t’s amazing how three front-wheel-drive hot hatches can feel so
different from each other, while all being highly impressive.
Any VW Golf still remains an attractive choice, even after 40
years and more than 2.3 million sales. The solid, classy compe-
tence of the regular models is joined by a healthy dose of thrills
when you step up to a GTI – even more so in the case of the
TCR. But the great progress made by VW’s many rivals and imitators is
clearly evident here. The TCR is very good family transport and a hugely
competent performance car, able to switch between the two roles in the
blink of an eye, but ultimately it loses out to both the Focus and the i30 in
terms of driver engagement.
It’s very close. The VW’s speed and handling would be regarded as
superb by most standards, but here it’s outshone as a hot hatch by the
Ford and the Hyundai. They both deliver on the same brief with a little
more dynamic finesse and fun.
We’ve liked the i30 N from the off, and it remains a great deal of fun at a
very good price. Few hot hatches get the basics so right on a gut level. The
I
Hyundai is loud and proud, likes to be treated roughly and gives as good
as it gets. It also has quite a thirst. For some tastes, it’s all a bit much.
That’s what makes the Focus ST the best balance between logic and
emotion. It’s not cheap any more, and we’d like it to look a little more ex-
citing. But it’s by far the best car to drive here: eager, adjustable, punchy,
precise, and more than capable of hanging its back end out. It can make
loud noises and get lairy on request, and you can have it painted in the
same colour as a Love Island contestant. But it’s still a Focus, and this
generation in particular is very good family transport.
The ST has grown up from its warbling five-cylinder childhood and
gone through torque-steery puberty to emerge a mature hot hatch that
can be as rewarding on a track and a B-road as it is well suited to family
life. It’s got a decent boot, good rear legroom and driving position, and it’s
easy to manoeuvre. With 276bhp and infallible front grip, it’s the winner.
Buy the Golf GTI with your head and you’ll have a sound, speedy
package. Buy the Hyundai with your heart and you’ll have a great driver’s
car. Buy the Focus ST and you can have both.
october 2019 | subscribe to car and save over £15! http://www.greatmagazines.co.uk 125
Ford Focus st
The best car to drive, and strikes
the best balance between fun and
family. No longer cheap, though
HHHHH
HYundai i30n
Bargain hooligan is still thoroughly
entertaining, but the new Focus ST
is easier to live with
HHHHH
vw goLF gti tcr
Still got it, but too sensible to stir
the soul, despite being the quickest
and most powerful car here
HHHHH
1st
2nd
3rd
Giant test: Focus ST
