigger the turbo bigger the lag. If the Rs torque is amazing how come the new Astra VXR and new RS Megane bt the RS focus by over 1.5sec a lap on the top gear track. There is a vid on here with an RS focus vs a Clio cup and it struggled to bt that AMAZING MY ARSE.....

[@dilawer321]

LOOOL, we want to know the performance in these cars, and you need a driver to tel you how it drives, thats why Chris Harris reviews are so good because he can relate the driving experience

[@Jimbo8012]

padi190789 - Richard Meaden of Evo tested both cars around the Bedford Autodrome (in damp conditions) and found that the Astra was not only 2.5 seconds faster per lap but also more predictable. I could be the case that he's the better driver but do note that he's following her which provides some advantages - can see where she's braking, her turn in points etc.

[@JPWest020]

A lot of the problems the Ford deals with traction wise - torque steer! - will be solved with a LSD (limited Slip Diff). Unfortunately Ford doesn't provide one for the ST. It would make it a much better car.. But: you can get one on the aftermarket. Wavetrac, Quaife, or Drexler. Will set you back another 1500 euro's, including installing it. But I would start with a stiffer rear motor mount. And put in a short shifter while you're at it.;-)) The OPC (VXR) really only needs one mod: a short shifter. -

[@MikePT15]

it is a bit a matter of taste, but i agree with you.

[@1989rs500]

inspite of lower horespower more effecient and refined engine and a much more compliant suspension like that of the Golf the focus is an unbeatable everyday sports car, be lite on the throttle and be a normal driver its very comfy too unlike megane and astra which gives pain on bumpy roads

[@07SuperchargedSS]

I think GM would make a killing if they brought the Astra VXR over here to North America with everyone downsizing to smaller cars. It looks way better than the Focus, and its flat thru the corners. With 280 hp, an LSD, and under $30,000, I bet people would be lined up to buy this thing.

[@SikyGTI]

highly doubt that before 2015 new focus rs will be out with 350bhp which is too far away for a simple megane to catch :)

[@vincesplc]

i wanttt bothhhh they stunningggg both ummmmm!!!!!

[@Joke9972]

Focus always has been the most entertaining. Though, I'd prefer the v shaped steering wheel of the Astra, and its interior more... dunno. I know 'Opels' (here on the continent) always had problems with waterpumps or oil pumps, so... maybe I'd still go for the Ford.

[@rextetron]

The VXR seems to be a bit of a surprise, in EVO's track test it was far more fun and faster than the ST. I don't fully buy this review's info. Do a test - VXR vs Megane 265 cup, pls!

[@Kgn-kgsjejdnne91]

Man that Astra is sleek 👍

[@Tommy493]

I watched a review from Evo and they said, that the Astra was more entertaining on a track. You said the opposite. Guess there's no other way but trying them out myself :)

[@Lolzilol123]

I don't know who's uploading to KZbin, but they really ought to check what they put up. First there's a video saying the Astra is much more fun, and that the Focus is ragged, softer and lacks traction which holds it back from a fun point of view. Then there's a video saying the Focus is the more entertaining car to drive by a considerable distance. I know there can be differences of opinion, but it doesn't seem professional to upload two completely differing views after each other.

[@GlobainmenTV]

true! I don't really like the tail lights...

[@set2light]

lol, some of the comments are ridiculous. The Focus is a lovely car, well engineered and put together. I drive the Focus RS and it is simply wonderful

[@Pepinoeldelgarage]

Remember this is in Europe, the American market gets the ST-1 ST2 and ST-3 versions, the european could get different options. Also if its the same in Europe this might be a preproduction version of the ST

[@sfiifs458]

wastlaps was different driver and different day and car conditions was different.we dont no what condition was ford focus rs or megan fastlaps ring

[@JoshuaC0rbit]

I'm a ford guy but damn that astra looks good.

[@SikyGTI]

i wouldn't agree... it's maybe slowest on paper due to it's weight... But when that 500nm of torque slaps you into seat in any gear in any revs then you can appreciate what the car can do ;)

[@Crabash]

I don't get this love affair with the way the Focus back end moves around, I drove one and hated the way the back end was, it felt like the front wheel was trying to "tuck under", horrible feeling that takes me back to cars of 30-40 years ago.

[@BurnRubberL12]

The VXR looks like a sexy coupe/hatch thing but the ford just looks like a family focus with go fast bit and bobs stuck on in my opinion.

[@MrKrstaa]

Opel!

[@Noavaileblenames]

It's sold under the name Saturn. But it's still on the previous platform. 2005 model.

[@Gingeftw]

Price is a big jump from these 2 to that car mate, bit of a different league really. RS3 starts at 40k where as these can start around 23 ish

[@Shift4g]

The ST sounds like its got some "stereo engine amplification" going on, for those that miss the sound of the I5.

[@yellowbusguy]

Didn't the 1 gen have a five cylinder? This new one is a 2 liter 4 cylinder and it should be some what more thrifty.

[@rapzeh4]

herp a derp ?

[@lesoo3]

so its not about how fast you go round its how much fun you have we should all be driving a russian Lada now they are fun

[@MrSmithyboy1990]

The Astra look's great tbh, but the Focus is growing on me, really doe's look good in 'Asbo' Orange :P also Look's alot more fun to!

[@supercooled]

Why is the ST in LHD configuration? I thought the ST was designed and built in the UK/Europe? On the cars, I prefer the VXR. Looks more smooth and fluidic to steal a catch phrase from Hyundai and that's to say nothing of the better power advantage. A difference in 26hp isn't much and for sure would not sway me from one to another, but style wise, I like the VXR a lot more. Being in NA, however, I find it disappointing we no longer have the Saturn brand to bring it over.

[@ElderkinMedia]

Focus looks great. Astra looks better, but then it is a 2-door, hard to really compare to a 4-door. The ST looks to be an awesome drive for the money, but that yellow is not making the car look any better, the blue looks great.

[@MikePT15]

I still prefer the older focus to this new. The steering is better, it looks better and well priced with all the equipment available. The golf is just to expensive with the same things. But a good car.

[@renshoota]

These are opinions still, I've seen Evo put these two cars together and the Astra is way more fun than the Focus, the back end sliding around and all that. The Astra looks better too.

[@MikePT15]

more confortable, more fun to drive, has better steering, i think the astra very good looking, but the focus in black is even better. I had many focus and always prefer them to the astra and meganes.