Top Gear: Series 19

Brookert · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:06

Bit disappointed with the Focus ST, doesn't seem like a step forward from the previous car really.

Muffin` · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:08

Kenai said:
Interesting to see how well the new Astra VXR compared to the ST and RS, would seem Vauxhall took onboard a lot of the criticism of the last one and really stepped up their game.

They did mention it a lot on the build up to the release that they wanted to focus on having a more involving car like hydraulic steering and a proper mechanical LSD. It is promising for petrol heads as Clarkson pointed out with the ST's leccy' systems isn't as involving as fire and brimstone of old.

Gonzo0 · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:10

Kenai said:
Interesting to see how well the new Astra VXR compared to the ST and RS, would seem Vauxhall took onboard a lot of the criticism of the last one and really stepped up their game.

Yes along with the price as well.

27k for an Astra??? :eek:

300hp Focus RS please with some spare change

mrk · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:16

They forgot to beep out the S word Clarkson said when he rammed May

Happy · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:20

Thought that was a great episode, especially liked the rugby segment at the end. Quite surprising about the Focus though, as many others have rated it higher than the Astra. Not bad considering it should be the RS (although not out) against the cars and not an ST.. still ugly as sin though!

teenwolf · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:21

ripping the vectra was fun, lewis is just an amazing driver.
and i actually like the kia...

[TW]Taggart · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:23

theboyrob said:
really good episode until the rubbish rugby at the end, spoiled the whole thing.

for me that was the best bit.....

ok lewis beating the annoying german was the best bit, but the rugby bit was great.

mjt · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:24

Brilliant episode and genuinely funny.
Nothing like some ridiculous and unexpected cameos during the KIA test and the rugby at the end was surprisingly entertaining.
Add Lewis' lap and that was by far the best episode so far.

teenwolf · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:24

i forwarded the rugby, not a fan of that after watching many of the football ones.

Skillmister · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:25

mrk said:
They forgot to beep out the S word Clarkson said when he rammed May

It was 8:57, close enough

davey767 · 17 Feb 2013 at 21:35

Just saw the rugby game. Simply awesome.
That pitch was destroyed...

Helios1234 · 17 Feb 2013 at 22:06

Muffin` said:
Yes they will have full warranty when they appear as 'Approved Used' on a forecourt next week.

Excellent

Fr0dders · 17 Feb 2013 at 22:06

I wonder what they will do with all those knackered cars from the rugby.

Do they really just repair them and sell them on ?

SDK^ · 17 Feb 2013 at 22:09

Brookert said:
Bit disappointed with the Focus ST, doesn't seem like a step forward from the previous car really.

The new one has 20 more bhp, 30 lb-ft more torque, adds 10mpg to the combined average and 60 g/km CO2 less. That is definatley a step forward.

Gonzo0 said:
Yes along with the price as well.

27k for an Astra???

300hp Focus RS please with some spare change

BMW M135i - 316bhp and RWD

Gibbo · 17 Feb 2013 at 22:18

SDK^ said:
The new one has 20 more bhp, 30 lb-ft more torque, adds 10mpg to the combined average and 60 g/km CO2 less. That is definatley a step forward.

BMW M135i - 316bhp and RWD

No denying the new Ford engines are superb and also very tuneable too.

But looks wise for me it's a big step backwards and it seems no better to drive than previous car whereas Fords rivals have all improved in how fun and capable they are to drive.

Jono8 · 17 Feb 2013 at 22:20

The Astra doesnt make sense at that price point, when for a couple of k more you can get a M135i. No brainer surely?

Princey · 17 Feb 2013 at 22:28

You won't pay anywhere near £27k for one.

There are several with delivery miles for £21-£22k. There are even some with less than 20000 miles for less than £20k.

Brookert · 17 Feb 2013 at 22:30

SDK^ said:
The new one has 20 more bhp, 30 lb-ft more torque, adds 10mpg to the combined average and 60 g/km CO2 less. That is definatley a step forward.

A step forwards in specs, but it's lost the famed 5 pot engine, the gorgeous engine note, the informative handling, and the 3 door look. As a drivers car, it's taken a step back for me.

Gibbo said:
No denying the new Ford engines are superb and also very tuneable too.
But looks wise for me it's a big step backwards and it seems no better to drive than previous car whereas Fords rivals have all improved in how fun and capable they are to drive.

Exactly. You could easily give it a remap to millions of horses and torque, but fundamentaly it has lost some of the fun factor with electrical hokey pokey in the steering department.

TheVoice · 17 Feb 2013 at 23:09

Decent episode, but the rugby thing at the end was quite boring. Just seemed like a bit of a crap excuse for them mis-treat some Kias.

ahenners · 17 Feb 2013 at 23:18

Brookert said:
A step forwards in specs, but it's lost the famed 5 pot engine, the gorgeous engine note, the informative handling, and the 3 door look. As a drivers car, it's taken a step back for me.

I think it's taken a step forward overall. The 5 pot engine had to go because of its high fuel consumption, emissions etc. That engine sounded nice, but the new engine has more power whilst being more economical and cleaner. If you've seen any videos of the new ST it still sounds pretty nice and meaty from inside the cabin due to the sound symposer thing they fitted.

3 door is a fair point, but Ford hasn't even shown a 3 door focus yet. Besides I think Ford have gone with a more mature family man in mind with the new ST.

Overall I think Ford could have made the ST better than it is, but they almed to get it out there undercutting its rivals on price and succeded. The RS will be more hardcore and driver focused.