Ford Focus ST vs Renaultsport Megane vs Opel Astra VXR - Auto Express

Подписаться 537 тыс.

Просмотров 321 тыс.

50% 1

We put the new Ford Focus ST, Renaultsport Megane 265 and Vauxhall Astra VXR to the test around the Anglesey Circuit, before hitting public roads to find out which hot hatch is the best all-rounder.
Subscribe to Auto Express magazine and get 6 issues for £1 plus a free gift: subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/yt

Авто/Мото

Опубликовано:

5 дек 2012

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 368

@milosilic23 11 лет назад

Finally, a good test, which consists of both track and road tests. I mean, most of these cars will be used on road, so it's really good to see which one is the best in real life.

@hidalgojavier96 Год назад

So here's where all the Matt's drag races started hahaha

@aarvin1 11 лет назад

The VXR's interior is so premium! nice!!

@den_525 10 лет назад

What a weird review... It contradicts what most other reviews says. The Megane on a track is easily the best one... yet they say the Astra. Most reviews says the Astra is fastest in a straight line... but not here. Finally the Focus ST the best pick? Got to be joking right? Yes. The Astra and Megane both have a harsh ride. but in terms of the 3 cars, I'd sacrifice the ride for either of the better cars. I'd definitely pick the Renault, its the best hot hatch around. Even with the A45 and M135 around.

@MiraSubieGirl 6 лет назад

den525 Owned one for years now and shes never let me down :)

@rosesxoxo2757 5 лет назад

den525 nah the Vauxhall Astra

@stratrovarius 5 лет назад

What a joke of a review... you test hot hatches and choose the slowest and ugliest one? It made me laugh.

@richardaitkenhead 4 года назад

The megane rs of that generation is the best hot hatch ever made, the guy has the a point thou the focus is the best all rounder .... If your the average late 20s male with a girlfriend a child and a mortgage then its prob the best bet.... best choice is to buy a old 5 door diesel for a daily and a megane for weekend ...

@2turbo4u 10 лет назад

I want the VXR so bad!

@em8sal 4 года назад

-"oh, I can't decide which is the best so I'll let the cars decide" Focus sets breaks on fire.... -"That's the best car" ;)

@InStyleDK 11 лет назад

Good job Mat. Again. Greetings from Denmark

@Autoexpress 11 лет назад

Hi Mat here. If you are wondering why it took us so long to release this video it's because although we actually shot it back at the beginning of September, we decided to hold it back for our new iPad edition of Auto Express which has just gone live. You can download the first six issues for free from the App store. Hopefully this will make up for the fact we have kept this video from you for so long.

@danp8309 9 лет назад

The VXR is beautiful! I wish it was available in the U.S.

@matthewr1456 9 лет назад

If you are really interested in something similar to the Astra, I believe there are a few Asrtras around the US badges as saturns from a few years ago.

@MazDanRX795 7 лет назад

Yes but nobody wants a Saturn Astra. This guy wants the updated, performance-oriented model. I own an ST myself, but it would have been nice to be able to choose between these other cars as well.

@danielhayton1 4 года назад

I just bought a sexy black one today. I love it so much they r the ultimate hot hatch in my opinion 💯

@SpeedDaemon3 4 года назад

@@danielhayton1 how's was the reliabilty in the past 5 months? The only thing that made me choose the Meg was General Motors's scary reliability.

@danielhayton1 4 года назад

@@SpeedDaemon3 no problems at all so far so good. I just wish it came in automatic. That's my only complaint. But I still love it to bits

@mrbetlog123 11 лет назад

Pretty awesome review Matt! I drive an rs265

@christophmenghin5673 7 лет назад

I have the Renault without the cup package and can guarantee that it's 100% useable in every day use i had a 118d BMW and i prefer driving the RS. The only downside is the fuel consumption of 12l in my case. Overall a absolutely amazing car

@chris1806 2 года назад

What hot hatch (pre 2016) would you recommend ? Ford Focus ST ; megane, Peugeot , honda civic type r, may be audi ?

@jamesphilipson1289 2 года назад

I think for hot hatches you want good looks, speed and fun. I'd be willing to say fun takes a little bit of a back seat though as 70-80% of the time for most people you're sat in traffic or cruising along the motorway in which case the compliance and interior design become important too. I'd say the VXR covers its bases the best imo

@bromilow1993 11 лет назад

Its hard to make a 4 door hatch look good, I reckon the focus pulls it off beautifully, also looks mean in black !

@kingkong-uz4zp 10 лет назад

OH MAN I SWEAR THAT THIS MAN IS ADVERTISING FOR FORD COME ON MAN IN EVERY VIDEO THAT YOU MADE YOU REFER TO FORD FIESTA OR FORD FOCUS OHHH PLEASE

@shorey66 3 года назад

That's because most people never go near a track in their hot hatches and want the best daily driver. And the Ford is most definitely that.

@TrevorHarris77 10 лет назад

the renault driver on the first race really got the jump, very nice.

@supercooled 11 лет назад

In my mind and I suspect many others, the GTI was the epitome of hot hatch in this corner of the world. Growing up here in Canada, everyone coveted a VW GTI by the simple fact that choices was not exactly all that great. Even in modern standards, 200hp in a hatchback is still pretty impressive.

@warpspeed9877 3 года назад

Astra of course. Better where it counts as a hot hatch : best lap and best looks.

@bighes100 Год назад

He say's clearly it's the worst to drive on the roads daily which is what owners will do 99% of the time....

@minibus1351 11 лет назад

it actually caught fire!

@tobiasbierwas 11 лет назад

To save weight and cost, the Focus has no locking differential. The power distribution is controlled by the ESP. Means the inner front wheel is braked slightly prophylactically during cornering. Thus, the brake has a lot more work and overheated on the track.

@Robjm999 5 лет назад

The fords brakes managed to set on fire and it still won!?!???

@stratrovarius 5 лет назад

Hahaha...spot on.

@jeffkodiac 10 лет назад

A comparative Between 3 sports car and the guy prefer the less sportive car. Really contradictory ...

@jamesfilosa6277 10 лет назад

Exactly. If they're not even looking for a sportscar then I think a BMW 3-series is a much better buy! I bet the BMW would be more comfortable, practical and fuel efficient AND BETTER LOOKING (as Matt would say - even if looks are 100% subjective) Current UK-prices: Ford Focus ST: from £22,295 BMW 3-series: from £23,550

@jeffkodiac 10 лет назад

James Filosa Dude there is n BMW 3 serie of this prize that can matched a Focus ST or the Megne RS ...

@BigBadBurrow 11 лет назад

A good segment and well reviewed. It's worth saying though that the Megane RS is an older car, and it's being compared to two new editions of the Focus and Astra so not 'really' a fair comparison. I own an RS and agree with what he said about it feeling bumps - you do feel *everything*, but apart from that it's a great car.

@M9A5P 11 лет назад

The Focus is perfect for winter. Just take it for a lap and stay cosy and warm near the brakes...

@scottyparky7 11 лет назад

in the drag race, focus st always took off the latest, and with a lot of wheel spin and tyre smoke...focus st won best hot hatch of the year award from Top Gear, Auto Express, and Whatcar. Autocar also said they'd rank it higher than anything else for normal road use. focus st rules :)

@jackwelburn 11 лет назад

Is there a video comparing the older versions of these 3 cars?

@bivvyfox 11 лет назад

"it's safe the road is completely empty". 2 secs later 8:16 car goes by!

@xSoShi 11 лет назад

the front wheel drive battle !

@HesteBremse 11 лет назад

Good Review, Thanks ;)

@IliescuBenyamin 9 лет назад

As a road car, wich drives better, the Focus ST or the Leon Cupra ?

@crohn_killer 5 лет назад

Opc best looking !! I have the astra g ! Next i will buy the h and then the j ! GJ OPEL HOW BEAUTIFUL CAR YOU MADE

@gamenationjohn5999 5 лет назад

6:11 i think it looks the best and the colour look stunning!

@em8sal 4 года назад

I think that colour is looks kinda puke(ish). Would not choose it what ever the car is. In the end all depends eye of the beholder.

@vMaxHeadroom 4 года назад

I have owned both the ST and the Megane and I have to say that whilst the Focus is a great daily driver and fun, the Megane's overall power delivery, handling and grip is immense and so, so much more fun...both cars are great but the Megane just pips it..for me! both cars would be great second hand buys though.

@jamesw9971 2 года назад

I had the megane 225 and i used to get smoked off the line by the st’s. Now I’m buying a st-3 and I’ll get smoked by the megane rs 😂 ffs

@bighes100 Год назад

Focus ST = guaranteed to get stolen at some point. Megane = More capable & fun but looks are subjective. I'd choose the later updated Megane which looks a tad nicer.

@Joe-eg7ml 11 лет назад

i like the previous styling of the focus.

@HUMC5 11 лет назад

ads? If you use Firefox...install the Adblock and you see ads anymore in any site. It's perfect!

@mcguggonedward 11 лет назад

Like all three but Vxr is my choice

@81giorikas 11 лет назад

Even though if driving with a "serious" feeling all the time, chasing times etc I'd get the astra. It even managed to lap the same with the focus RS of previous gen. Feeling or not, it is a very capable car and the "price is right".

@user-bp1oc1er7c 5 лет назад

I have driven all three of these cars and my experience with all these three cars, I have to say that the focus st has no turbo lag whatsoever, compared to its VXR and megan rs rivals. And overall ride quality of the focus st is a lot better than the Renault and Vauxhall. Thats presently I own a focus st.

@davehanson1578 4 года назад

I can say you are wrong. I have owned all 3. I had the VXR first for around a year. I then owned the Focus ST for nearly 3 years and currently own the Megane RS. All 3 have turbo lag, you are kidding yourself if you think otherwise. For me, it is close between the Focus ST and Megane RS. I would say that the Focus is a lot more refined. It feels safer and more stable. The Megane is more fun if I am being honest. You are right in the ride quality of the Ford is better, but this comes at the expense of the fun factor. To me, a hot hatch should be fun, and that's why I edge to the Megane RS, just.

@chris1806 2 года назад

@@davehanson1578 What hot hatch (pre 2016) would you recommend ? Ford Focus ST ; megane, Peugeot , honda civic type r, may be audi ? Astra ?

@Fordfocusstmk3250 Год назад

Mine doesn't have turbo lag, kicks in at 2krpm and stays the same to 6.5krpm 🤷‍♂️

@rshakey 11 лет назад

Finally! Comparing three cars from same class with similar power outputs.Are you watching this Autocar?

@HENRYHOBBS1 11 лет назад

a standard megane 250 was power tested and produced closer to 270bhp,that is why they are so fast ; )

@easezgin 11 лет назад

I drive a T5 volvo and I can't be the only one who enjoys torque steer.

@skylineXpert 10 лет назад

anyone remembered what happened when JC drove the vectra vxr. uynder under understeer

@fahmad7194 11 лет назад

How's that?

@silverbullet1979 11 лет назад

well it only illustrates that if you really want a supreme track car then go buy yourself a true racing car, most cars are used for the road that's why the road is the biggest defining factor if a car was good or bad... great decision Mat, and a good comparo too...

@steveo8533 3 года назад

I prefer the looks of the Ford and like most other owners won’t be taking it near a track so again I’d pick the Ford.

@FungusLabel 11 лет назад

You know what's funny? This megane is the oldest car here, yet it looks still fresh. New model is coming out in January 2013.

@sfiifs6891 11 лет назад

All the cars are good for something that fits everyone finds

@sfiifs6891 11 лет назад

ONE man should do comparative tests of this would be the most accurate

@richards4456 Год назад

Odd that the megane was last on the top gear drag race. I suspect it was ran on normal 250 mode not sport mode (265).

@toyota420xp 11 лет назад

The point of a hot hatch is fun but then practicality and the focus looks like it has more cargo room the other to swoop down drastically in the rear looking sporty but not practical

@julianlee2 11 лет назад

last focus ST was great and looked the part. New focus ST is as mundane as a Golf GTI but slightly better as it comes with stick. Looks, well I am glad you like it then.

@terrenceganasen257 7 лет назад

the best car depends on the driver and more importantly the owner. its like deciding between your wife and your friends wives whose is best. do you decide on who cooks the best or on who looks the best?

@SlothMan118 Год назад

So weird to see mat not in a carwow video

@cuprasimon 11 лет назад

I drive a 2003 Leon cupra r & i even today don't think you can get a better more comfortable ride from a hot hatch

@kramnam4716 10 месяцев назад

Matt is so young and innocent here! How times change. For road use there’s only one worth considering. The Focus. Truck days? Get a Caterham or a motorcycle. Renault? It’s a Renault. VXR? Yeah well done Zzzz apart from on a once every year 1 day track day

@skidrowdie 11 лет назад

They are all good cars, very good cars, but now the thing is that you must choose which one is the best for you! 'nuff said.

@looped7979 2 года назад

Oohh that's a... MAT from the past !

@kvakfu 11 лет назад

Handling is more important than speed.

@ImHereToAnnoyYou 11 лет назад

Please test a car against other models of itself instead of other manufacturers rivals. I think it would be an interesting test to do.

@Scourr 9 лет назад

Was the dirt burning on Focus brakes? I thought the brake itself won´t burn

@markturner-smith5309 5 лет назад

No those definitely looked like pads burning

@Jury1111111111 11 лет назад

Jethro Bovingdon did that dragrace for evo.co.uk, you can see it at their website. The Megane RS won quite clearly.

@HowkeyLL 11 лет назад

you could add iPad storage test to Your bottle storage test.

@tesseract33333 11 лет назад

Didn't chris harris on drive already do this review?

@johnny6476 5 лет назад

The starting price for the focus is £22,000 the base model. I bet this one is not the base model ST which specked up would cost about the same as the Astra. But you can buy a specked up VXR for £27,000. So it’s not £4,000 cheaper.

@gmax876 11 лет назад

Chris Harris did a test exactly like this a few weeks ago.

@RicardoSS85 11 лет назад

The current Scirocco R gets from 0-100km/h in 5,7 seconds. The new Golf VII (based on the MQB platform, shared with the new A3, for instance) will get 300hp and sprint to 100km/h in 5 seconds. Hardly "crap".

@teamtoken 11 лет назад

This is odd, in most track reviews the megane comes out on top, just have a look at chris harris' review of these three cars, its way better. Track times were 1. Megane 2. Astra 3. Focus ST Not sure what happened with these track times? Maybe it was the driver (the ST's brakes caught fire FFS!) All 3 are good cars with contrasting qualities respectively but the megane is still the undisputed king of the track and the best drivers car (they at least admitted that) between the 3.

@RMAGEDN740 11 лет назад

the magane is one of the best hot hatches ever made!!

@bellako301 11 лет назад

no doubt. :)

@mxracer78 Год назад

It’s the CarWow guy lol

@skomil 4 года назад

If I was buying a weekend car of these 3 would defo choose the vauxhall, but for a everyday driver... focus all the way, cheaper, parts easilly got and a nice drive. How often do people really go the track, but instead nip to the shops and go to work in their car, can see why Focus won, because as an everyday car you can enjoy it, ticks a lot of boxes.

@em8sal 4 года назад

I tough this was "hot hatch comparison" not practical small segment daily car comparison. Yet Astra is spacy in this segment but lacks two rear doors. My choice goes to..... ;)

@Ev0YTube Год назад

Is that Mat Watson from Carwow? :O

@dimitrispapadopoulos665 11 лет назад

good day, where are the SEAT LEON CUPRA R, VW SCIROCCO R? GOLF FTI R? :)

@sfiifs6891 11 лет назад

And the same for all vehicles with full tanks of fuel for these machines and take the time flies and one manager. If we compare the exact and the machine should be tested in

@skylineXpert 10 лет назад

one thing ford should consider after this: brembo or baer

@ary7097 11 лет назад

I like him, hes a good speakers

@marciomonteiro7818 11 лет назад

comfortable....shiit SEAT???

@thesilentgametestr 6 лет назад

So Vauxhall got the handling right finally then? The older vxr range even in the vectra and zafira all had diabolical handling, yet in this review at least the newer one can use its power and corner properly.

@asifnoaman8978 Год назад

in top gear they removed the IDS Suspension module on the Vectra VXR. I own both the Astra in this video and the Vectra and its no slouch

@GianZioneable 11 лет назад

I would definitely choose the Astra, is lot more confortable and practical than the ford in the inside, plus is really beautiful :-)

@warpspeed9877 5 лет назад

VXR of course...laughing in the face of the obvious "track weapon"...Lol.

@pex3 11 лет назад

so much better than chris harris' review

@elfboy443 11 лет назад

Of the three...I'd pick the Ford. What's the point of a hot hatchback that isn't any good on regular roads? If it's your only car it should be practical, comfortable, and easy to live with as well as fun to drive.

@sfiifs6891 11 лет назад

I wonder what Megan MAKES RS VS GOLF R DSG Drag Race

@AlternativeUses 11 лет назад

I like how they let a professional driver do the lap times. More magazines need to do that if they're going to rely on lap times

@mcguggonedward 11 лет назад

That Megane is awesome but I prefer the Vxr.

@mattgoodwin953 Год назад

Looks are completely subjective, crazy to knock a car for that in a comparison like this.. I think the ST looks fantastic

@janrdoh 11 лет назад

Finaly the kind of review I have been waiting for.

@Ferzasstar 11 лет назад

Well, even if the Ford has loads of issues on the track, I don't think it's that ugly... Yes the back is, but the front is quite nice, and I even like the color... But still a nice review Matt ;)

@VitaliyKopytyuk 11 лет назад

Your comparing a $46,000 Opel Astra VXR, a $39,000 Renaultsport Megane. and a $24,000 Focus ST. Nice! Good Job!

@grassighassen6508 8 лет назад

we need a focus RS here....

@showtaito1075 8 лет назад

Yeah cut the reah diff

@sfiifs6891 11 лет назад

These all cars are SIMILAR but different. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Vehicle is moving at low speeds BETTER ONE, TWO HIGH AND SO ON Please choose your pleasurable and suitable for EVERYONE

@2843pedro 10 лет назад

put a steering knob on that megane masterpiece. i have not seen ONE around here.

@Ant1trust 6 лет назад

Astraaaaaa

@mrtry8982 3 года назад

☺️✊ yus

@sfiifs6891 11 лет назад

I WANT SEE MORE DRAGRACE RENAULT MEGAN RS 265 VS VAUXAHL ASTRA VXR

@billyandika3158 11 лет назад

Mat should start his own "The Mat Watson Show"!

@chris1806 2 года назад

Nostradamus

@2843pedro 10 лет назад

7:33, crossed the centre line.

@JPWest020 8 лет назад

I keep saying this: Ford, put in a LSD!!!! With it, the ST WILL be the best hot hatch out there.

@minorearthmajorsky1476 8 лет назад

It's brakes caught Fire "out there"

@haarren 11 лет назад

i love you mat .such an unbiased reviewer could have easily chosen european cars but went with the practicality

@leemadden3able 3 года назад

Why didn’t you put civic type r in the test

@leeeeeeeeeee012 11 лет назад

It's just simply that hot hatches was made to be a fun to drive rather than to be a performance car. As example, you are racing a Prius with M3 and say which one is more fuel saving. At the end of the race you'll realize that Prius MPG is worse than M3, how that could be happened? Because every car have different purpose.