VW Golf R vs Ford Focus RS

VW’s potent new R is the quickest Golf ever. Can it outmuscle Ford’s wild-at-heart Focus RS?

January 2010

When Volkswagen launched the first Golf GTI in 1976, its 110bhp engine was more than enough to keep pace with its competitors. Fast forward 34 years, and VW’s flagship Golf now boasts more than twice that power, and no longer wears the GTI badge – the letter R now signifies the quickest production Golf ever.

With 266bhp and four-wheel drive, the subtle R aims to provide devastating all-weather performance in a practical shell. It’s available as a three or five-door, and with a six-speed gearbox in manual or twin-clutch DSG form.

Its rival here, the 301bhp Ford Focus RS, is less of a shrinking violet. The rally-inspired hatch is adorned with spoilers, scoops, huge exhausts and a muscular bodykit.

And while some buyers will be put off by its bold lines, there can be no argument about the performance on offer. The Golf and Focus are the Jekyll and Hyde of the hot hatch sector, but which one will come out on top here?

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Golf visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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2 Comments

RForum.co.uk

It's got the be the Golf R every time!
Visit www.rforum.co.uk for discerning chat and info about the Golf R and Scirocco R.

By rfourm on 25 February, 2010, 7:52pm

The Golf is becoming like the 911 Porsche they just keep bringing out new versions of the same basic shape thats now 20 years old, so my vote would be the Focus RS at least its new in its shape and approach.

By kynngl on 28 February, 2010, 2:56pm

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