RE: Ford Focus RS vs. Honda Civic Type R - the video
Thursday 23rd June 2016
OK, so the thread was hijacked somewhat by discussion of a certain Polo GTI. But as it stands our feature comparing the Honda Civic Type R against the Ford Focus RS has attracted over a thousand comments!
Ford Focus RS vs. Honda Civic Type R - the video
Let Matt explain about why we rank the Civic Type R over the Focus RS
So, yes, these are two very important cars. If you've read the story you'll already know we preferred the Civic's feistiness and general lunacy to the Focus's tyre munching showboating. It was a very close run thing though and in the following video Matt gets a chance to explain - and demonstrate -why in a little more detail. It was also a successful first flight for the PH drone, with credit to our man Ben for his piloting skills there.
Here's the vid though. Let the debate continue, hopefully without any Polo-shaped interlopers this time...
Photo: Will Aron
Discussion
AMGJocky said:
That Civic is very appealing.. Would love a go in one!
Knockhill racing circuit (Dunfermline, Fife) offers Civic Type R experiences. I was there on Monday.... it was absolutely amazing.2 sighting laps, then 15 instructed laps, broken into 3 sets of 5. Because Knockhill is such a hilly circuit you really get a sense for just how well set up the Civic is.
If anyone is considering a Civic, I suspect this will be £275 well spent. In fact, anyone considering a Megane or Golf or Focus should invest a few hundred pounds in this to test whether you're making the right decision before parting with £30k...
(I've just realised that this sounds like an advert for Knockhill, so I'll just clarify that I have no connections whatsoever with the circuit other than being a regular visitor given it is just a few miles from home)
Neil
Thanks for the feedback guys, you're much nicer than YouTube
I would love to try the Civic on some more aggressive tyres, I suspect it would be great. As for the everyday stuff it's hard to call; I think the Civic is perfectly liveable despite a few little gripes, but I've not spent long enough in the Focus to draw any meaningful comparisons. Hope to address that soon!
Cheers,
Matt
I would love to try the Civic on some more aggressive tyres, I suspect it would be great. As for the everyday stuff it's hard to call; I think the Civic is perfectly liveable despite a few little gripes, but I've not spent long enough in the Focus to draw any meaningful comparisons. Hope to address that soon!
Cheers,
Matt
Adrian W said:
Why are PH saying the opposite to the motoring press. I.e RS great, type R fat and heavy?
It does make you wonder.The way the focus was handling out of a corner certainly looked more fun in the video.
Its odd to see someone saying that they have not had much driving time in the focus and then also say how great it feels to drive and fun with a hint of oversteer and being able to power out of the corners and then exclaim that the Civic is more "exciting" despite not being able to cite a reason for that other than controls feeling a tiny bit better, nothing about the way the chassis/handling feels other than ride quality.
I have only seen 3 weeks of sunshine in the UK this year so would be interested to see the conclusion on a less than perfect day. Would they come up with the same conclusion as the rest of the motoring press in those circumstances?
Also rather than go on about the Focus having superior tyres rather than a fantastic awd system why not test one without the upgraded alloys and cup tyres?
All in all seems a somewhat biassed review in biassed conditions by someone with a fleet CTR imo.
Edited by rb5er on Thursday 23 June 19:31
I heard wheelspin on a smooth track surface in what looked to be perfect dry conditions in 15-22°C heat. That doesn't bode well for rutted UK B-Road with damp patches and crusty mud from tractors. It spells certain frustriation on a soaking wet miserable day or the depths of winter.
Matt, I'm sure you are right that the Civic is that little bit more exciting on a dry track day. However, you have to remember your readership live in the real world where chances to enjoy a car are few and far between and often the best drives are unplanned (i.e. you didn't specifically go looking for a great drive). For me, the Civic is far too risky a proposition. These are hot-hatchs so, by definition, they are supposed to be able to serve as an all-in-one with thrills and rapid progress on tap. I hold the view that in the civic I might get a handful of 'better' drives a year but in the Focus you'll get a great drive nearly every time you step into it. I'd love it if you got the opportunity to do some longer term comparisons in mixed conditions throughout the year.
Translation: would you rather shag a 10 once, or marry a 9?
Matt, I'm sure you are right that the Civic is that little bit more exciting on a dry track day. However, you have to remember your readership live in the real world where chances to enjoy a car are few and far between and often the best drives are unplanned (i.e. you didn't specifically go looking for a great drive). For me, the Civic is far too risky a proposition. These are hot-hatchs so, by definition, they are supposed to be able to serve as an all-in-one with thrills and rapid progress on tap. I hold the view that in the civic I might get a handful of 'better' drives a year but in the Focus you'll get a great drive nearly every time you step into it. I'd love it if you got the opportunity to do some longer term comparisons in mixed conditions throughout the year.
Translation: would you rather shag a 10 once, or marry a 9?
666 SVT said:
Think I'd still take the Ford for it's 4 wheel drive as in reality the roads in
the UK tend to be damp/Wet 90% of the time? (in the N. West anyway)
Unless I am mistaken, the limiting factors on the road tend to be traffic, line of sight and licence preservation, not traction. But then again if someone can't handle a two wheel drive on a wet road, then I am glad they have the 4wd option.the UK tend to be damp/Wet 90% of the time? (in the N. West anyway)
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