Funny enough, I've just part-exed my 3 year old focus ST for a Mk 6 Golf GTi. I have to say, I was sorry to see the old focus go. Not only did it give me 3 years of hassle free motoring, but it was a 'Hoot' to drive (I especially loved the Quattro-esque sound of the 5 cylinder and the little pops from the exhaust on the over-run). O.K so the driving position was a little on the high side and the fuel consumption is appalling, but overall its a fantastic car for the money. I remember paying just under 18K for it, when it was first released. The new Golf on the other hand has set me back just over 24K.
Having said that, the ST is now begining to show its age and the game has moved on in terms of refinement and build quality. I love the new Golf... it looks so much more elegant, understated... fuel consumption is brilliant and the cabin quality is top notch.... the overall performance is nothing to be laughed at as well.
However my only gripe, is that it lacks the playful character of the ST... The GTi feels almost too clinical... The steering feels a little light and artificial compared to the ST, but at the end of the day I know which car I would rather be sitting in and its parked on my drive as we speak.
