The Ford Focus Rs Is Dead: Here Are 20 Good Alternatives

This is a shoot-out between two brand-new Honda Civic Si coupes. I'm afraid of how that thing will drive as many reviews say it could use a mechanical LSD. Unlike the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST, the Golf R is only available with an automatic DSG transmission, which isn't the most engaging to use for fans of a manual gearbox. Given that we've already compared and ranked seven of the bestselling hatchbacks in Canada in their mainstream versions earlier this year, this time we decided to gather up and judge the notable sport compact idols you see here: the Honda Civic Si sedan, the Ford Focus ST, the Subaru WRX, and the VW GTI. As fewer manufacturers participate in motorsports, those innovations have, pretty much every manufacturer has some sort of variable valve timing now. Which is the most fun? Media Platforms Design Team.

Focus St Vs Civic Si 2020

Autocar talked to Ford this week and got the official word the RS is done for now. The SI, assuming you keep it stock, is naturally aspirated. First Place: 2018 Ford Focus ST – Stephanie Wallcraft. Sounds like an easy decision, right? The Si was our undisputed champion of fuel consumption – producing a miserly 7. Ford has an all-new Focus ST for 2019, but sadly it won't be sold in America. 240 hp, 260 lb ft, and a real LSD.

The optional seats, by the way, are aggressively bolstered—perfect for the ST's cornering performance—but may not comfortably fit all body shapes. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission can be controlled through paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Take the electronically-controlled but very much mechanical limited-slip differential that sits between the front wheels and feeds all that power and torque, a fulsome 310lb ft of the stuff, to even a wet road surface like it's nothing, plus adaptive dampers as standard. Like the Honda, it has a six-speed manual transmission but is the second heaviest in this drag race at 3, 150 pounds. The automaker is launching them at least six months apart and trying to give the Fiesta as much of a sport focus as possible, while selling the Focus with more of an upscale feel. So it should follow that the fieriest of hot compact funsters should be the most loveable of all – and judging by all the rabid go-fast coverage of the Honda Civic Type R, Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX STI, and Volkswagen Golf R, there's no doubt that these crazy-winged, maniacally turbocharged, range-topping compact fun machines capably stoke enthusiast hearts. I would almost guarantee the GTI to be quicker in the hands of most people on any given racetrack, but our focus here is grin-factor, and the GTI is outpointed in that regard by our winner. The base RC coupe lands almost exactly where the Focus RS does in terms of price. 1 seconds (according to Edmunds testers). It offers either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic with paddles. The interior is similar to the standard Focus, which is much more sophisticated and well-made compared to previous generations. Photos courtesy of Ford. If I had to guess, I'd put money on them holding for a long time in the $14-$19k range for a long time, much like the second-gen G37.

Focus St Vs Civic Si Le Blog

This Focus ST also packs a six-speed manual transmission. A small rear spoiler, large rear exhaust pipes and subtle changes to the body styling are the only things that give it away as a performance model, although this is part of the appeal for some drivers. Figure the Fiesta will be exceptionally light. I know its a bit like comparing apples to oranges, but I don't want the 9th gen, so it's between the 8th gen and a 2013 focus st for me.

And don't give me that look, there are plenty of super-fun front-wheel-drive cars. When you're talking sporty compacts, the Ford Fiesta ST (produced from 2014-2019) typically lives in the shadow of its bigger brother, the Focus ST — not to mention similar cars from other marques, like the VW GTI, Honda Civic Si, and Mini Cooper S. Yes, the Focus ST's 252 horsepower engine and acceleration times are impressive. It didn't even annoy me when I became stuck in traffic. Being equal-opportunity car enthusiasts, we at Klipnik love the idea of driving something that's not only fun and relatively inexpensive, but also that doesn't get as much time in the spotlight as its more popular peers. After driving it, the look started to grow on me, and there's certainly a worthy fun factor there. " Lock to Lock Turns (Steering). Fiesta ST Exterior and Interior Features.

Ford Focus Vs Honda Civic

The twist is that Honda built one of them, the 1999 Civic Si, 20 years ago, and it's arguably the most pristine example in the world. When I would read about the Civic Si growing up (a common pastime), the main descriptors implanted into my consciousness were flickable, and practical. It also looks more special, compared to most cars on this list. The Focus ST's raw horsepower figures aren't the highest in this group. The latest ST is at its best when tipped into a quick corner with real commitment, because it's then that you appreciate the agility in the chassis, agility that's twinned with poise and stability quite masterfully. The rear-drive coupe comes with a 2. When hot hatches traded on vanilla cabins and econobox chassis bolstered by better performance, the $22, 955 Civic Si would win hands down against the pricier Subaru WRX, Mini Cooper S and Mazdaspeed3. I really like the Focus ST as well, but it costs quite a lot. 0-litre flat -four engine that kicks in like a carefully released rubber band, the WRX was the rowdiest of this particular group in attitude, power, and gravel-spewing handling prowess. Understanding Volkswagen Engine Names: What Does TDI Stand For? Sure, it had lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control – two more reasons it scored well in "ease of driving" – but a lack of heated steering wheel, and semi-manual front seat, in the most expensive car of our comparo was a bitter pill to swallow. Another optional package features black wheels with red brake calipers. But close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades – in our comparison tests it can mean the difference between winners and also-rans.

There will be some ground-clearance alterations to trim, possibly a lower ride height, and much more aggressive suspension and damping. It also hits torque peak at 4400 rpm rather than the insane 6100 rpm of the eighth-generation Civic Si's 2. Premium Sound System. We've picked three of the best hot hatches currently on the market to see which is worth your money. What makes us special: The largest international database for vehicle histories. But that's okay – I don't care about how much a car costs, I'm just looking for an emotive response and experience, so let's focus on how it drove. The Focus ST and Golf GTI, being hatchbacks, came out on top for cargo space.

Civic Type R Vs Focus St

The interior fared a little better, ranking mid-pack for styling and placing second for quality. Steering is a little on the light side but it's quick and accurate, and the leather-wrapped wheel feels comfortable in your hands. But that handling track may have been flattering. "The seats are highly supportive and hold you in a velvet clutch – a nice change for those of us who generally slide around through the corners on flatter seats, " Lesley says. Honda doesn't need a RWD design to be competitive, all they need to do is throw a small turbo in the car and it would instantly be competitive again. I think it all comes down to maintenance and the diligence of the driver. This doesn't seem as common on the SI. Focus ST vs. Civic SI. It's just been updated with a slightly tweaked look, an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, some very minor chassis revisions and the kind of teardrop-shaped metal gear knob that should have been fitted all along (this is a Type R Honda, after all).

The outgoing Civic Type R was a great car, and the upcoming version promises to deliver much of the same with added performance and less polarising looks. I bet a bolt-on Si could take the ST. And I'm a Ford guy at ST beats the Si in every performance category, hands down. The base IS300 gets you four doors, more space than an RS and a turbo-four making 241 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque. You can watch the new "Hide and Seek" episode embedded below. Second Shoulder Room. Continental's 5000-acre proving ground on the fringes of the entirely forgettable town of Uvalde, Texas, dates back to 1959. Yet as we found in our comparison of the Focus RS and WRX STI, and to a lesser extent in tests of the Civic Type R and Golf R as well, these top-of-the-line driving machines approach and can surpass the lofty $50, 000 mark. 8 L/100 km compared to the Subaru's 12.

Focus St Vs Civic Si Coupe

That said, there's still plenty of design cues to let people know it's a top-of-the-range performance model – it's arguably more striking to look at than the other two here thanks to a large rear spoiler and air intakes on the bonnet. The Golf R is still the car to beat at this point. Inside, there are unique seats, keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control, and a Sony audio system. Michael wasn't so impressed with either its power or its handling: "The Si was the boisterous young backwards-hat wearer of the group, trying hard to be cool with its big wing, large air intakes, and fog lights up front, but without the power or handling chops to quite back up the aggressive looks. In a sea of bad ergonomics, this misstep is Honda's worst. Here's a handful of the articles, videos and social media posts that most caught our eye last week. On the interior, the Focus ST comes with Ford's excellent Sync 4 infotainment system on a large 13.

Grew up driving a stick though and I've always loved cars, so I'm looking to indulge a bit and get more of a driver's car. Love both cars, test drove a focus st recently and it put me in my seat. Also like the Mustang, if you stick with a bare-bones V8, you'd still be in for less than $40K. Instead you have to depress the finicky button and look for the tiny, hidden little light each time you get in and out, or risk a runaway Civic. It doesn't have the tactile fluidity in the steering of the GTI, nor quite as much torque as the Focus ST, nor thankfully the torque steer prone tugs at the wheel of the Focus ST, but there's an overall clarity in purpose, and that purpose is driving involvement, like it or not. Honda Civic Si Sedan vs Acura Integra Sedan.

Focus St Vs Civic Si 2021

The hot hatch delivers 250 hp and 260 lb-ft. I do believe in the economics of a held point of depreciation, but I don't think that will kick in with the Stinger for a few more years. But the smaller and lighter Fiesta ST holds its own. It gets better the faster you go. Now I couldn't care less. Honda Civic Si Sedan vs Subaru BRZ.

So far, I've driven things with a lot of power. That said, this car had a significantly lower MSRP than some of the other cars I've evaluated, and it shows. I'm probably going to be getting a new car in a few months time and I'm looking at a few vehicles. However, there are plenty of cars that will sate that enthusiast itch for about the same price.

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:12:24 +0000