Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf - choosing the best hatchback

Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf are one of the best-selling C-class hatchbacks in the world, which have been confidently holding a high level of popularity for more than a year of their existence. We offer to compare both machines, consider their advantages and disadvantages, and based on this, draw a conclusion about which one is better to choose.

Ford Focus - affordable and comfortable

In Europe, cars of this series are consistently among the top ten best-selling, and in Russia in 2010, the Focus was the most popular foreign car in principle. Now its position is no longer so strong due to the development of competitors and the company's unwillingness to sell the fourth generation in the Russian Federation. Even despite this, previous generations up to the third inclusive are still in significant demand in the Russian Federation.



Of particular interest to the Russian buyer is the restyled version of the Ford Focus III, which appeared in 2014. She received an updated interior - the center and floor console, steering wheel and dashboard have changed. The option package was supplemented by a perpendicular parking system and a heated steering wheel. The engine range has expanded: several 1,5-liter gasoline and diesel engines have appeared.

Advantages

Ford Focus hatchbacks attract the attention of buyers with a large range of engines with the EcoBoost option. So, a 1,0-liter engine with support for this technology can produce up to 140 hp, which corresponds to the power of an older, heavier and “dirty” 1,6-liter unit.



One of the big pluses of the Ford Focus is the SYNC 3 multimedia system with an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, voice control and large touch buttons for easy control. Consider other arguments in favor of Focus hatchbacks:

• ✅ high ground clearance and good cross-country ability even on Russian roads
  
• ✅ low fuel consumption, on average in the city - 8 liters, on the highway - 5 liters
  
• ✅ comfortable driver's seat, behind which you do not get tired during a long ride
  
• ✅ interior design in a sporty style looks very stylish
  

The controversial point is the PowerShift transmission, which, on the one hand, is the pride of Ford Focus owners, and on the other hand, causes a number of problems, which we will talk about later. Still, she has pluses: quick gear shifting and lower fuel consumption than automatic transmissions.

Disadvantages

If you are already planning to buy a Ford Focus hatchback, be prepared to face a number of disadvantages:

• ? noisy engine and not the best self-isolation of the cabin
  
• ? flimsy interior - during operation, a creak, crackle is heard
  
• ? long-gone "twists" on the seats instead of levers
  
• ? paintwork vulnerable to corrosion in the area of ​​​​arches
  

Perhaps the car's most serious flaw is Ford's patented PowerShift transmission. Many owners of hatchbacks with such a box complain about constant kicks, which are difficult to get used to even after tens of thousands of kilometers. If the “robot” also breaks down, it will be very expensive to repair (and in most cases replace) it.

Volkswagen Golf - the ancestor of the class

It is from the name of this series that the name of the golf class came, to which the Ford Focus discussed above also belongs. German hatchbacks of the latest generation look more advantageous against the background of a competitor, if only because they are available in Russia, unlike the same fourth Focus.



In general, the Golf has long established itself as a compact, elegant and easy to drive car that does not cause a hassle to maintain. Even in the initial version, hatchbacks from the German company are equipped with electric mirrors, LED running lights, good seat upholstery, as well as heated front seats and a multifunctional steering wheel.

Advantages

Comparing numerous reviews and reviews from the direct owners of the Volkswagen Golf of not the oldest generations, we can conclude that the cars have undeniable advantages:

• ✪ roomy interior with nice design
  
• ✪ large trunk with a convenient layout
  
• ✪ relatively low fuel consumption
  

In the eighth generation, the Golf has a large set of interesting options. For example, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and heating. There is no need to worry about parking safety - there is a Park Assist and parking sensors both in front and behind the car. It is impossible not to mention the Composition multimedia system with an 8,25-inch touch screen.

Disadvantages

Of the shortcomings, Golf hatchback owners often note its high cost relative to other competitors in its class. The issue of price has always been ambiguous and subjective, especially given the problems with the dollar exchange rate that are typical for Russia. For example, for the Golf of the latest, eighth generation, in the Exclusive configuration, the German company asks from 2,5 million rubles.

There are also more significant disadvantages that not everyone can put up with. For example, a corroded body, which is especially critical given the unfavorable Russian climate. We also include low ground clearance - up to 142 mm against 170 mm of ground clearance for hatchbacks from Ford. If you plan to travel somewhere outside the city, this feature can play a cruel joke.



When buying a Volkswagen Golf, try to take a model with an engine capacity of at least 1,8 liters. On less powerful motors, many owners swear because of the low power for the weight of the car.

Which hatchback to choose?

So, we are gradually approaching the moment when you need to decide what exactly to choose - Golf or Focus. The decision is difficult, since both hatchbacks deserve attention and are very popular not only abroad, but also among the Russian buyer. But certain conclusions can still be drawn. Definitely worth a closer look at the cars of the Ford Focus line if you:

• ◈ want to save money but get a good car
  
• ◈ planning to drive on not the best roads
  
• ◈ ready to invest in cabin soundproofing
  
• ◈ take care of the environment and do not want to harm it
  
• ◈ want to have support for modern systems
  
• ◈ love the sporty interior and exterior design
  

The choice in favor of the Volkswagen Golf hatchback is 100% justified if for you in the first place:

• ✅ the functionality of the car, not its cost
  
• ✅ the ability to save on fuel purchases
  
• ✅ maximum comfort level in the cabin
  
• ✅ smooth operation of automatic transmission
  
• ✅ maneuverability when driving on city streets
  

Statistics show that Golf with a 1,4-liter petrol turbocharged engine and 125 hp is the most popular in Russia. With such a unit under the hood, the hatchback picks up the first hundred in 9,1 seconds and is able to quickly accelerate up to 204 km/h.

Conclusion

If you are serious about choosing a car, use more sources of information to make an informed decision. Be sure to read the reviews of car owners about both cars, compare prices for components and consumables, evaluate the liquidity of cars in the secondary market - it will come in handy in case of further resale. And of course, listen to your taste, because not only what is under the hood matters, but also the beauty of the car.