Chill In Air As Big Two Meet

Miles from civilisation, in the frozen wastelands of the Arctic Circle, the battle for honours in the small family hatch class has already begun. A spy shot in the current issue of Auto Express magazine portrays the new Vauxhall Astra and next Ford Focus head-to-head for the very first time.

Auto Express Car Reviews

04th February 2004

The picture shows two of this year's most im-portant cars seemingly moments from a dramatic crash. The test of nerve began when Vauxhall and Ford staff arrived with their prototypes at the same facility. Both machines squared up on a special track designed to test ABS and traction control systems.

The Astra goes on sale in May, although the estate seen here isn't due until October. The Focus will appear in the same month at the Paris Motor Show.