Mk5 Golf GTi vs Focus ST - Opinions

GreenMint

GreenMint

GreenMint

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Heya guys. I know I ask on here a few too many times about what car i'm after next, but this is for a mate of mine, not myself, he's looking for a hot hatch, he's ruld out the megane R26 as being a bit too focused for what he wants and is down to the Astra VXR, and his 2 more preferred options, Golf GTi MK5 and the Focus ST, budget is around 12k tops, so I know you can probablt get better/newer focuses for the money, but could possibly pick up a 2006ish GTi with DSG & Leather?

He's doing a "me" and jumping backwards and forwards between the 2, so said I'd have an ask of the "experts" (:p) here! ;)
 
The Golf is more mature, the Focus is more fun.

What does he want out of his hot hatch?

DSG seems like a bit of a nightmare on the aftermarket. Typical VW quality again I guess.
 
he's after a mixture of the 2 really, as they are (probably) the most easy to live with, but also fun hot hatches out of the lot? As said, the Megane was too focused, he wasn't as keen on the Astra, and wants something of that size.

Is DSG pretty famed for unreliability then? Or just a ticking time bomb of a couple of grand should anything go wrong?
 
My tuppence;

Meggy R26 - Pick of the lot, looks smart, goes very well & offers the driver rewards.
Golf GTI - Also a very good car, not my choice as its a touch too 'normal', but very smart, chips well to.
Focus ST - Strong characterful engine but again too 'normal' & looks ridiculous in 'Asbo' orange, very mod friendly.
Astra VXR - just a straight line Monkey with chavvy looks.

For your mate, if he reckons the R26 is too focused (has he actually driven one?) then I would recommend the Golf GTI as its easily the best all round car.
I hate DSG as I value a manual box for the joy of driving but perhaps the paddles would suit your mate better.
 
Astra VXR is always getting slated I bet on the corners there isn't much in between the Focus and the Astra.

But I would be more interested in the Focus.
 
I got a Focus ST recently. I looked at the Golf GTi, but felt the focus would give me better value for money. E.G. Newer, better spec.
 
Golf GTi would be my call on this one. Not the sharpest and not the quickest but based on the fact he is not looking for a highly focused car the Golf is the best all rounder by some distance in my book. Seats 4 in comfort, good on long runs, fun in the twisties, reliable, good when not in the mood and will probably retain most value too. I would go for 5 doors for more practicality (and did) but still the best car I bought my wife.

DSC_0017r1.jpg
 
Housey said:
Golf GTi would be my call on this one. Not the sharpest and not the quickest but based on the fact he is not looking for a highly focused car the Golf is the best all rounder by some distance in my book. Seats 4 in comfort, good on long runs, fun in the twisties, reliable, good when not in the mood and will probably retain most value too. I would go for 5 doors for more practicality (and did) but still the best car I bought my wife.

DSC_0017r1.jpg
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Thanks Housey :)

Was the one you bought for your wife DSG or Manual? Obviously I know people will say for a more real "feel" you'll need a manual, but if you did have a DSG, how did you rate it? :)

Cheers
 
I have just been given the keys to a golf GTI as cover for my Focus ST while its being repaired!!

Personally I miss my ST already, the golf is more cultured while the ST is more fun for me! and for me I prefer the in your face action of the ST!

Also prefer the general better spec I got from buying the focus compared to what my money would get from a golf! Overpriced from my view but each to their own as they say!
 
TimBrad said:
Thanks Housey :)

Was the one you bought for your wife DSG or Manual? Obviously I know people will say for a more real "feel" you'll need a manual, but if you did have a DSG, how did you rate it? :)

Cheers
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Manual, DSG was not available when we bought this as we took a Mk5 launch car, one of the first on the road too. I have since driven a DSG and it's OK but still as a second hand purchase I would be wary in the same way I am with SMG on BMW's. There is probably little validity to my worries of course, but it's just one of them things.
 
Begbie said:
Astra VXR is always getting slated I bet on the corners there isn't much in between the Focus and the Astra.

But I would be more interested in the Focus.
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Best yard stick i can find quickly is nurburgring lap times.

Astra VXR was timed at 8:35

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/221955/vauxhall_astra.html

Ford got one of their test drivers to take the Focus ST round and :

http://www.focusstoc.com/forums/topic/12043-focus-st-sets-new-nurburgring-record/

8 minutes 35.00 dead

The gap isnt as big as some would believe.
 
Thats with 25bhp and with the far more compromised ride of the Astra. Its also fruitless pointing out times that have been made by different drivers, at different times, in different conditions, with varying levels of traffic etc.

Having driven both, the Focus is certainly the more sure footed of the two, its just so much more refined when pushing on, and it still manages this with 270+ bhp.

I was in this position a few months ago, I went with the Focus for a few reasons;

Newer, lower mileage, better spec and warranty for the same money as an 06ish Golf GTi.

Focus felt sportier, more exciting to drive without compromising on comfort too much. The Golf was comfortable, but it felt a little numb imo. The Golf also failed to appeal in terms of aesthetics from many angles, where it often didn't look much different to the base model (The lowers being plastic being a main gripe).
 
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