Next hot hatch - Mk7 GTI or Focus ST
Discussion
Really enjoyed my time with my Mk5 GTI but I'd like something a bit more modern now. Initially considered a Mk7 R but the theft risk puts me off and I think I'd have more fun in a manual Mk7 GTI, so that's on the shortlist along with the Focus ST facelift version 2014 onwards. Has anybody had experience of both? The Golf seems to be the better everyday car but can't be that much in it surely? I know the weak points on the GTI are the clutches and water pumps but unsure what to look out for on the ST.
I did 30,000 miles in a Mk3.5 diesel Focus ST, and have driven the petrol one. The handling and steering feel are both really good for a modern car. I didn't entertain the equivalent Golf at the time as the styling didn't appeal to me, but most of the reviews I read at the time seemed to agree that the Focus was the better drive and the Golf had a 'more premium' interior.
I don't want to do any VW bashing, as saying the Golf is boring is far more boring than the actual car - but I would put in a consideration for the Leon Cupra. They are slightly better to drive than the GTI, especially as they come with the adaptive suspension as standard. It's hard to find that option fitted to either a GTI or an R and it's really worth having.
I drove both at the time. I went the GTI at the time and have never regretted it once.
The Golf GTI is a far stronger and better balanced packaged.
Golf has more room, it’s quicker, lighter, better engine and brakes, nicer interior and better tech.
Revo and APR raise it to higher heights as well.
Test drive both and see what you think.
The Golf GTI is a far stronger and better balanced packaged.
Golf has more room, it’s quicker, lighter, better engine and brakes, nicer interior and better tech.
Revo and APR raise it to higher heights as well.
Test drive both and see what you think.
AI1601 said:
Megane RS is a good shout, but 3dr puts me off. I am open to the Leon Cupra, although not a fan of its styling and manual ones seem rare. Is the Focus ST MK3/3.5 a reliable motor then?
Why? It's easy enough to live with. The important thing for us petrol heads is the way that it drives. PH User said:
Why? It's easy enough to live with. The important thing for us petrol heads is the way that it drives.
This. Also, plenty of manual Cupra's about.
I genuinely think you should drive a Megane and then the 3dr issue won't seem so bad. I've had 3 whilst having small dogs and children, totally usable, reliable and would have another in a heartbeat.
Not saying the Focus isn't a good car, but it doesn't come close to the Meg or the Leon.
PH User said:
AI1601 said:
Megane RS is a good shout, but 3dr puts me off. I am open to the Leon Cupra, although not a fan of its styling and manual ones seem rare. Is the Focus ST MK3/3.5 a reliable motor then?
Why? It's easy enough to live with. The important thing for us petrol heads is the way that it drives. jwilco said:
PH User said:
AI1601 said:
Megane RS is a good shout, but 3dr puts me off. I am open to the Leon Cupra, although not a fan of its styling and manual ones seem rare. Is the Focus ST MK3/3.5 a reliable motor then?
Why? It's easy enough to live with. The important thing for us petrol heads is the way that it drives. AI1601 said:
Megane RS is a good shout, but 3dr puts me off. I am open to the Leon Cupra, although not a fan of its styling and manual ones seem rare. Is the Focus ST MK3/3.5 a reliable motor then?
The Focus engine is a good one, infact the whole car is good but there are three cars I'd put ahead of it, one is the Megane RS with the Cup Chassis or Cup model.The other two are these.
308 GTI PS250/270 as long as you like the dash layout these are a cracking steer people will say about the brakes but do your checks if they need doing haggle accordingly they'll last 40+k with ease:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111239...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111259...
Astra GTC VXR if you can live with three doors these are a very good steer & buy:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111149...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112030...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110228...
For some, the number of doors will be a deal breaker and I suspect that’s the case for the OP. 5dr hot hatches are available so not really any need to compromise on this.
Also it depends what you’ll be using the car for. The Megane is a track day hero, but I’ve seen many road tests where the Focus comes out on top as a daily driver. The Golf is a similar proposition.
OP hasn’t mentioned budget as that would probably have a bearing on which way to go.
Also it depends what you’ll be using the car for. The Megane is a track day hero, but I’ve seen many road tests where the Focus comes out on top as a daily driver. The Golf is a similar proposition.
OP hasn’t mentioned budget as that would probably have a bearing on which way to go.
ChrisH72 said:
For some, the number of doors will be a deal breaker and I suspect that’s the case for the OP. 5dr hot hatches are available so not really any need to compromise on this.
Also it depends what you’ll be using the car for. The Megane is a track day hero, but I’ve seen many road tests where the Focus comes out on top as a daily driver. The Golf is a similar proposition.
OP hasn’t mentioned budget as that would probably have a bearing on which way to go.
Why compromise on fun for the sake of a couple of extra doors? Cars like the Megane are fantastic to drive on track and fantastic to drive on the road. Yes they don't have the soft touch plastics of other cars but so what. Also it depends what you’ll be using the car for. The Megane is a track day hero, but I’ve seen many road tests where the Focus comes out on top as a daily driver. The Golf is a similar proposition.
OP hasn’t mentioned budget as that would probably have a bearing on which way to go.
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