GTI Review and links.

[master_hayabusa]

Yes the gti won! Read the headline.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/week-autocar/autocar-magazine-1-may-preview

So I was right in my one of two outcomes - the GTI won, but only just?

I'll have to pop to the shops to get the mag.

[Gryzor]

All interesting stuff, and nice to hear it's a genuinely good car in either form.  It doesn't surprise me if it is a close call, but the very things I don't like about the Focus ST are the same things I like about the GTI.  It's just a no-brainer for me!

[ROO1]

All interesting stuff, and nice to hear it's a genuinely good car in either form.  It doesn't surprise me if it is a close call, but the very things I don't like about the Focus ST are the same things I like about the GTI.  It's just a no-brainer for me!

I've driven an ST and the build quality and engine noise are very poor

[Gryzor]

I've driven an ST and the build quality and engine noise are very poor

I haven't driven a new ST but I have driven a new Focus, and I found the interior way too busy, build-quality poor (not just rattles, but crappy cloth covering the gap between the steering wheel and dash, awful casing and fittings around the rear view mirror electronics etc.) and the ride uninspiring.  OK, it wasn't a sporty model, but I felt no connection with the road at all.  I guess my current GTI spoiled me, but I just didn't like the Focus handled, or the exterior looks!

[Gung-Ho]

I'm definitely not a big fan of the new Mk3 Focus ST.... the external & internal styling just don't do it for me anymore.... far too complicated & fussy for my liking! And the fact they've done away with the five-pot is a real travesty!

Having said that the previous Mk2 ST was a real peach to drive! That 2.5l five-pot had real character & a soundtrack to match (think Audi Quattro). Unfortunately it also had a thirst for super-unleaded (averaged 21mpg on my daily commute) and a went through tyres like nobody's business (could only manage 8000 miles on a full set).

This and the fact that it had a bit of an "ASBO" reputation, made me change to my current Golf. Even though the Focus ST gave me many years of fun memorable motoring, I have no regrets looking back. The GTi is definitely the better car if I was to pick between the two.

[ROO1]

I'm definitely not a big fan of the new Mk3 Focus ST.... the external & internal styling just don't do it for me anymore.... far too complicated & fussy for my liking! And the fact they've done away with the five-pot is a real travesty!

Having said that the previous Mk2 ST was a real peach to drive! That 2.5l five-pot had real character & a soundtrack to match (think Audi Quattro). Unfortunately it also had a thirst for super-unleaded (averaged 21mpg on my daily commute) and a went through tyres like nobody's business (could only manage 8000 miles on a full set).

This and the fact that it had a bit of an "ASBO" reputation, made me change to my current Golf. Even though the Focus ST gave me many years of fun memorable motoring, I have no regrets looking back. The GTi is definitely the better car if I was to pick between the two.

I used to own a said 2.5 st and it was a truly amazing car to drive (with a Dreamscience remap). The only reason I sold it was because it was as thirsty as a prostitute, think 19mpg driving like Miss Daisy. Still waiting for the arrival of a good sounding 4-pot.

[sam67GTD]

I'm definitely not a big fan of the new Mk3 Focus ST.... the external & internal styling just don't do it for me anymore.... far too complicated & fussy for my liking! And the fact they've done away with the five-pot is a real travesty!

Having said that the previous Mk2 ST was a real peach to drive! That 2.5l five-pot had real character & a soundtrack to match (think Audi Quattro). Unfortunately it also had a thirst for super-unleaded (averaged 21mpg on my daily commute) and a went through tyres like nobody's business (could only manage 8000 miles on a full set).

This and the fact that it had a bit of an "ASBO" reputation, made me change to my current Golf. Even though the Focus ST gave me many years of fun memorable motoring, I have no regrets looking back. The GTi is definitely the better car if I was to pick between the two.

I used to own a said 2.5 st and it was a truly amazing car to drive (with a Dreamscience remap). The only reason I sold it was because it was as thirsty as a prostitute, think 19mpg driving like Miss Daisy. Still waiting for the arrival of a good sounding 4-pot.

I have to agree with everything in the above 2 posts. I currently have a Focus ST3 remapped with Dreamscience on Race Plus map pushing out about 270bhp. The ST is truely an amazing car, but with 20-25mpg, £270 a year road tax, I thought it was time to go the diesel route and hence the GTD. I'm hoping the GTD will give me some of the torque I'm used to with the ST. I really am going to miss the raw performance of the ST and the lovely sound of the 5 cylinder 2.5 turbo (oh and the heated windscreen!).

Looks like we will be together for another 4 months, if VW get their way 

[pauliem]

Not sure if this one has been posted:

http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/doc.asp?c=47&i=27662

[Gung-Ho]

Not sure if this one has been posted:

http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/doc.asp?c=47&i=27662

Nice find!.... One of the better reads. Totally agree... The GTi pricing is dangerously close to the M135i.

[matchboy]

It's only close to the M135i if you fully load the car; plus they always quote the base price for the beemer, and that doesn't include all the toys that you would spec if you bought one - so IMO no comparison, different cars for different purposes.  But if they were talking about the R....

Interesting that this is the first reviewer who has specifically commented on the Dynaudio - good to read.  I think a lot of the reviewers forget that yes its all about the drive but options like that add to the driving experience so should be tested, so good to see him note that.