RE: Volkswagen T-Roc R vs Ford Focus ST Estate
Discussion
G.Fraser said:
I spec’d mine with a tow bar with the intention of fitting a bike rack to get the family out and about. I’ve never had a bike rack before so I’d welcome recommendations for a rack that can carry two adult and two kids’ bikes!
I have a Thule Velocompact 3 which I'd recommend. It's in the mid to upper range of Thule tow bar carriers. By default it carries 3 bikes but there is an adaptor to increase it to 4. It has 7 pin wiring. They are pricy (new) but I bought a used one which has worked out well. I like the robustness of it - knowing that it's not going to slip around on the back of the car over a long drive is nice. You can enjoy your ST in the corners without worrying about it. Nice to have the light board and plate directly integrated into it as well. Also the bikes are reasonably safe from being pinched off the back as they're locked on. A determined thief would get them off eventually, but you could pop into the services for a few minutes and they'd probably still be there when you come back. It folds up to fit inside the car when you're off riding the bikes too.flatso said:
How much I loathed the SUV’s, shaking my head at every new model, I have to admit that in the last couple of months I am starting to see the appeal. The upright seating position makes more semse as it leads to more interiour room without a length increase. It is also more comfortable and ergonomic in all aspects.
I actually think that vans (Transit, V-Klasse etc) have the most comfortable seating positions.
As SUV’s are taking over the streets, you have to admit that a lot of the sedan and estate styles just look weak and bland.
I'm not a huge fan of SUV's but I do quite like the look of the T Roc. Same for the Macan.I actually think that vans (Transit, V-Klasse etc) have the most comfortable seating positions.
As SUV’s are taking over the streets, you have to admit that a lot of the sedan and estate styles just look weak and bland.
But I don't think that you can say that a car looks bland just because it's a saloon or an estate.
There are plenty of saloons that I like and plenty I don't. Same for estates, coupe's, hatchbacks and so on.
mstrbkr said:
I have a Thule Velocompact 3 which I'd recommend. It's in the mid to upper range of Thule tow bar carriers. By default it carries 3 bikes but there is an adaptor to increase it to 4. It has 7 pin wiring. They are pricy (new) but I bought a used one which has worked out well. I like the robustness of it - knowing that it's not going to slip around on the back of the car over a long drive is nice. You can enjoy your ST in the corners without worrying about it. Nice to have the light board and plate directly integrated into it as well. Also the bikes are reasonably safe from being pinched off the back as they're locked on. A determined thief would get them off eventually, but you could pop into the services for a few minutes and they'd probably still be there when you come back. It folds up to fit inside the car when you're off riding the bikes too.
Thank you for the really helpful post! I'll take a look at the model you mention 
G.Fraser said:
I picked up my Focus ST estate last weekend and I'm dead chuffed with it! It was very, very difficult to part with my Mountuned Mk2 ST but the new car is great for my kids now that they're getting bigger. I've not properly got my toe down yet as still running in, but it feels much more serious than my Mk2 did when it was standard.
I'm a big fan of the Mk2's looks and I did feel as though one of the compromises of changing was aesthetic appeal, but actually I am much happier with the looks now I have the car.
Just to pick up the article on a couple of points, firstly only the hatchback has adaptive dampers as they are fixed on the estate. Secondly, track mode is only available as part of the Performance Pack, which itself is only an option for the hatchback. That is, unless Ford have changed the option availability since I ordered last November, which would be a bit annoying as I would've had the Performance Pack!
Some pics of my new baby at collection last week!
That looks cracking - better looking than any SUV by a mile. Best of luck my man!I'm a big fan of the Mk2's looks and I did feel as though one of the compromises of changing was aesthetic appeal, but actually I am much happier with the looks now I have the car.
Just to pick up the article on a couple of points, firstly only the hatchback has adaptive dampers as they are fixed on the estate. Secondly, track mode is only available as part of the Performance Pack, which itself is only an option for the hatchback. That is, unless Ford have changed the option availability since I ordered last November, which would be a bit annoying as I would've had the Performance Pack!
Some pics of my new baby at collection last week!
T-Roc looks better to my eyes but of course the ST will drive better: centre of gravity, etc.
Today I finally went and had a testdrive in my first ever SUV. I thought try the best handling of the breed so it was a Macan. Very, very nice, smooth, fast, good steering, good handling... for such a big/high car. Fact is, my Golf R felt like a Caterham afterwards (and I find the golf a little aloof at times). If you insist on needing to see over hedges or have a ‘high kerb’ to contend with I suppose I get it but otherwise, accept that you’re buying a vehicle which is inferior dynamically to a good estate. It just is. And if that doesn’t bother you, surely this is the wrong site? Add in greater practicality of the estate and what does that leave of substance?
To the man who just bought the orange ST - I salute you, sir.
Today I finally went and had a testdrive in my first ever SUV. I thought try the best handling of the breed so it was a Macan. Very, very nice, smooth, fast, good steering, good handling... for such a big/high car. Fact is, my Golf R felt like a Caterham afterwards (and I find the golf a little aloof at times). If you insist on needing to see over hedges or have a ‘high kerb’ to contend with I suppose I get it but otherwise, accept that you’re buying a vehicle which is inferior dynamically to a good estate. It just is. And if that doesn’t bother you, surely this is the wrong site? Add in greater practicality of the estate and what does that leave of substance?
To the man who just bought the orange ST - I salute you, sir.
macky17 said:
If you insist on needing to see over hedges or have a ‘high kerb’ to contend with I suppose I get it but otherwise, accept that you’re buying a vehicle which is inferior dynamically to a good estate. It just is. And if that doesn’t bother you, surely this is the wrong site? Add in greater practicality of the estate and what does that leave of
I don't understand your rationale. I find SUVs far more practical than estates, yet they are shorter for the same interior volume (a good thing for me). Also, with the added wheel travel and ground clearance they take me places an estate won't without the need for an off roader. I prefer the driving position too for mere road use and they are much better on potholes, what with the taller tyres and longer travel.Are they inferior dynamically? Of course they are, but to some like me it's of absolutely zero importance for family transport and on the road. I don't use them for track days, I have the Meg for that.
Why is this the wrong site? Can't people have more than 1 car for different purposes?
Go to any TD paddock and many track cars are trailered by SUVs. Should the owners not be on PH?
Estates are brilliant for some, which is fair enough Just accept that SUVs are better for others without necessarily drawing conclusions about their driver.
Edited by nickfrog on Saturday 25th January 18:27
nickfrog said:
macky17 said:
If you insist on needing to see over hedges or have a ‘high kerb’ to contend with I suppose I get it but otherwise, accept that you’re buying a vehicle which is inferior dynamically to a good estate. It just is. And if that doesn’t bother you, surely this is the wrong site? Add in greater practicality of the estate and what does that leave of
I don't understand your rationale. I find SUVs far more practical than estates, yet they are shorter for the same interior volume (a good thing for me). Also, with the added wheel travel and ground clearance they take me places an estate won't without the need for an off roader. I prefer the driving position too for mere road use and they are much better on potholes, what with the taller tyres and longer travel.Are they inferior dynamically? Of course they are, but to some like me it's of absolutely zero importance for family transport and on the road. I don't use them for track days, I have the Meg for that.
Why is this the wrong site? Can't people have more than 1 car for different purposes?
Go to any TD paddock and many track cars are trailered by SUVs. Should the owners not be on PH?
Estates are brilliant for some, which is fair enough Just accept that SUVs are better for others without necessarily drawing conclusions about their driver.
Edited by nickfrog on Saturday 25th January 18:27
t amongst the forum elite if it doesn't go around a track.Water Fairy said:
And for good reason I say.
The Focus is more practical, more economical, a lot cheaper, just as quick once you're off the mark and more fun when you're on it.
They'll sell loads more T-Rocs.................................
some might just see the 4.8s to 62 time and think thats all there is to their life.....The Focus is more practical, more economical, a lot cheaper, just as quick once you're off the mark and more fun when you're on it.
They'll sell loads more T-Rocs.................................
The Focus looks much better as an estate than the hatch and that orange one posted looks pretty damn good, much nicer than the manky blue the press cars were.
I’m not really a fan on SUV’s or sporty ones so I’m glad the Focus won; personally I’d far rather an estate but I do accept that I’m in the minority. I’ve always found my previous hatches pretty good for bike lugging (my vRS being the best), is the estate can only make that easier.
I think a lot of people have issues with stuff like the T-Roc because people try and justify the purchase of them based on practicality when an estate will often be better. My sister has a Qashqui (spelling?) that she bought because it’s practical as a family wagon but I’ve always thought the boot was pretty woeful. But we’re all different, do hey ho.
I’m not really a fan on SUV’s or sporty ones so I’m glad the Focus won; personally I’d far rather an estate but I do accept that I’m in the minority. I’ve always found my previous hatches pretty good for bike lugging (my vRS being the best), is the estate can only make that easier.
I think a lot of people have issues with stuff like the T-Roc because people try and justify the purchase of them based on practicality when an estate will often be better. My sister has a Qashqui (spelling?) that she bought because it’s practical as a family wagon but I’ve always thought the boot was pretty woeful. But we’re all different, do hey ho.
I find the whole SUV thing interesting. I used to think they were pointless and I remember when the Qashqai I thought it would "crash and burn" as I couldn't imagine why people would want to pay more for a jacked up hatchback with worse handling & fuel economy and no extra space.
However, in recent years, I have had a Hilux as part of my (small) fleet of cars. Whilst the reason for the Hilux would not be satisfied by a "soft SUV/CUV" (towing 3 ton of horse box into and out of fields, seperate luggage area that can be hosed out...) what it has let me appreciate is the high driving position. I find the vehicle easy to ingress/egress and also I like the high driving position - it just is nice. Not nice enough for me to get an fast SUV (other cars are a Jag XJR and a hot hatch) but it has let me appreciate what it is about SUVs. I don't think they are a "fashion trend" which I originally thought - I now think they are cars that people like and are willing to pay extra for to buy and to run - it's just that the attributes that are good in SUV's are not really the ones that appeal to the typical person who posts on PH
However, in recent years, I have had a Hilux as part of my (small) fleet of cars. Whilst the reason for the Hilux would not be satisfied by a "soft SUV/CUV" (towing 3 ton of horse box into and out of fields, seperate luggage area that can be hosed out...) what it has let me appreciate is the high driving position. I find the vehicle easy to ingress/egress and also I like the high driving position - it just is nice. Not nice enough for me to get an fast SUV (other cars are a Jag XJR and a hot hatch) but it has let me appreciate what it is about SUVs. I don't think they are a "fashion trend" which I originally thought - I now think they are cars that people like and are willing to pay extra for to buy and to run - it's just that the attributes that are good in SUV's are not really the ones that appeal to the typical person who posts on PH
G.Fraser said:
I spec’d mine with a tow bar with the intention of fitting a bike rack to get the family out and about. I’ve never had a bike rack before so I’d welcome recommendations for a rack that can carry two adult and two kids’ bikes!
Ended up doing this last year and went down the "Buy cheap, buy twice" mentality, so splurged on a Thule kitThule 927002 VeloCompact
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078G9QVF4/r...
Thule 926101 (Additional bike extension)
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019PYQY6K/r...
So about £500 all in but it's a really solid bit of kit - had some friend following us around the peak district and they said it did not budge one bit... Plus it can flip down so you can still access the boot with it attached. Oh, and everything locks into place and has keys so a well done solution.
I'd really like to replace our Golf estate with another Golf (or Octavia) estate. But the roads are now in such a crap state, and are full of SUVs to the point that it's a genuine disadvantage to sit at "normal car" level in traffic. So it'll have to be a SUV. I really wish this wasn't the case.
HardtopManual said:
I'd really like to replace our Golf estate with another Golf (or Octavia) estate. But the roads are now in such a crap state, and are full of SUVs to the point that it's a genuine disadvantage to sit at "normal car" level in traffic. So it'll have to be a SUV. I really wish this wasn't the case.
In what way is it a disadvantage to be sat lower than an SUV?HardtopManual said:
I'd really like to replace our Golf estate with another Golf (or Octavia) estate. But the roads are now in such a crap state, and are full of SUVs to the point that it's a genuine disadvantage to sit at "normal car" level in traffic. So it'll have to be a SUV. I really wish this wasn't the case.
Is this really a thing? We have a supermini and an estate car and have not noticed any disadvantage from not sitting at SUV height. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff