Best Hot Hatch?(15 Messages)

jdm
Posts: 7

6 Apr 2006 8:42 PM
Originally posted by Peter on 31 Mar 2006 3:57 PM
Peter, the ST focus is the way forward by a mile. I test drove the astra and sure it was fast in a straight line but not half as enjoyable to drive as it did not have the control in the chassis and suspension like the focus. I drove the alfa gt 3.2, in fact I bought a gt because alfa's offer was so good but thre weeks later I sold it with no losses and ran to a metalic black ST2 i found on line from a ford dealer in London. Thank the lord as I have been grinning since. However you drive the ford it responds. Interior is neat and almost has an Audi feel, or a German strong quality (built out there I'm told). Total winner. Sounds awesome too.

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jdm
Posts: 7

30 May 2006 2:10 PM
Originally posted by Elricardo on 30 May 2006 12:28 PM
I remember watching the Top Gear review of the VXR Astra and they seemed to agree re the handling issues.



Does no one have a problem with the styling of the new Focus? I think it somewhat dreary especially at the front end. If I was a after a hot hatch I'd consider the Mk5 Vw Golf GTI or a Audi S3, maybe even an R32 if I wanted serious performance.



The Audi S3 is a stunning looker and drive! Love that car. The R32 too but you have to take into consideration of budget. There's no way you'll beat Ford's value, performance and reliabilty for £17500-£19500 with the St1-2-3. As for styling, well there's something wierd that happens with the ST. It's very fresh in design. It's doors are large. Once opened you notice them more. The front screen eats into the front bonet giving it a front loaded, modern look but with the practical hatch, it balances well at the rear. The more you study it the more you like it. From the rear it looks meaty and all round it looks solid. 3 door is a must for sport looks but I wouldn't be put off with the 5 door if i had sprogs! The Astra doesn't look tough enough although I confess to thinking I would prefer the Astra if i had just turned 17yrs old. It feels itchy and thin in comparison. The Audi S3 is a beaut all round but over priced when spec'd up to the ST performance and range. Audi have dissapointed me because I'm such a fan of their designs but am not prepared to be fooled into thinking they're any where near worth the asking price. R32 ditto. Golf GTi??? well that seems the dreary one to me. Maybe because you need the R32 as we're so bored with the GTi spec. Anyhow, nice to have the choice out there.

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jdm
Posts: 7

30 May 2006 9:27 PM
Originally posted by Elricardo on 30 May 2006 7:41 PM
I agree that the Audi and Vw are overpriced, and would no doubt incurr some pretty hefty running costs. The Golf GTI is probably not quite in the same league, from a performance perspective either. What about cars like the Leon Cupra R. That delivers 225hp from the ubiquitous 1.8T unit and comes in a bit cheaper too?



Agreed, Leon Cupra R is a contender but I have not tested it. I did give the new Leon a look over but was dissapointed with the interior. Like the older Bravo, great prices but cheap plastics are a put off. Nevertheless, I've seen a lot of them on the road abroad and as ever on the continent, they zoom along 150/160kmh with ease and practicality. I think the new Leon FR is the one but check carefully cause they're OTR price is £16995 without extras (met paint/xenon/esp... but don't quote me on that, check out www.seat.co.uk for details). I preferred the look of ther old Leon Cupra R, so neat and balanced.

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jdm
Posts: 7

31 May 2006 2:10 PM
Originally posted by Elricardo on 31 May 2006 1:20 PM
I really liked the old shape Leon from the front and side, but couldn't live with the back end and the rear light clusters. They just looked too high up and reminded me of an Austin Ambassador.......wedge shaped!



The Cupra R is also very aggressive in its styling. I'm not sure how I'd feel parking it and leaving it in London. I recall reading articles about owners de-badging the R to keep its profile down. The Focus ST they reviewed on Top Gear looked almost as bad due to the colour. I'm sure in black the ST could retain some sublety, despite the styling changes you mentioned earlier.



Yes, orange signature colour was silly.

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jdm
Posts: 7

1 Jun 2006 8:13 PM
Originally posted by Elricardo on 1 Jun 2006 6:22 PM
Indeed. Its almost as bad as the bright yellow Cupra R's you always see going for peanuts on Autotrader.......



I think it could just pip a bright yellow cupra to the post for being the worst paint job on a hatch. It's going to be interesting to see how the st's in general hold their value on the 2nd hand market next year. I still stand by it's build quality over the other hatchbacks, on a par with the golf, not quite an audi but a good close 2nd. Finally, to add my 2 pence to the economic & environmental debate, with the cost of oil/fuel zooming up the charts faster than the recent helping of the artic monkeys, I think we're on a price melt down with new motors and any new vehicle one buys today will be worth peanuts in yrs to come. These motor companies gonna have to start slashing prices and changing fuels pretty soon. Just as well I recently bought a mountain bike from Halfords for £125 to get me in and out of town. All the best!

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