Ford Focus ST vs Renaultsport Megane vs Opel Astra VXR

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

Рет қаралды 320,440

11 жыл бұрын

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.
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Пікірлер: 367

@hidalgojavier96 Жыл бұрын

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

@milosilic23 11 жыл бұрын

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.

@aarvin1 11 жыл бұрын

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

@2turbo4u 10 жыл бұрын

I want the VXR so bad!

@den_525 10 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@rosesxoxo2757 5 жыл бұрын

den525 nah the Vauxhall Astra

@stratrovarius 5 жыл бұрын

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

@richardaitkenhead 4 жыл бұрын

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 ...

@em8sal 4 жыл бұрын

-"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" ;)

@easezgin 11 жыл бұрын

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

@warpspeed9877 3 жыл бұрын

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

@bighes100 Жыл бұрын

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

@kingkong-uz4zp 10 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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.

@christophmenghin5673 6 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@TrevorHarris77 10 жыл бұрын

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

@danp8309 9 жыл бұрын

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

@matthewr1456 9 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@SpeedDaemon3 4 жыл бұрын

@@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 жыл бұрын

@@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

@supercooled 11 жыл бұрын

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.

@M9A5P 11 жыл бұрын

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

@jamesphilipson1289 2 жыл бұрын

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 10 жыл бұрын

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

@InStyleDK 11 жыл бұрын

Good job Mat. Again. Greetings from Denmark

@Autoexpress 11 жыл бұрын

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.

@Robjm999 5 жыл бұрын

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

@stratrovarius 5 жыл бұрын

Hahaha...spot on.

@mrbetlog123 11 жыл бұрын

Pretty awesome review Matt! I drive an rs265

@jeffkodiac 10 жыл бұрын

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

@jamesfilosa6277 10 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@mcguggonedward 11 жыл бұрын

Like all three but Vxr is my choice

@vMaxHeadroom 4 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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.

@tobiasbierwas 11 жыл бұрын

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.

@scottyparky7 11 жыл бұрын

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 :)

@minibus1351 11 жыл бұрын

it actually caught fire!

@bivvyfox 11 жыл бұрын

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

@BigBadBurrow 11 жыл бұрын

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.

@jackwelburn 11 жыл бұрын

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

@kramnam4716 10 ай бұрын

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

@steveo8533 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@crohn_killer 5 жыл бұрын

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

@user-bp1oc1er7c 5 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@Fordfocusstmk3250 Жыл бұрын

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

@gamenationjohn5999 5 жыл бұрын

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

@em8sal 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@xSoShi 11 жыл бұрын

the front wheel drive battle !

@81giorikas 11 жыл бұрын

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".

@Joe-eg7ml 11 жыл бұрын

i like the previous styling of the focus.

@SlothMan118 Жыл бұрын

So weird to see mat not in a carwow video

@HesteBremse 11 жыл бұрын

Good Review, Thanks ;)

@skylineXpert 10 жыл бұрын

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

@HENRYHOBBS1 11 жыл бұрын

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

@Ant1trust 6 жыл бұрын

Astraaaaaa

@mrtry8982 3 жыл бұрын

☺️✊ yus

@FungusLabel 10 жыл бұрын

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.

@mxracer78 Жыл бұрын

It’s the CarWow guy lol

@rshakey 11 жыл бұрын

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

@IliescuBenyamin 9 жыл бұрын

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

@sfiifs6891 11 жыл бұрын

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

@warpspeed9877 5 жыл бұрын

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

@silverbullet1979 11 жыл бұрын

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...

@mcguggonedward 11 жыл бұрын

That Megane is awesome but I prefer the Vxr.

@julianlee2 11 жыл бұрын

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.

@yourloveismydrug6537 6 жыл бұрын

UK based motoring magazines are so ford biased its unreal . Ford Diesels ( peugeot ) are some of the worst cars on the road yet motoring press in the UK love them . This test is no different , least attractive , slowest and least fun to drive car wins wtf ??

@skidrowdie 11 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@sfiifs6891 11 жыл бұрын

All the cars are good for something that fits everyone finds

@Ev0YTube Жыл бұрын

Is that Mat Watson from Carwow? :O

@AlternativeUses 11 жыл бұрын

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

@RMAGEDN740 11 жыл бұрын

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

@unexceptionalcars914 5 жыл бұрын

Opel is NOT VXR. Opel = OPC. Vauxhall = VXR. You’re wrong.

@JPWest020 8 жыл бұрын

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

@minorearthmajorsky1476 8 жыл бұрын

It's brakes caught Fire "out there"

@toyota420xp 11 жыл бұрын

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

@richards4456 Жыл бұрын

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).

@HUMC5 11 жыл бұрын

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@GianZioneable 11 жыл бұрын

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

@bellako301 11 жыл бұрын

no doubt. :)

@dimitrispapadopoulos665 11 жыл бұрын

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

@mattgoodwin953 Жыл бұрын

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

@terrenceganasen257 7 жыл бұрын

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?

@fahmad7194 11 жыл бұрын

How's that?

@skomil 4 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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..... ;)

@skylineXpert 10 жыл бұрын

one thing ford should consider after this: brembo or baer

@cuprasimon 11 жыл бұрын

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

@teamtoken 11 жыл бұрын

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.

@tesseract33333 11 жыл бұрын

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

@2843pedro 10 жыл бұрын

7:33, crossed the centre line.

@sfiifs6891 11 жыл бұрын

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

@VitaliyKopytyuk 11 жыл бұрын

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

@Jury1111111111 11 жыл бұрын

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

@sfiifs6891 11 жыл бұрын

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

@ImHereToAnnoyYou 11 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@markturner-smith5309 5 жыл бұрын

No those definitely looked like pads burning

@ary7097 11 жыл бұрын

I like him, hes a good speakers

@kvakfu 11 жыл бұрын

Handling is more important than speed.

@pex3 11 жыл бұрын

so much better than chris harris' review

@RicardoSS85 11 жыл бұрын

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".

@johnny6476 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@dennyTruffles 4 жыл бұрын

ASTRA #1!!!!

@2843pedro 10 жыл бұрын

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

@reginaldnagamos796 10 жыл бұрын

focus is practical for everything :)

@gmax876 11 жыл бұрын

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

@Ferzasstar 11 жыл бұрын

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 ;)

@thesilentgametestr 6 жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@deanwatson9786 10 жыл бұрын

VXR all the way

@kramnam4716 10 ай бұрын

🤮yeah for a track day… road use? Bleurgh

@reecefallon1772 8 жыл бұрын

Track tests are a waste of time, who actually spends 20k+ on a hatchback so they can take it to a track?

@Niffty83 5 жыл бұрын

True, however he did do the more comon 0-60 and rolling tests at the start. Track tests are sure to follow lol

@metaljew4456 5 жыл бұрын

The ST3 is the best car of the trio

@brojynks 5 жыл бұрын

3rd race they made the ST brake because it was beating the Vauxhall. If you want the video they didbt edit out the tire smoke from them braking

@lffit 11 жыл бұрын

An intelligent guy FOcus and that grille on the Astra reminds me of a Corolla yuk lol!

@sfiifs6891 11 жыл бұрын

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

@vladaOSOD 11 жыл бұрын

Ford Focus isn't UGLY :O

@elfboy443 11 жыл бұрын

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.