Ha Ha
Guys we had the same argument here in South Africa with car magazine. Now many people know that Car magazine are very much biased towards anything with a Ford Emblem on it. They did a grand test a year or so back and guess who won... The Ford Focus ST. The fascinating thing is that i had to do a life skills project on a news report and look at it in fine detail and write about things like bias etc in the report.
Some things i picked up on.
1. On the front cover of the magazine. The golf is always behind the Ford.
2. In every picture, be it side on, straight on you name it... The Ford is in front. ALWAYS.
3. Six out of eight comments on the GTI were positive. Everything from its interior to rims.
4. Four out of eight comments on the Ford were negative. This including "TACKY" ST badges, "HARD" ride and of course that it does corner like a 1945 pickup truck....
So yes. ST vs GTI. Its old news.
Now let me give my opinion......
I will admit. We test drove the Ford and yes there are many reasons for it not being parked in our garage.
Firstly.... Its a Ford. That should be enough to scare you away. (Ok not being horrible we do have a Ford Fiesta ST which is stunning).
Then there is the engines. Ok fine. ST pushes a slight bit more than the GTI. But all you have in the Ford is a overtuned engine, turbolag and a very finnesse engine note. (Much like a dog growling)
The GTI has its own powerplant and is tuned to perfection. Practically no turbolag!! And the meanest growl ever. (Though the R32 is in a different league)
The interiors. Like tin and gold. The GTI has the most ergonomic interior around. The quality is exceptional and besides the odd rattle its sturdy and strong. Climb into the Ford and you have a plastic feel with rattles and squeeks. (Now I' am not saying this applies to all Fords)
Then we go back to the historical point of view......
The Golf GTI has been in production for 30 years now. Its been known as the king of all hot hatches (Ok they screwed up on the golf 4, no offense meant which was a let down but look at the MK5!)
The Ford Focus has been in production for less than hald that time. Has never won car of the year which the GTI did in 2005 I think it was and honestly. ST vs GTI? The GTI has had 30 years to be continuesly improved. The Ford Focus ST is just there to contend.
This brings me to my final point. Please dont think I'm bragging. We paid around R280 000 for our GTI full house bar Satnav. (My mom will never use it). The reason we brought the GTi and not the ST is because who in South Africa can afford to spend almost R300 000 on a hatchback "VW" car? For a wife that does not work and just transports the kids around in it? The Ford Focus ST suits that role perfectly. However the GTI has CLASS. Many people said to my mother. Whats going on? Going from a BMW Full House 3 series exec to a Golf?? The point is. When you own a Golf you dont just own a overtuned car.
You own a car that is internationally recognised. A car that shouts wow when you turn a corner. A car that screams quality and speed. You wont get that from a Ford. Who cares if its half the price with more features? Becasue thats the only way Ford is able to sell that car. And we all know who is going to be buying it.... Cough.... Racerboys... cough.....
This is my opinion. Please dont see this as hate speech. Point is.... FORD out.....
GTI IN!!!!
Michael
