I’ve driven both of these cars, and love both of these manufacturers. The GTI has a more mature look to it, and it’s far more common than the Focus ST. I’ve thrown both of these cars around the same bends and roads, and the stability of the Focus is a couple notches higher than the GTI. The Focus does have some torque steer, but if you’re not a paranoid mother of 3 children it shouldn’t be a bother. The GTI is more comfortable to me, I’m 6’2 and 215 pounds, so I consider myself a good benchmark for car comfort testing lol. The way the Recaro seats lock you in and hug you upon turns is impressive, and the GTI is just about the same, just not as snug. Power wise, the Focus ST is best but I believe it isn’t as tunable as a GTI. The GTI has had years worth of changes and aftermarket installs and tests with many different things, but the way these cars can be tuned is outrageous. Exterior style wise, would have to go to the Focus. It’s sportier looking and when you look at it, it’s like it’s trying to tell you “Wtf are you waiting for? Get the fuck in we gotta go!” And the GTI has more of a look as if it were trying to say “I guess I’m up for it”. Overall, it’s more of preference. For myself it’s hard to choose between the two, but i’m leaning more towards the ST. I’d love to own both one day
As time went on we found out the ST engine takes more power and the clutch also takes more power until you get around 480+hp but that’s pretty wicked on these
@@charles-davidberube1174 no hahahha, just watching video lile wtf, this plastic VW is shit compared to Focus believe me....non american guy, i am from EU
I'm a die hard Ford enthusiast. I drove both cars repeatedly and over some long trips. Both are absolutely fantastic cars, however if your are talking about a daily driver, especially for someone with a family the gti wins for me, hands down. I can fit 4 adults or myself, my wife and our two kids comfortably. I could never do that in the focus, it's simply not big enough. Both of the 6 speeds are fantastic, engines are great. I do like the DSG, especially if you live in a city. personally while I like manual transmissions the DSG is the best of both world's. I'm getting older, not younger and the Gti, is more refined in all the ways i need it to be. it isn't as loud on the eyes, the interior is more reasonable, and for the power rating, it is quick. The ST would have been my choice if I was a few years younger and single. Both cars handle considerably better than I can drive them. The torque vectoring is great, but I'll hardly ever push my car far enough to worry about that. I love my Gti, it's a great driving experience especially if you are looking for a daily driver that does everything you need it to do.
So the GTI wins interior because the reviewer doesn't like color matching inserts, but is OK with horrible, flat, commercial... plaid seats? Then comments about the great flat bottom steering wheel of the GTI, which is EXACTLY what the ST is equipped with for the 2015 model year. I see he didn't touch on maintenance cost and how much more the GTI cost to maintain / repair / OWN.. This is a biased review..
Chad C Since your comment 2 years ago, the ST has proved that it's s horribly reliable. So many problems with the ST, while the MK7 GTI has had 0 issues. Very reliable. Also, the interior of the GTI is waaaay nicer to be in than the ST, even with the plaid seats (which are actually very comfortable and bolstered enough to be tossed around in). The GTI and the ST steering wheels are very similar in shape, but the GTI is made with a much higher quality leather, and the trim around the steering wheel, and in the cabin, is much higher quality than the ST's crappy plasticy look and feel. The only thing that is nicer that the ST has over the GTI in the interior is the screen is bigger, but that's not saying much because what's so good about a bigger screen (barely bigger btw), when the ST doesn't even have apple car play? The GTI does. The GTI also has a great voice activated system, which the ST doesn't have. So no, the ST didn't loose the interior battle because of its colored seats. It lost because of the things mentioned above. This was not a biased review in the video. The GTI has proven to actually have more whp on the dyno than the ST, and more torque, on top of being more reliable, much higher quality inside and outside (panels actually fit right on GTI and not the ST), get better mpg's, is more tunable, and is just a better car to drive daily.
The comments in the review dont add up to the end result. Terribly biased review. If you like yellow enough to buy it in that colour then you wont mind the yellow seat highlights.
Mark Caldwell Thank you! I have a 16 ST in kona blue. I love the contrast of the darker blue bolsters. If you buy a car in a bright flashy color you won't mind having the interior a bit flashy as well haha
My experience driving the ST: economical on the fuel but when you open up the rpms that bitch comes alive! Not sure if some of these reviewers are driving the cars hard enough.
Yeah thats true if u keep the revs low in the focus st its amazingly cheap but once u push de pedal to the ground the hood and tirea goes fron side to side and the gasoline indicator goes down. Both are great cars but i prefer the more wild drive of the focus than the refinement of the gti.
"What you really want in a hot hatch is everyday driveability". Errrrrr no, that would be a hatchback. A hot hatch can be driven every day but is actually hot and, ideally, not bland.
LOL. Sorry, Focus ST is the better machine, by far. The GTi is yesterday's news. The Focus ST has upped the hot hatch performance bar to the point that the GTi is fast becoming irrelevant.
Time proved how much more unreliable the GTI is with its faulty water pump and carbon build up is a lot worse than the ST. Grab and ST while you can other than that I’d say the GR Corolla is pretty good I enjoy driving them other than the gear box.
This review is shocking, I’ve driven both cars and owned the last generation Focus st and nothing compares to the focus, it’s a hot hatch not a “I want to save fuel and have a nice interior” last I heard hot hatch was about the performance and handling and sorry to say it but the focus takes the cake for best handling front wheel drive car on the market at the moment, each to there own I understands the golf is a nice comfortable car to drive but hot hatch isn’t about how comfortable can I get to the shops in!
So let me get this straight yellow inserts on the reccaro racing seats might not be to everyone's liking but the bland looking seats covered in grandpa's cardigan is just better refined? Think i'll go with the yellow inserts..
@@oliviersavard8676 People just want to hear themselves talk, I myself am not the biggest fan of the way the civic type r looks enough to keep me from buying it. That said it does not mean I don't have a respect for it. The focus rs is a hardcore hatch too but the vast majority buy these things because they can only have one car and they want it to be able to achieve any task whether it is track duty or the grocery haul. The suspension is way too bouncy and stiff on an rs and for some people like me the type r is a little too flashy and when you're going to be driving clients around like I am, I might not be taken seriously. I'm in my early 20s and I drive a gti so maybe I'm just a wanna be enthusiast for driving what most people are saying is a "refined car" and supposedly refined is "boring". Maybe it is, but if you had an Aston Martin or a 911 which are some of the most "refined" coupes out there, would you too be an unenthusiast? Would you fall asleep at the wheel because it is so boring? This comment is directed towards the message board as a whole not necessarily this thread.
I feel like this test is a bit biased....I own a 2016 Ford Focus ST, which is only a model year different from the 2015 used in this test, and I've daily driven it for 20 months and have put 61,000 miles on the car (worked Uber full time for 12 months so that added 150-200 miles a day) and I really think that the Focus ST is a MUCH better value for money than the VW Golf GTI. First off, the Ford Focus ST has WAY more power than the Golf GTI. 202HP in the GTI VS 252HP in the Focus ST? Is that even a comparison? No, because it's a 50HP difference, in cars that practically weigh very similar, the Golf weighing in at around 2950- 3,050 pounds, where as the Focus weighs around 3100-3200 pounds, and an extra 50HP for only essentially a 150-200 pound weight difference is a LOT of power for the weight. Like the power to weight ratio for a Focus ST is better than that of a Ford Mustang 5.0! My Focus ST SMASHES on Mustang GT's all day. I've raced plenty of 5.0's and won. Even got into a race with a BMW M4 and pulled away on him at first, but of course those extra cylinders and extra turbo means he caught and passed me. I will say however, that the seats in the Focus ST are WAY WAY WAY MORE COMFORTABLE than the GTI. Recaro is one of the GREATEST seat manufacturers out there, and these seats in my Focus ST (I have the ST2 package, so I have the partial leathers in Black w/ grey inserts due to my Focus being black in color. I've found these seats to be way more supportive and comfortable daily driving than the stock Focus seats that come in the base model Focus ST, because all those seats are are just standard Ford focus seats with a special "ST Seat cover", and they provide NOWHERE NEAR as much support and comfort as the Golf seats. Some people say the Recaro's in the ST aren't comfortable on long drives. Like 30 min and your uncomfortable, well, I call BULLSHIIIIIIIT on that claim because I've been in 3 different T-Bone accidents, all of which weren't my fault, and I've got a vertebrae that's cracked in 2 different places, split halfway across the bone, basically almost putting it entirely in half. I drove my Focus ST for 15 hours from San Diego to Tooele Utah for ST Octane Academy and My friend Jake who owns a Fiesta ST was going as well. We stopped maybe a total of 4-5 times and not once did my back hurt during the entire 15 hour journey (11.5 hours of drive time in total, but we stopped in Las Vegas on the the way for dinner at White Castle and to show Jake a few things being that was his first time in Las Vegas). But not once did my back hurt at all from being in that car for 12-13 hours and I've got a shitty back. So whoever says the Recaro seats suck, they are flat out wrong! The transmission on the ST is great, very good shift feel. The clutch, while yes it is fly-by-wire and not cable like old cars, it does have some clutch feel, just not as much as old cable clutches do. But overall I love my Focus ST, and I never plan on letting her go unless she get hit again and gets totaled out that time. I was T Boned in her back over thanksgiving holiday in 2016, not even a year of owning the car, and I was driving in the wet, I was coming up to a stop light and my right tire hit a oil patch that rose up from the cracks in the asphalt from the rain, and while I was braking for the light, right side front tire locked up. I threw in the clutch and put it into neutral to try and save it, that just locked up the driver side from tire, so I slid into an intersection, totally out of my control and got NAILED right in the B Pillar by a guy in a Subaru Outback. Over 16,000 dollars in damage was done to the vehicle and she was out of commission for a month. Now they only repaired the top half of both front Recaro seats being both front seat airbags deployed, and new covers, seat foam and airbags cost over 3,000 dollars EACH. So 6200+ dollars was JUST to repair the TOP HALF of the front seats. The other 10,000 or so dollars was just in body work, labor and parts. 2 new doors, new headliner, 2 new side curtain airbags, new glass on driver side and windshield (idiots at the shop broke it while removing it to replace the headliner). I'm just gonna say the shop I dealt with was a nightmare and because of what they did, they lost their insurance company recommendation from my insurance for how poorly I was treated during the entire process. So to all Focus ST owners out there, if someone tries to tell you their hot hatch is better than yours, just know you got a way better value for money with your car. (Unless they say their car is a Honda Civic Type R (the new one) or a Focus RS, or maybe a Golf R) but just know you'll enjoy your Ford way more than any other just standard Hatchback out on the market today.
such a weird review. you tried really hard to find somthing wrong with the ford. I LOVE the GTI. that's the car I would choose but you didn't convince me that the GTI is better.
I had a ‘17 focus st and now have a ‘13 mk6 gti. The focus was a much better car for driving excitement. It handles better, was quicker, steering was better and had super fun lift off oversteer. But my mk6 gti is sooooo much more refined and better put together. Basically my brand new at the time 2017 focus st felt older than my 2013 gti with 92k miles. Basically if you want more thrills go for the focus, it’s an absolute blast. But if you want more luxury and refinement as well as some of the thrills, go gti.
Thanks, I’m deciding between the two and thinking of getting a focus ST next weekend, upgrading from my crappy corsa. Just worried about it getting pinched
Worst review I’ve ever watched! Did you forget the fact the st has 3 stages?! With different seats and all. Plus engine should of went with the st for sure.
2_slow _4_u “stages” you mean trim levels?? Also, that TSI motor has won numerous awards.. those extra horses in the ST don’t mean anything if you can’t get them to the pavement, which the GTI does with ease
If your like me and want to buy a second hand version of these cars, the value factor of the focus st starts to stack up even more. For example, you can buy a 2015 focus st with less than 10k kms for about the same money as a 2013 gti with at least tripple the kms.
the original gti was more like what the fiesta is.. today it's a softer car.. an older person miht find it entertaining after driving the average econobox but it's simply boring for a real enthusiast... there's only a few affordable cars that are still fun to drive .. frs/brz, fiesta st, miata.. genesis coupe was pretty fun too but a bit heavy at 3200lbs for the 2.0t.. after that you need to shed a good bit more cash to get something that's fun to drive
even the reviews say the same .. it's not what it was before and it's no longer the leader in the fun to drive department .. yes it's a good sporty car.. power is great and with the performance package it gets better but still .. the car has been tamed up too much in the past 2 generations..
if refined is the word then refinement is dull .. it's simply not engaging at all.. i really hope they did better with the golf r because the last gti that was fun to drive was the mk5 .. after that i would buy pretty much anything before the golf simply because it's dull .. no steering feedback, car feels numb and handling isn't great .. it's nod bad either but it's not great
Actually I'm still in the market for a hatch and wanted a honest review I've seen a few that gave the nod to the GTI and although I didn't agree with some points they made I thought the review was honest and helpful ... Watch the video his points don't make sense and it's obviously biased ...
A few reasons ST is better than GTI : Only manual not for the weak legs, Recaro Leather seats a pleasure to sit on it, big rear spoiler, central exhaust, sony 10 speaker system with subwoofer integrated, 252hp, 270lb-tq, cheaper price for more performance. The gti doesnt have any of this why people keep telling the GTI is better? I used to own a gti mk6 but trade it for a st 2015 and i couldnt feel better with the change
Gino Catalano I’ve owned both, currently have an 18 st but previously had an mk7 gti.. both are great cars but the cost to repair vw is astronomical when compared to the ford, and they are not very reliable. When it comes to overall driving experience, I prefer the st. The dsg was nice but if it breaks it is $$$.. my old gti blew the rear main seal @ 105,000 miles due to PCV valve :( . Ford offers much better warranty options, I appreciate both cars but it just boils down to personal choice. Just my opinion
2 of my most favourite cars brands! Haven't driven either of the 2 but I have driven a mk5 Gti and my dads ST225 focus. Focus wins hands down! VW lost it after mk1 and mk2 GTI and G60 models. MK3 VR6 sounded amazing but was a pig. I'd also choose the RS over the golf R. But R32 golf or R36 Jetta over anything! Any day! My opinion lol.
+youfermont I bet they call you Mr Funny round your way, all I know is I bought my ST, added the Mountune MP275 pack it it was still £5000 cheaper than a GTI and it creams it and I don't have the same interior as a Skoda Octavia
Darren Wilson Is that it? That's the only difference? The ride quality, I live in MI, USA. Roads here are horrible from salt use during the very snowy winters. These cars are suppose to be fun everyday cars, not sports cars that are meant to be super fast. The tech under the car in the GTi is much better, you barely get any torque steer in a front wheel drive car with almost 250ft/lb of torque. Not in the ST, the ST has torque steer, the plastic rattles in the morning when going over the smallest bumps on the road, the wind and tire noise in the cabin is super annoying while going 75-85mph on the highways here. While the GTI is much quieter while cruising on the highway
Number number number... that's all people commenting on these videos care about, it's proven time and time again numbers don't tell the true story. German cars whether it be VW, Audi, BMW or Porsche ALWAYS outperform what they supposedly can do on paper. They maybe cynical but certainly outperform their numbers.
The problem with the GTIs numbers is that vw claims lower hp than the car actually makes, I have a 2014 ST and a friend on mine have a 2015 GTI, we went to a local dyno and oh surprise!!! The ST had 255 at the crank and the GTI 264 still, every time we race it's virtually a draw you just need to learn how to launch the ST which is kinda hard at first
I have both cars in my garage and this video could not be further from the truth. I love both cars, but the gti is far from being on par with the ST. I guess Aussies really aren't that smart after all.
goku546686 The R is in a completely different class of vehicle than the ST. When it comes to handling and braking, the ST shines over the R. Now when you compare the Focus RS against the Golf R.. Well, there really is no comparison.
gypsykingg if u say so bud drove both and would love to tell u they have the same.. awd.... the golf r has much better acceleration to recover from taking a turn bro... 2015 golf r trumps ford
Matt Farah from the Smoking tyres said the Golf 7 GTi handles and feels identical to the Golf 7 R until putting power down at the exit of a corner after driving the two cars back to back. Does your Golf 7 GTI have the electronic front diff?
These comments are ridiculously biased and awfully stupid. I've driven both. The ST definitely feels like you are getting more car for your money. The ST has sharper and more responsive steering; the GTI's steering is great, but the ST is even more impressive. I like the curve of the power band in the ST better, GTI feels gutless before the turbo hits- but holy smokes, when it spools up, the GTI is definitely feeling more powerful. Also noteworthy, the Golf keeps a straight line more easily under heavy acceleration. ST has the more aggressive design, which i like. The GTI has a more classy design, which I also like. Both are excellent. There are more used GTI's on the road if you are buying used- so they can be had much cheaper.
If you’re talking about penny pinching costs like an additional litre of fuel per 100 km then why not talk about cost of ownership ie servicing costs? Pretty lame review to be honest.
I love my Focus ST , it can be a Nuisance to get the power down I agree, which is why it might loose out to the golf on 0-100kph sprints , Especially one with Dsg it’s not really driving all you need to do is plant your down and that’s it. The gearbox does the work for you. I like to be more involved so for me Manual in either. I think from rolling start there wouldn’t be much in it. . The golf I might be able to drive a bit quicker than my st as I’m not a race driver and what people describe as fun when the arse steps out I probably over correct as if expecting to go sideways , the 1.8 turn Steering Lock means you can’t yank the wheel like you would in any other car or you certainly induce oversteer. I like the seats in the ST I thought the golf was/is overpriced . Plus I’ve always been a ford man . But if the golf is marginally quicker then good luck to the golf owners I’m Happy that’s all that matters .
To save you watching this, I have owned both of these cars (same models) and in my opinion if you want a more raw hot hatch you buy the ST better suspension way more power and a nice manual transmission. The gti is more refined and good for daily driving the dsg is better for just day to day and the GTI has a better interior.
What is it with the plaid seats in the GTI?? I find them ugly. The ST is by far the better looking. 3K price difference to boot! Ford ST should win this and this guy knows it and many others know it also. GTI glory days are over.
Vincent O Volkswagen has been using them for years and you can get them with different seats it's more of a tradition I personally like them but everyone has their opinion right
I'm still having a tough time deciding. GTi has a roomier interior, ST is a bit cheaper. VW isn't exactly known for long term reliability, the EB engines haven't been out long enough for a verdict on that one. I'm leaning ST, but I still could go either way.
Actually the st kick s the golfs ass sooo many times, and the interior of the golf looks like my boxer shorts on the week day. When i want to get laid I’m taking the st
I love both cars personally my mate has a 2018 gti performance tsi it’s a beautiful car drives nice too. I’ve had a 65 plate Ford focus diesel ST for the last 5 years I’m trading it in now for a 67 plate ST petrol only done 16,430 miles the diesel is extremely underrated for sure
All I ever hear about is VW's bad failing gearboxes. Plus it's $10k more expensive, so no surprise some people will say it's a better car. Correct me if I'm wrong.
+Greg Norton This review makes no sense, on one side it highlights ST pros and it gaves +1 to GTI. I've driven both and the GTI is not even close to the ST. ST is more fun and better car for day to day driving.
Sad thing is the Focus ST has more hp claimed from the factory (GTI has more torque), which makes it look good on paper, but on a dyno, the stock GTI has more whp than the ST does on the dyno. Hmmmm, so yep, GTI is actually more powerful than the ST. People just don't know it.
Private Eyes Actually it's the opposite. To you, if the ST doesn't win, it's because the review is biaised. The ST is less daily-drivable, less comfortable, less smooth, less refined than a GTI. While the ST is just a sportier version of the Focus, the GTI is both more luxurious and sportier than a regular Golf. You're only going to try to find reviews being for the ST if you're really a Ford fanboy: in the real world, the GTI is just better.
@Private EyesI have a rolled through a few more, overall, the GTI wins more than the Focus ST essentially making my statement true. Also, how are all of these reviews biased? The GTI wins in fuel economy practicality, interior, refinement/quality, and straight line performance.
I owned a mk6 gti for 3 years and loved it. I currently own a focus ST and heres my two cents, the gti lacked that power and handling over the ST as well as had uglier/less comfortable interior as well. The gti was a fun go cart for sure but i dont think it stacks up to an ST very well
Lol the GTI gets the win on engine and road test? You're kidding right? The focus st is the best handling hatch on the market right now besides the fiesta st.... Speaking of which, the fiesta st is a better comparison to the gti. The focus is superior to the gti.
Langundo D The ST is way way more fun than the Gti but in terms of performance numbers the Gti is considerably faster, it has less power but it puts all of it down whereas the St cant seem to put the power down..
richard remi well i drive a fiesta st which is powered by the 1.6 ecoboost .. it's a good bit slower than a focus st but still iva raced a few mk7's and they barely take half a car on a 100-200km roll
the fiesta is actually quicker than that .. the 2014 model had power restrictions when shifting quickly .. now they removed this .. the 2015 runs 14.3-14.5 @ 96-97mph and there is still some power being lost during shifting.. and dont forget that you need a DSG to run a 14.2 .. the manuals are slower
MrThePrivateer i ran 14.4 @95mph in 101F degree weather at 80%humidity in my FoST. Your numbers are a bit off. The GTi is on par with the FoST, it truly is a driver's race. But the GTi is easier to drive quicker
I have driven both of these extensively, as well as the fiesta st. I drove the GTI in both transmissions and with/without the performance pack. The fiesta blows. Unless you are trying to slide everywhere and driving on a race track or commuting or perfectly paved roads it feels like it was made a couple decades ago. Ready to fall apart over any bump. The focus is fun as all hell. Going around corners and twisties is absolutely amazing. GTI is fun and a little easier to drive fast on a mountain road, especially a poorly paved one. The steering, unless on sport mode feels unnatural because of the extensive variable ratio. DSG sucks. Non performance package and you might as well get the focus for more fun.
As much as I want to disagree with this review, the boot is bigger in the golf and for me that's a winner. But even with that I want to be engaged when I drive so I'd go for the Focus. To me deciding between these two is a far harder task then say comparing a Fiesta St and a Polo GTI.
This man needs help a 1.6 zetec diesel focus suspension is based off rally cars obviously not the same affect but still one of the best out there for a daily. The st has improved suspension on it from that golf suspension is a small bit stiffer but the same as a 1.9 tdi focus has the better drive and more torque not sure about the bhp but probably has more of that too
TheChrosty Your idea of the Focus ST being a better all rounder I'll have to disagree with. It is better dynamically and is more bold, but the Golf has a better interior in both comfort and appearance which, when combined with a decent performing and torque-y engine that is also ecomical, makes kt a better all rounder. Both are great cars though, that is one thing for sure.
You know what all rounder means right? Does st have better interior? Does ST have better infotainment? Does it have automatic option? Does it have LSD? Does it have vented rear rotors? Does it have a bigger engine? Does it have steering head lights? Does it have higher low end torque? Does it have panoramic sunroof? It's just a $14k focus with a turbo dont kid yourself
May aswell put a 1.6D against the ST because that would of won this shit test aswell. Golf does have better interior and better manners on the road but the whole point of a hot hatch is how it goes, number 1 priority is straight line speed followed by handling while still being practical for everyday use. The ST is cheaper and has more power and a fair bit more torque which are the things you really WANT in a hot hatch. Fancy soft touch plastics and sat nav are nice things too have but not really important when comparing hot hatches.
+Gunslinger 227 I had a mk2 Focus st which was highly tuneable, was running 280bhp easy without even straining, very thirsty though, what kind of economy do you get out of your st?
+john jackson I agree about the fun that a hot hatch needs to have. But for the price of these cars brand new these days many people have to look at it as a daily as well. when you get the options you want in either class you end up spending near $30,000 USD. and that can be pretty hefty for something you want as a toy. So i fully understand the need to live with it and have it comfortable. they have slightly different purposes, so pitting them against each other is... eh. for someone like me that has kids, the GTI is a bit more justifiable of a car because it can be fun but still car seat friendly (especially compared to a focus) and has mroe storage space with better mpg so i can daily it on my commute and have fun when i feel like it. Not a lot of compromises made with a GTI compared to an ST. especially the styling. I personally like that it doesnt look too aggressive because i like sleeper style of cars. cars like the speed3 bring a lot of unwanted attention. Focus st would be a lot of fun and either of the two cars is worth the money. I think it just depends on your situation in life. if I only wanted a performance car without the practicality, there are a lot of better choices out there for the money.
+kopfschuss881 I agree with you, they are expensive and need to be able to do everything these days. The Golf is a better car definatly but the Focus is more exciting. Both available with 5 doors so practicality is the same. Worth mentioning though that in the UK some Golf GTI are running over 260bhp stock! Which goes along way in explaining why in many circumstances the Focus ST appears no faster than the Golf. For the price of the Golf though id sacrifice the smart tidy interior and opt for the Seat leon cupra 280. Much faster than both and costs a similar amount of money. Also looks great aswell and because it has a DETUNED version of the Golf R and S3 engine a simple remap will unlock the potential and bring power to 350bhp. Then you have a weapon!
+john jackson in the US we have a lot less choices for hot hatches. really the 3 fords and 2 vws these days if you don't count the wrx anymore. and yeah, sadly the performance pack gti here is only 220bhp
+Ferby Arisaka The Focus ST is outdated. Look how cheap the interior is assembled, the lack of DCC, VAQ, larger brakes, less efficient engine, no driver's assistance package option, less interior room (even though overall size is larger), iffy quality, horrible infotainment system. VW GTI FTW by a longshot.
+Fields Carlisle uhh .."The GTI’s brakes also lack the bite of those in the Focus - and tire sooner when asked to deal with an all-corner diet. The Golf is summed up neatly by Wallace: ‘It’s good, but the Focus is just better..." -evo that's just one review there are many that refute what this unless review and your misinformed command of the facts are....
I have always loved the Golf GTI's. But it just looks so bloody dated, plain and boring from the outside. Its the sort of car that looks like you paid half of what you actually did. (To people who are not car enthusiasts. Lets face it, thats 80% of the population you pass)
Well Gti is classy , beautiful, sporty but clean looking. On the other hand at is overdone, feels like pimped Honda Civic, don't really like this look, interior cheap materials. Gti is still hottest hatchback
Del Johnson the M135 i is an awesome car but its a 6 not a 4 so its really not a fair test like putting the ST with a 86 both creat cars but the 86 has no turbo so not fair fight
James Webster Well in my defence the quote was the "BEST" all round hot hatch. So IMHO the best shouldn't matter how many cylinders it has. What would you say about the Mercedes A45 AMG. That's a 4 pot?
Gti looks like a girls car compared to the st an wtf. Are them picnic blanket looking seats and I prefer the rear lights on the 2010 focus st these new lights from side view look shit
I love both cars I just can't afford the ford so I gotta mk4 GTI their not fast but the their quick in a fun way kinda like a turbo miata just in a hatchback the older focus SVT just looked bad I'd never drive it honestly but I'd like to see a golf r vs rs comparison
Levi Jeans maybe it's compliance is 2015. But i assure you, it's a 2014 model. 2015 has the front red line strip continue through the headlamps. I've looked into purchasing this model, which is why i noticed.
I think they used a base model for the review. I have an SE model and the headlamps are upgraded, leather seats and the lines continue through the lamps as well.
the best bit was watching all the ford fans get blown away by volkswagon. get it? lol get r3kt ford fans. personaly, i am a ford fan, but i prefer volkswagon by far. at least it wasnt a vauxhall astra ;-;
Gti wins hands down. The interior of the Focus is horrid. When you sit in it all you feel is cheap cheap cheap. Not good enough for a 2015. The Gti hasn't got an amazing interior but it feels a lot better than the ST. The interior of the focus is the reason I'm not considering the RS which pisses me off because the RS on the outside looks fantastic. The interior is just horrid for a car that price. And let's face it, those that say an interior is not important are either only ever doing track days or spend most of the time smoking their socks! For the rest of us that dont have 6 cars - 1 for each occasion, we buy one car that does it all, the gti is the better car for this purpose.
@@JT-oz7yn It isnt, it was classed for a weekend family sports car which CAN be used daily.. it wasnt purpose built FOR day to day use .. thats why ST Line Focus exists.. Ive owned this car for 3 years and i Daily it.. but i know alot that do not
@@benst2594 Calling it a sports car is a bit of a stretch, and the purpose for the whole hot hatchback segment is to be a daily-able vehicle that's practical and fun. You don't make a sports car based around practicality instead of sportiness, they made a daily, practical car that has an element of fun beyond being able to haul groceries.
FFS, the script is so bad. Sure, Top Gear is scripted as well but at least they know how to drive cars and talk shit. Watch Motor Trend and learn how to talk about cars like you know what driving them is actually like.
Only can a stuff shirt Brit think a over sized golf ball shifter and plaid seats think that's a more "sophisticated" interior... He of course failed to mention that a all black leather interior (Recaro seats no less) can be had still cheaper then the Golf ... The infotainment system is better easier to use has voice command and a rear camera and it still looses huh ? I love when he says the fact that the Golf has less power makes the car more "livable" What ? and it's not as fast by the by.... The steering on the focus is razor sharp much better then the spongy feel of the Golf just about every other reviewer says the ST is extremely easy to drive... European snobbery bias is completely transparent in this review it even has German techno music playing in the intro I knew that second the ST was going to loose in this comparison.... And if Ford wanted to put a automatic option for this car it would have .... This car is completely functional but remains a true sport hatch.
I’ve driven both of these cars, and love both of these manufacturers. The GTI has a more mature look to it, and it’s far more common than the Focus ST. I’ve thrown both of these cars around the same bends and roads, and the stability of the Focus is a couple notches higher than the GTI. The Focus does have some torque steer, but if you’re not a paranoid mother of 3 children it shouldn’t be a bother. The GTI is more comfortable to me, I’m 6’2 and 215 pounds, so I consider myself a good benchmark for car comfort testing lol. The way the Recaro seats lock you in and hug you upon turns is impressive, and the GTI is just about the same, just not as snug. Power wise, the Focus ST is best but I believe it isn’t as tunable as a GTI. The GTI has had years worth of changes and aftermarket installs and tests with many different things, but the way these cars can be tuned is outrageous. Exterior style wise, would have to go to the Focus. It’s sportier looking and when you look at it, it’s like it’s trying to tell you “Wtf are you waiting for? Get the fuck in we gotta go!” And the GTI has more of a look as if it were trying to say “I guess I’m up for it”. Overall, it’s more of preference. For myself it’s hard to choose between the two, but i’m leaning more towards the ST. I’d love to own both one day
This was So spot-on.
Thank you for this ❤
As time went on we found out the ST engine takes more power and the clutch also takes more power until you get around 480+hp but that’s pretty wicked on these
Can't believe I wasted 6 mins of My time listening to a guy complaining about a Manuel shift. We are purist lovers
He wasn’t complaining I think he just mentioned in dense traffic it’s not a pleasant experience
The checkmark on the road for the golf? Kidding or what? The ST has the best stock-sport-suspension of all hot hatch´s
Ford Focus ST vs Volkswagen GTI..... Brought to you by Volkswagen.
lol
Eleven Bravo you're just jealous your dear american car lost to a foreign car hahahahaha
That is exactly what I was going to say!!
Enjoy your open diff st
@@charles-davidberube1174 no hahahha, just watching video lile wtf, this plastic VW is shit compared to Focus believe me....non american guy, i am from EU
Why would you want to have an automatic transmission in an ST?
Cletus Zimmerman they make automatic ST's???
A auto gti makes sense because dual clutch and way faster than manual
joey farwell they don’t, this guy’s a freak lmao
For the ladies.
Manual ones are more fun to drive the short throw they have I love it
St all day! I love mine I have a st1 and for the price you can't beat it but that just my opinion
Eh, I love both a lot. Currently figuring out if I want a mk6 or an ST but the mk6 has a pretty good price point too if that’s the argument.
Focus looks about 5 times better!
I'm a die hard Ford enthusiast. I drove both cars repeatedly and over some long trips. Both are absolutely fantastic cars, however if your are talking about a daily driver, especially for someone with a family the gti wins for me, hands down. I can fit 4 adults or myself, my wife and our two kids comfortably. I could never do that in the focus, it's simply not big enough.
Both of the 6 speeds are fantastic, engines are great.
I do like the DSG, especially if you live in a city. personally while I like manual transmissions the DSG is the best of both world's.
I'm getting older, not younger and the Gti, is more refined in all the ways i need it to be. it isn't as loud on the eyes, the interior is more reasonable, and for the power rating, it is quick.
The ST would have been my choice if I was a few years younger and single.
Both cars handle considerably better than I can drive them. The torque vectoring is great, but I'll hardly ever push my car far enough to worry about that.
I love my Gti, it's a great driving experience especially if you are looking for a daily driver that does everything you need it to do.
Carlos Finch I would still choose st over gti but I agree with your opinion. Couldn’t of said it better
So the GTI wins interior because the reviewer doesn't like color matching inserts, but is OK with horrible, flat, commercial... plaid seats? Then comments about the great flat bottom steering wheel of the GTI, which is EXACTLY what the ST is equipped with for the 2015 model year.
I see he didn't touch on maintenance cost and how much more the GTI cost to maintain / repair / OWN..
This is a biased review..
The plaid seats are standard though. The GTI has more comfortable leather seating IMO
Chad C Since your comment 2 years ago, the ST has proved that it's s horribly reliable. So many problems with the ST, while the MK7 GTI has had 0 issues. Very reliable. Also, the interior of the GTI is waaaay nicer to be in than the ST, even with the plaid seats (which are actually very comfortable and bolstered enough to be tossed around in). The GTI and the ST steering wheels are very similar in shape, but the GTI is made with a much higher quality leather, and the trim around the steering wheel, and in the cabin, is much higher quality than the ST's crappy plasticy look and feel. The only thing that is nicer that the ST has over the GTI in the interior is the screen is bigger, but that's not saying much because what's so good about a bigger screen (barely bigger btw), when the ST doesn't even have apple car play? The GTI does. The GTI also has a great voice activated system, which the ST doesn't have.
So no, the ST didn't loose the interior battle because of its colored seats. It lost because of the things mentioned above. This was not a biased review in the video. The GTI has proven to actually have more whp on the dyno than the ST, and more torque, on top of being more reliable, much higher quality inside and outside (panels actually fit right on GTI and not the ST), get better mpg's, is more tunable, and is just a better car to drive daily.
Chad C the GTI wins interior because of materials, fit, and finish.
David Van his profile pic is of his holding a gun. Wtf is your point
Yeah but that’s only on the st-2 model the st-3 has full leather recaro
The comments in the review dont add up to the end result. Terribly biased review. If you like yellow enough to buy it in that colour then you wont mind the yellow seat highlights.
Mark Caldwell Thank you! I have a 16 ST in kona blue. I love the contrast of the darker blue bolsters. If you buy a car in a bright flashy color you won't mind having the interior a bit flashy as well haha
My experience driving the ST: economical on the fuel but when you open up the rpms that bitch comes alive! Not sure if some of these reviewers are driving the cars hard enough.
Yeah thats true if u keep the revs low in the focus st its amazingly cheap but once u push de pedal to the ground the hood and tirea goes fron side to side and the gasoline indicator goes down. Both are great cars but i prefer the more wild drive of the focus than the refinement of the gti.
"What you really want in a hot hatch is everyday driveability". Errrrrr no, that would be a hatchback. A hot hatch can be driven every day but is actually hot and, ideally, not bland.
This guys bank account has incoming cheques from VW weekly
Who even buys an automatic hot hatch???
LOL. Sorry, Focus ST is the better machine, by far. The GTi is yesterday's news. The Focus ST has upped the hot hatch performance bar to the point that the GTi is fast becoming irrelevant.
This didn’t age well…
Time proved how much more unreliable the GTI is with its faulty water pump and carbon build up is a lot worse than the ST. Grab and ST while you can other than that I’d say the GR Corolla is pretty good I enjoy driving them other than the gear box.
This review is shocking, I’ve driven both cars and owned the last generation Focus st and nothing compares to the focus, it’s a hot hatch not a “I want to save fuel and have a nice interior” last I heard hot hatch was about the performance and handling and sorry to say it but the focus takes the cake for best handling front wheel drive car on the market at the moment, each to there own I understands the golf is a nice comfortable car to drive but hot hatch isn’t about how comfortable can I get to the shops in!
So let me get this straight yellow inserts on the reccaro racing seats might not be to everyone's liking but the bland looking seats covered in grandpa's cardigan is just better refined? Think i'll go with the yellow inserts..
That is a good point.
I don't mind the interiors in the Ford but I dunno.....just seems like the VW is all around better quality. Just my opinion
the gti seats are the best that "grandpa cardigan' seats are original they nave always been part of vw
So the ST is more engaging to drive - fun! - and thats why it didn't win? It's a HOT hatch. It's supposed to be more hardcore.
TheJPWest Then explain why people are complaining about the Civic Type R if a hot hatch is supposed to be hardcore
@@oliviersavard8676 People just want to hear themselves talk, I myself am not the biggest fan of the way the civic type r looks enough to keep me from buying it. That said it does not mean I don't have a respect for it. The focus rs is a hardcore hatch too but the vast majority buy these things because they can only have one car and they want it to be able to achieve any task whether it is track duty or the grocery haul. The suspension is way too bouncy and stiff on an rs and for some people like me the type r is a little too flashy and when you're going to be driving clients around like I am, I might not be taken seriously. I'm in my early 20s and I drive a gti so maybe I'm just a wanna be enthusiast for driving what most people are saying is a "refined car" and supposedly refined is "boring". Maybe it is, but if you had an Aston Martin or a 911 which are some of the most "refined" coupes out there, would you too be an unenthusiast? Would you fall asleep at the wheel because it is so boring? This comment is directed towards the message board as a whole not necessarily this thread.
I feel like this test is a bit biased....I own a 2016 Ford Focus ST, which is only a model year different from the 2015 used in this test, and I've daily driven it for 20 months and have put 61,000 miles on the car (worked Uber full time for 12 months so that added 150-200 miles a day) and I really think that the Focus ST is a MUCH better value for money than the VW Golf GTI. First off, the Ford Focus ST has WAY more power than the Golf GTI. 202HP in the GTI VS 252HP in the Focus ST? Is that even a comparison? No, because it's a 50HP difference, in cars that practically weigh very similar, the Golf weighing in at around 2950- 3,050 pounds, where as the Focus weighs around 3100-3200 pounds, and an extra 50HP for only essentially a 150-200 pound weight difference is a LOT of power for the weight. Like the power to weight ratio for a Focus ST is better than that of a Ford Mustang 5.0! My Focus ST SMASHES on Mustang GT's all day. I've raced plenty of 5.0's and won. Even got into a race with a BMW M4 and pulled away on him at first, but of course those extra cylinders and extra turbo means he caught and passed me. I will say however, that the seats in the Focus ST are WAY WAY WAY MORE COMFORTABLE than the GTI. Recaro is one of the GREATEST seat manufacturers out there, and these seats in my Focus ST (I have the ST2 package, so I have the partial leathers in Black w/ grey inserts due to my Focus being black in color. I've found these seats to be way more supportive and comfortable daily driving than the stock Focus seats that come in the base model Focus ST, because all those seats are are just standard Ford focus seats with a special "ST Seat cover", and they provide NOWHERE NEAR as much support and comfort as the Golf seats. Some people say the Recaro's in the ST aren't comfortable on long drives. Like 30 min and your uncomfortable, well, I call BULLSHIIIIIIIT on that claim because I've been in 3 different T-Bone accidents, all of which weren't my fault, and I've got a vertebrae that's cracked in 2 different places, split halfway across the bone, basically almost putting it entirely in half. I drove my Focus ST for 15 hours from San Diego to Tooele Utah for ST Octane Academy and My friend Jake who owns a Fiesta ST was going as well. We stopped maybe a total of 4-5 times and not once did my back hurt during the entire 15 hour journey (11.5 hours of drive time in total, but we stopped in Las Vegas on the the way for dinner at White Castle and to show Jake a few things being that was his first time in Las Vegas). But not once did my back hurt at all from being in that car for 12-13 hours and I've got a shitty back. So whoever says the Recaro seats suck, they are flat out wrong! The transmission on the ST is great, very good shift feel. The clutch, while yes it is fly-by-wire and not cable like old cars, it does have some clutch feel, just not as much as old cable clutches do. But overall I love my Focus ST, and I never plan on letting her go unless she get hit again and gets totaled out that time. I was T Boned in her back over thanksgiving holiday in 2016, not even a year of owning the car, and I was driving in the wet, I was coming up to a stop light and my right tire hit a oil patch that rose up from the cracks in the asphalt from the rain, and while I was braking for the light, right side front tire locked up. I threw in the clutch and put it into neutral to try and save it, that just locked up the driver side from tire, so I slid into an intersection, totally out of my control and got NAILED right in the B Pillar by a guy in a Subaru Outback. Over 16,000 dollars in damage was done to the vehicle and she was out of commission for a month. Now they only repaired the top half of both front Recaro seats being both front seat airbags deployed, and new covers, seat foam and airbags cost over 3,000 dollars EACH. So 6200+ dollars was JUST to repair the TOP HALF of the front seats. The other 10,000 or so dollars was just in body work, labor and parts. 2 new doors, new headliner, 2 new side curtain airbags, new glass on driver side and windshield (idiots at the shop broke it while removing it to replace the headliner). I'm just gonna say the shop I dealt with was a nightmare and because of what they did, they lost their insurance company recommendation from my insurance for how poorly I was treated during the entire process. So to all Focus ST owners out there, if someone tries to tell you their hot hatch is better than yours, just know you got a way better value for money with your car. (Unless they say their car is a Honda Civic Type R (the new one) or a Focus RS, or maybe a Golf R) but just know you'll enjoy your Ford way more than any other just standard Hatchback out on the market today.
such a weird review. you tried really hard to find somthing wrong with the ford. I LOVE the GTI. that's the car I would choose but you didn't convince me that the GTI is better.
I had a ‘17 focus st and now have a ‘13 mk6 gti. The focus was a much better car for driving excitement. It handles better, was quicker, steering was better and had super fun lift off oversteer. But my mk6 gti is sooooo much more refined and better put together. Basically my brand new at the time 2017 focus st felt older than my 2013 gti with 92k miles. Basically if you want more thrills go for the focus, it’s an absolute blast. But if you want more luxury and refinement as well as some of the thrills, go gti.
Thanks, I’m deciding between the two and thinking of getting a focus ST next weekend, upgrading from my crappy corsa. Just worried about it getting pinched
I love both, both great cars. I have stage 2 Dreamscience mk3. But would equally be happy with a GTI.
Worst review I’ve ever watched! Did you forget the fact the st has 3 stages?! With different seats and all. Plus engine should of went with the st for sure.
2_slow _4_u “stages” you mean trim levels?? Also, that TSI motor has won numerous awards.. those extra horses in the ST don’t mean anything if you can’t get them to the pavement, which the GTI does with ease
I love both cars, but you're going to spend more money on the GTI in maintenance than you would in the FoST
yes,I have a 2016 focus st and it would completely annihilate that vw
how would you know, do you have a gti too?
Nope don't need one u.s.a!
in your dreams only)))
lol, i had more fun looking at all the butthurt Ford fans in the comments section.
If your like me and want to buy a second hand version of these cars, the value factor of the focus st starts to stack up even more. For example, you can buy a 2015 focus st with less than 10k kms for about the same money as a 2013 gti with at least tripple the kms.
ST all the way. More power and faster than the GTi.
The ST is a car for the purist. Whilst the GTi is more refined, it probably lacks a bit of character.
eugene yoon the GTi has no character
Haven't driven one myself David, but I'd imagine it to be a bit more refined than raw. Slightly different target audiences for each car I think.
the original gti was more like what the fiesta is.. today it's a softer car.. an older person miht find it entertaining after driving the average econobox but it's simply boring for a real enthusiast... there's only a few affordable cars that are still fun to drive .. frs/brz, fiesta st, miata.. genesis coupe was pretty fun too but a bit heavy at 3200lbs for the 2.0t.. after that you need to shed a good bit more cash to get something that's fun to drive
even the reviews say the same .. it's not what it was before and it's no longer the leader in the fun to drive department .. yes it's a good sporty car.. power is great and with the performance package it gets better but still .. the car has been tamed up too much in the past 2 generations..
if refined is the word then refinement is dull .. it's simply not engaging at all.. i really hope they did better with the golf r because the last gti that was fun to drive was the mk5 .. after that i would buy pretty much anything before the golf simply because it's dull .. no steering feedback, car feels numb and handling isn't great .. it's nod bad either but it's not great
You forgot the VW GTi is also significantly priced higher than the Focus.
309 dislikes wouldn't have nothing to do with quite a few ford fan boys checking out this video would it?
Actually I'm still in the market for a hatch and wanted a honest review I've seen a few that gave the nod to the GTI and although I didn't agree with some points they made I thought the review was honest and helpful ... Watch the video his points don't make sense and it's obviously biased ...
Focus st is a turbo charged $14k focus. Gti is a 30k German hatch. Different league
A few reasons ST is better than GTI : Only manual not for the weak legs, Recaro Leather seats a pleasure to sit on it, big rear spoiler, central exhaust, sony 10 speaker system with subwoofer integrated, 252hp, 270lb-tq, cheaper price for more performance. The gti doesnt have any of this why people keep telling the GTI is better? I used to own a gti mk6 but trade it for a st 2015 and i couldnt feel better with the change
GTI also can have recaro leather seats, 10 speaker system, acceleration is the same with less power but with PP it is faster. Where is ST better? ;D
GTI Interior >>>>> Ford ST.
Potent That is subjective, but I would agree that it is conservative.
"not for the weak legs" lmao... lol
I own an ST and have driven a GTI.. the GTI wins overall
Gino Catalano I’ve owned both, currently have an 18 st but previously had an mk7 gti.. both are great cars but the cost to repair vw is astronomical when compared to the ford, and they are not very reliable. When it comes to overall driving experience, I prefer the st. The dsg was nice but if it breaks it is $$$.. my old gti blew the rear main seal @ 105,000 miles due to PCV valve :( . Ford offers much better warranty options, I appreciate both cars but it just boils down to personal choice. Just my opinion
Luke A good point. Replacement engines on the ST can cost as low as $400
No comments about the engine mounts in the Focus. I know VW has good ones. I drive Mazda 3 MPS so I know a lot about bad engine mounts
2 of my most favourite cars brands! Haven't driven either of the 2 but I have driven a mk5 Gti and my dads ST225 focus. Focus wins hands down! VW lost it after mk1 and mk2 GTI and G60 models. MK3 VR6 sounded amazing but was a pig. I'd also choose the RS over the golf R. But R32 golf or R36 Jetta over anything! Any day! My opinion lol.
The Golf looks the same as every Golf made since 1992
+youfermont I bet they call you Mr Funny round your way, all I know is I bought my ST, added the Mountune MP275 pack it it was still £5000 cheaper than a GTI and it creams it and I don't have the same interior as a Skoda Octavia
+Darren Wilson yet u have the same interior as a Fiesta.
+hmmm I've yet to see a Fiesta with an 8 inch touch screen infotainment system like mine, you're thinking of the first Mk3s mines a 65 plate
+hmmm The Golf has the same interior as the Skoda Octavia as I looked at both before deciding on the ST
Darren Wilson Is that it? That's the only difference? The ride quality, I live in MI, USA. Roads here are horrible from salt use during the very snowy winters. These cars are suppose to be fun everyday cars, not sports cars that are meant to be super fast. The tech under the car in the GTi is much better, you barely get any torque steer in a front wheel drive car with almost 250ft/lb of torque. Not in the ST, the ST has torque steer, the plastic rattles in the morning when going over the smallest bumps on the road, the wind and tire noise in the cabin is super annoying while going 75-85mph on the highways here. While the GTI is much quieter while cruising on the highway
How many beers did the backhander from VW buy you ?
Number number number... that's all people commenting on these videos care about, it's proven time and time again numbers don't tell the true story. German cars whether it be VW, Audi, BMW or Porsche ALWAYS outperform what they supposedly can do on paper. They maybe cynical but certainly outperform their numbers.
The problem with the GTIs numbers is that vw claims lower hp than the car actually makes, I have a 2014 ST and a friend on mine have a 2015 GTI, we went to a local dyno and oh surprise!!! The ST had 255 at the crank and the GTI 264 still, every time we race it's virtually a draw you just need to learn how to launch the ST which is kinda hard at first
Daniel Rivera the wheel spin and torque steer are way to real lmao
I have both cars in my garage and this video could not be further from the truth. I love both cars, but the gti is far from being on par with the ST. I guess Aussies really aren't that smart after all.
the golf r on the other hand... hehe is way better... but much more expensive
goku546686 The R is in a completely different class of vehicle than the ST. When it comes to handling and braking, the ST shines over the R. Now when you compare the Focus RS against the Golf R.. Well, there really is no comparison.
gypsykingg if u say so bud drove both and would love to tell u they have the same.. awd.... the golf r has much better acceleration to recover from taking a turn bro... 2015 golf r trumps ford
Matt Farah from the Smoking tyres said the Golf 7 GTi handles and feels identical to the Golf 7 R until putting power down at the exit of a corner after driving the two cars back to back. Does your Golf 7 GTI have the electronic front diff?
Car Nut yes but the r doesn't it has traction control.. slightly different but both try to prevent sliding..
These comments are ridiculously biased and awfully stupid. I've driven both. The ST definitely feels like you are getting more car for your money. The ST has sharper and more responsive steering; the GTI's steering is great, but the ST is even more impressive. I like the curve of the power band in the ST better, GTI feels gutless before the turbo hits- but holy smokes, when it spools up, the GTI is definitely feeling more powerful. Also noteworthy, the Golf keeps a straight line more easily under heavy acceleration. ST has the more aggressive design, which i like. The GTI has a more classy design, which I also like. Both are excellent. There are more used GTI's on the road if you are buying used- so they can be had much cheaper.
If you’re talking about penny pinching costs like an additional litre of fuel per 100 km then why not talk about cost of ownership ie servicing costs? Pretty lame review to be honest.
Are you serious? Yes ... I have a ford in my profile picture ... but come one ... GTI better on the road??? Hahahahahaaaaa
David Van ^
I love my Focus ST , it can be a Nuisance to get the power down I agree, which is why it might loose out to the golf on 0-100kph sprints , Especially one with Dsg it’s not really driving all you need to do is plant your down and that’s it.
The gearbox does the work for you.
I like to be more involved so for me Manual in either. I think from rolling start there wouldn’t be much in it. . The golf I might be able to drive a bit quicker than my st as I’m not a race driver and what people describe as fun when the arse steps out I probably over correct as if expecting to go sideways , the 1.8 turn Steering Lock means you can’t yank the wheel like you would in any other car or you certainly induce oversteer.
I like the seats in the ST I thought the golf was/is overpriced . Plus I’ve always been a ford man . But if the golf is marginally quicker then good luck to the golf owners I’m Happy that’s all that matters .
mate looks like a NFS character at the start of a game in this lol
To save you watching this, I have owned both of these cars (same models) and in my opinion if you want a more raw hot hatch you buy the ST better suspension way more power and a nice manual transmission. The gti is more refined and good for daily driving the dsg is better for just day to day and the GTI has a better interior.
What is it with the plaid seats in the GTI?? I find them ugly. The ST is by far the better looking. 3K price difference to boot! Ford ST should win this and this guy knows it and many others know it also. GTI glory days are over.
Vincent O Volkswagen has been using them for years and you can get them with different seats it's more of a tradition I personally like them but everyone has their opinion right
I'm still having a tough time deciding. GTi has a roomier interior, ST is a bit cheaper. VW isn't exactly known for long term reliability, the EB engines haven't been out long enough for a verdict on that one. I'm leaning ST, but I still could go either way.
2015/2016 GTI are reliable cars, no major problems.
Actually the st kick s the golfs ass sooo many times, and the interior of the golf looks like my boxer shorts on the week day. When i want to get laid I’m taking the st
I love both cars personally my mate has a 2018 gti performance tsi it’s a beautiful car drives nice too. I’ve had a 65 plate Ford focus diesel ST for the last 5 years I’m trading it in now for a 67 plate ST petrol only done 16,430 miles the diesel is extremely underrated for sure
All I ever hear about is VW's bad failing gearboxes. Plus it's $10k more expensive, so no surprise some people will say it's a better car. Correct me if I'm wrong.
+Greg Norton This review makes no sense, on one side it highlights ST pros and it gaves +1 to GTI. I've driven both and the GTI is not even close to the ST. ST is more fun and better car for day to day driving.
+Greg Norton Both cars cost about the same.
guuberluuber
Not in Australia. The Golf is about 7-10k more.
+Greg Norton Oh, I was talking about American prices. Sorry.
Sad thing is the Focus ST has more hp claimed from the factory (GTI has more torque), which makes it look good on paper, but on a dyno, the stock GTI has more whp than the ST does on the dyno. Hmmmm, so yep, GTI is actually more powerful than the ST. People just don't know it.
Focus much better, that's all.
This guy pro VW haha... Focus ST is a much better car.... Go and check out any other unbiased review
Well I have yet to see a review who is saying the st is a better car....
S
Private Eyes Actually it's the opposite. To you, if the ST doesn't win, it's because the review is biaised.
The ST is less daily-drivable, less comfortable, less smooth, less refined than a GTI. While the ST is just a sportier version of the Focus, the GTI is both more luxurious and sportier than a regular Golf.
You're only going to try to find reviews being for the ST if you're really a Ford fanboy: in the real world, the GTI is just better.
@Private Eyes Show me those reviews disphit.
@Private EyesI have a rolled through a few more, overall, the GTI wins more than the Focus ST essentially making my statement true. Also, how are all of these reviews biased? The GTI wins in fuel economy practicality, interior, refinement/quality, and straight line performance.
I owned a mk6 gti for 3 years and loved it. I currently own a focus ST and heres my two cents, the gti lacked that power and handling over the ST as well as had uglier/less comfortable interior as well. The gti was a fun go cart for sure but i dont think it stacks up to an ST very well
Lol the GTI gets the win on engine and road test? You're kidding right? The focus st is the best handling hatch on the market right now besides the fiesta st.... Speaking of which, the fiesta st is a better comparison to the gti. The focus is superior to the gti.
Langundo D The ST is way way more fun than the Gti but in terms of performance numbers the Gti is considerably faster, it has less power but it puts all of it down whereas the St cant seem to put the power down..
richard remi well i drive a fiesta st which is powered by the 1.6 ecoboost .. it's a good bit slower than a focus st but still iva raced a few mk7's and they barely take half a car on a 100-200km roll
a TSI ain't there at all i just destroy them .. a GTI is a little bit quicker than the fiesta .. like 0.3 seconds on a quarter mile
the fiesta is actually quicker than that .. the 2014 model had power restrictions when shifting quickly .. now they removed this .. the 2015 runs 14.3-14.5 @ 96-97mph and there is still some power being lost during shifting.. and dont forget that you need a DSG to run a 14.2 .. the manuals are slower
MrThePrivateer i ran 14.4 @95mph in 101F degree weather at 80%humidity in my FoST. Your numbers are a bit off. The GTi is on par with the FoST, it truly is a driver's race. But the GTi is easier to drive quicker
I have driven both of these extensively, as well as the fiesta st. I drove the GTI in both transmissions and with/without the performance pack.
The fiesta blows. Unless you are trying to slide everywhere and driving on a race track or commuting or perfectly paved roads it feels like it was made a couple decades ago. Ready to fall apart over any bump.
The focus is fun as all hell. Going around corners and twisties is absolutely amazing.
GTI is fun and a little easier to drive fast on a mountain road, especially a poorly paved one. The steering, unless on sport mode feels unnatural because of the extensive variable ratio. DSG sucks. Non performance package and you might as well get the focus for more fun.
As much as I want to disagree with this review, the boot is bigger in the golf and for me that's a winner. But even with that I want to be engaged when I drive so I'd go for the Focus. To me deciding between these two is a far harder task then say comparing a Fiesta St and a Polo GTI.
This man needs help a 1.6 zetec diesel focus suspension is based off rally cars obviously not the same affect but still one of the best out there for a daily. The st has improved suspension on it from that golf suspension is a small bit stiffer but the same as a 1.9 tdi focus has the better drive and more torque not sure about the bhp but probably has more of that too
Gti wins in engine even with a blown turbo? Lol
Who wants a dsg, just for the Ladies! Real men drive stick change
Biast opinion on the GTI. The ST is the better all rounder
prussell890 I agree Ford Could've done a better job with the interior on the ST, however that doesn't mean the GTI is the better car.
TheChrosty Your idea of the Focus ST being a better all rounder I'll have to disagree with. It is better dynamically and is more bold, but the Golf has a better interior in both comfort and appearance which, when combined with a decent performing and torque-y engine that is also ecomical, makes kt a better all rounder. Both are great cars though, that is one thing for sure.
You know what all rounder means right? Does st have better interior? Does ST have better infotainment? Does it have automatic option? Does it have LSD? Does it have vented rear rotors? Does it have a bigger engine? Does it have steering head lights? Does it have higher low end torque? Does it have panoramic sunroof? It's just a $14k focus with a turbo dont kid yourself
Simon Zhao
*$18k lol.
they say VW Golf is the value for money; but im going with FORD ST3 its a best car, wont dissappoint
comparing a golf s basic model vs a ford focus st with packages . Funny
May aswell put a 1.6D against the ST because that would of won this shit test aswell. Golf does have better interior and better manners on the road but the whole point of a hot hatch is how it goes, number 1 priority is straight line speed followed by handling while still being practical for everyday use. The ST is cheaper and has more power and a fair bit more torque which are the things you really WANT in a hot hatch. Fancy soft touch plastics and sat nav are nice things too have but not really important when comparing hot hatches.
Ya I own a stock ST and I beat aN APR 1 2015 GTI at AUTOCROSS. Nuff said
+Gunslinger 227
I had a mk2 Focus st which was highly tuneable, was running 280bhp easy without even straining, very thirsty though, what kind of economy do you get out of your st?
+john jackson I agree about the fun that a hot hatch needs to have. But for the price of these cars brand new these days many people have to look at it as a daily as well. when you get the options you want in either class you end up spending near $30,000 USD. and that can be pretty hefty for something you want as a toy. So i fully understand the need to live with it and have it comfortable. they have slightly different purposes, so pitting them against each other is... eh.
for someone like me that has kids, the GTI is a bit more justifiable of a car because it can be fun but still car seat friendly (especially compared to a focus) and has mroe storage space with better mpg so i can daily it on my commute and have fun when i feel like it. Not a lot of compromises made with a GTI compared to an ST. especially the styling. I personally like that it doesnt look too aggressive because i like sleeper style of cars. cars like the speed3 bring a lot of unwanted attention.
Focus st would be a lot of fun and either of the two cars is worth the money. I think it just depends on your situation in life.
if I only wanted a performance car without the practicality, there are a lot of better choices out there for the money.
+kopfschuss881
I agree with you, they are expensive and need to be able to do everything these days. The Golf is a better car definatly but the Focus is more exciting. Both available with 5 doors so practicality is the same. Worth mentioning though that in the UK some Golf GTI are running over 260bhp stock! Which goes along way in explaining why in many circumstances the Focus ST appears no faster than the Golf. For the price of the Golf though id sacrifice the smart tidy interior and opt for the Seat leon cupra 280. Much faster than both and costs a similar amount of money. Also looks great aswell and because it has a DETUNED version of the Golf R and S3 engine a simple remap will unlock the potential and bring power to 350bhp. Then you have a weapon!
+john jackson in the US we have a lot less choices for hot hatches. really the 3 fords and 2 vws these days if you don't count the wrx anymore. and yeah, sadly the performance pack gti here is only 220bhp
The focus is the better car over the vw i call biesty right now
I think you're mistaken sir
The VW design is outdated like early 2000's cars, i still going for Ford Focus because it's got much better feature and modern design.
+Ferby Arisaka The Focus ST is outdated. Look how cheap the interior is assembled, the lack of DCC, VAQ, larger brakes, less efficient engine, no driver's assistance package option, less interior room (even though overall size is larger), iffy quality, horrible infotainment system. VW GTI FTW by a longshot.
+Fields Carlisle uhh .."The GTI’s brakes also lack the bite of those in the Focus - and tire sooner when asked to deal with an all-corner diet. The Golf is summed up neatly by Wallace: ‘It’s good, but the Focus is just better..." -evo that's just one review there are many that refute what this unless review and your misinformed command of the facts are....
Did he just say the gti has a JAZZY control :)
I have always loved the Golf GTI's. But it just looks so bloody dated, plain and boring from the outside. Its the sort of car that looks like you paid half of what you actually did. (To people who are not car enthusiasts. Lets face it, thats 80% of the population you pass)
Well Gti is classy , beautiful, sporty but clean looking. On the other hand at is overdone, feels like pimped Honda Civic, don't really like this look, interior cheap materials. Gti is still hottest hatchback
Focus is better
BMW M135i should be the "benchmark"
Del Johnson the M135 i is an awesome car but its a 6 not a 4 so its really not a fair test like putting the ST with a 86 both creat cars but the 86 has no turbo so not fair fight
James Webster Well in my defence the quote was the "BEST" all round hot hatch. So IMHO the best shouldn't matter how many cylinders it has. What would you say about the Mercedes A45 AMG. That's a 4 pot?
All that aside, I only drive manuals and that exhaust note is a wonderful thing. Any other colours. Seen the paint job on Peugeot 208i- rough!
OMSack!!! What BS review!!
This guy actually owns that gti. No clue why hes doing this video
Agree with Paul Finlay
58 St Facelift is the ONE
whoever put the front number plate on the focus needs his eyes tested quick smart :)
Im always taking Focus ST's to Gapplebees.
Seriously, this guy is paying THEM to review their cars. Worst reviewer I've seen, comfortably.
Seats in the VG are fugly. Bet it'll cost a couple grand more for upgraded interior.
Gti looks like a girls car compared to the st an wtf. Are them picnic blanket looking seats and I prefer the rear lights on the 2010 focus st these new lights from side view look shit
I love both cars I just can't afford the ford so I gotta mk4 GTI their not fast but the their quick in a fun way kinda like a turbo miata just in a hatchback the older focus SVT just looked bad I'd never drive it honestly but I'd like to see a golf r vs rs comparison
That's funny. The Golf is 2014 model. While the ST is 2015. Just pointing out the obvious.
The GTI used on this review is actually a 2015.
Levi Jeans maybe it's compliance is 2015. But i assure you, it's a 2014 model. 2015 has the front red line strip continue through the headlamps. I've looked into purchasing this model, which is why i noticed.
I think they used a base model for the review. I have an SE model and the headlamps are upgraded, leather seats and the lines continue through the lamps as well.
No Way The red stripe is present on cars with the lighting package. Halogens = no stripe
If u cant beat a golf gti in a stock ST then u cant drive!
Nah
Focus is the best looking and beautiful motor
I came here to see performance hatches but the guy just talked all the way through
This video is so bad omg lol. Their logic is based for daily driving not actual rallying. The Focus ST is a much better car. GTI is garbage.
the best bit was watching all the ford fans get blown away by volkswagon. get it? lol get r3kt ford fans. personaly, i am a ford fan, but i prefer volkswagon by far. at least it wasnt a vauxhall astra ;-;
Gti wins hands down. The interior of the Focus is horrid. When you sit in it all you feel is cheap cheap cheap. Not good enough for a 2015. The Gti hasn't got an amazing interior but it feels a lot better than the ST. The interior of the focus is the reason I'm not considering the RS which pisses me off because the RS on the outside looks fantastic. The interior is just horrid for a car that price. And let's face it, those that say an interior is not important are either only ever doing track days or spend most of the time smoking their socks! For the rest of us that dont have 6 cars - 1 for each occasion, we buy one car that does it all, the gti is the better car for this purpose.
Such a biased review.. Ford focus ST was never made for day to day use. On top of that most of the people in Europe prefer a manual car
this is two years later, but it quite literally is made for day to day use. that’s the purpose of a hot hatchback. literally the exact purpose.
@@JT-oz7yn It isnt, it was classed for a weekend family sports car which CAN be used daily.. it wasnt purpose built FOR day to day use .. thats why ST Line Focus exists.. Ive owned this car for 3 years and i Daily it.. but i know alot that do not
@@benst2594 Calling it a sports car is a bit of a stretch, and the purpose for the whole hot hatchback segment is to be a daily-able vehicle that's practical and fun. You don't make a sports car based around practicality instead of sportiness, they made a daily, practical car that has an element of fun beyond being able to haul groceries.
Has the guy seen the golf interior,,, tartan seats win only if u r Ewan McGregor
for me i love golf gti
this review is complete bs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on vw payroll i guess....
everything mate.
Who the hell buys a auto hot hatch unless they really have to because of a handicap or something tf is wrong with this guy!
What a lame review super bias towards the vw 👎🏼
This guy has no idea what he is talking about. Maybe volkswagon payed him to do the review since the ST models are outselling shitty ass gti.
FFS, the script is so bad. Sure, Top Gear is scripted as well but at least they know how to drive cars and talk shit. Watch Motor Trend and learn how to talk about cars like you know what driving them is actually like.
Only can a stuff shirt Brit think a over sized golf ball shifter and plaid seats think that's a more "sophisticated" interior... He of course failed to mention that a all black leather interior (Recaro seats no less) can be had still cheaper then the Golf ... The infotainment system is better easier to use has voice command and a rear camera and it still looses huh ? I love when he says the fact that the Golf has less power makes the car more "livable" What ? and it's not as fast by the by.... The steering on the focus is razor sharp much better then the spongy feel of the Golf just about every other reviewer says the ST is extremely easy to drive... European snobbery bias is completely transparent in this review it even has German techno music playing in the intro I knew that second the ST was going to loose in this comparison.... And if Ford wanted to put a automatic option for this car it would have .... This car is completely functional but remains a true sport hatch.
Meant to write a stuff shirt Brit wannabe but my spell checker removed it ... I think the guy is Australian ....