Nice to re-visit these old reviews 8 years later. I remember watching at the time and thinking 'yeah but the track had dried up and the sun was starting to come out' when the VXR did it's laps, and I think in similar conditions the Renault would destroy it. The Renault is probably worth the most now, as those VXR's have massive depreciation.

@ARDEN440i

3 жыл бұрын

Bit late of a response, but yes, from personal experience the Renault is quicker around a circuit than the VXR. But today the VXR really is a lot of car for the money they go for. The Megane RS however is holding its value pretty well.

@DjNikGnashers

3 жыл бұрын

@@ARDEN440i Indeed. I'm hoping my M140i will become desirable in a few years, as there is nothing else like it now, ie big engine, RWD, in a small hatchback. Not as quick around a track as the Renault, but much more fun hahah !

@ARDEN440i

3 жыл бұрын

@@DjNikGnashers LSD is the answer to that simple and easy fix to the M140i

@DjNikGnashers

3 жыл бұрын

@@ARDEN440i Yes I know my friend. LSD, Bilstein B12 damper kit, and an underbody brace, that would make my car a track weapon. The thing is, I don't track my car, and those things would ruin it as a daily driver. So, I am staying with just my stock M140i (it has been remapped to 411bhp/576nm).

@superherokindaguy455

2 жыл бұрын

The Vxr is a classic now so worth more than the french car. Who would buy french anyways bastards cowards didn’t wanna fight in the war yet think they can make a car please

I came close to purchasing a GTI in 2017 and went with the Focus ST instead. I drive 80 miles each day to and from work, and love every minute of it.

An 18 minute long Chris Harris on cars video in the subbox? EXACTLY what I needed on a wednesday evening! Instant like from me, Chris.

Chris harris, you are by far the best reviewer I have seen on youtube. You seem like you know your stuff much more than all the other motoring vids. well done

I got the ST3 and it's been really great. Its a great everyday driver and yet very fun and also versatile being a hatch. I've had no mechanical problems with it, whatsoever, and have had since late 2014 and now put 31k miles on it. It runs like the day I got it and I still love it.

@cbecks2051

5 жыл бұрын

At 31.000 miles most cars wont have mechanical problems😂😂😂

@SarcasticComments23

4 ай бұрын

@@cbecks2051currently at 215,000 miles and only did basic maintenance and it gets redlined at least once a day 👍🏼

Chris Harris is driving a fully loaded focus at 28k and he compared it to the starting price of a 135i at 30k. I bet there's not been a 135i that's left the factory selling for under 40k.

@kimboslicefan78

8 жыл бұрын

a fully loaded st3 focus is a little heavier than st1.

I bought the GTC VXR six weeks ago and I love it.Grips the road so well.Put it this way.I caught up with a Mercedes Eclass 350 V6 and just over took him.Say no more my friend 😜

@MiraSubieGirl

5 жыл бұрын

Can I do a test...? Do you stil have it?

@MiraSubieGirl

5 жыл бұрын

I have had my 2012 Megane since new... 93,000kms today.

@RandomGuy-ej9gr

3 жыл бұрын

You caught up with a driver that was minding his own business on a motorway and over took him like any other car…wow

@SlothMan118

2 жыл бұрын

Did he know you were racing or were you just speeding on a motorway?

@asifnoaman8978

2 жыл бұрын

@@RandomGuy-ej9gr jealous much? What do you drive sir

The Focus ST is not only a heck of a hot hatch, it's a really nice car to sit in and drive. The fact that it hangs with the other 2 in this test is impressive. I can't wait to see what the Focus RS can do.

Just bought a 2016 Focus ST. Reviews coming soon!

@H8XME

6 жыл бұрын

Collecting new 2018 st3 estate diesel 👍

@andrewallan5442

6 жыл бұрын

Gjeebs can’t wait keep us posted

@isabelle.c011

5 жыл бұрын

Funny seeing you hear I watched your reviews before buying my ‘16 fost

great car test!! no shit music over the engine noise and good explanations. Thanks!

CHRIS! I think your videos are suberb. I really appreciate you giving us enthusiasts time to absorb how the car drives from inside and out. Another winning video!

I love how the focus sounds

Love the engine sound in the Ford

Thanks you Chris. Even though I'm in the USA, I love watching stuff on European-only cars. And I do love hot hatches. So thank you.

Just long enough, not too short, brilliant content, three great competitive cars. Well presented, awesome photography, Chris you can't seem to go wrong. I look forward to your videos every week, keep them coming!

Test drive the ford...its awesome

ST all the way. From these three cars I would take Focus ST any day, every day. No contest for me. Fords always had this chasis balance that is unparaleled in the cars of that price range. You can really feel the car and what's it doing. I just haven't found that in other cars that go by that price.

@CarrosCenasPT

7 жыл бұрын

you haven't tried a megane lol

@navtejnahal

7 жыл бұрын

Atrax1207 nah man I would take the vxr all day would not swap my snowflake vxr for anything else

@jonathanbachman2339

6 жыл бұрын

.

@dbasq1

6 жыл бұрын

Opel/Vauxhaul have always been designed by accounts; everything is comprised. They always put strong, torquey motors in their cars, but it's all in vain when you bolt it to a sloppy chassis and a gearbox that you have to guess which gear it's in. It's they way they've always been, and since they've been sold, it's going to get worse.

@asifnoaman8978

Жыл бұрын

@@dbasq1 guess you have not driven a GTC VXR. Much more sophisticated than the outdated ford

Awesome vid! Love hot hatches, and these ones seem to be so fun to drive!

Chris! Excellent, i can never get enough of your reviews!

Great review. In the US, we unfortunately don't get the Renault or the Vauxhall but Ford of Europe now sent over the Ford Focus ST - and I bought one! That car is so much fun to drive, and the sound of the motor is so perfect, it's fantastic. I also test drove the new GTI and as nice/pleasant a car as it is, it's also a bit dull. Sorry VW, Ford got my money this time.

@dennismckeown5863

6 жыл бұрын

Sound of the motor ??It's a four cylinder man they sound like Sh*t,they can't make a four that sounds like a proper engine ,as your in the US try going to old car shows and ask some people there to start their engines so you can hear what a proper v8 engine sounds like not one of those wimpy 4 cylinders.

Interesting how the VXR had the fastest lap time, a whole 1.5 seconds quicker than the ST, which is a lot on a circuit that short!

@ScottZ370

4 жыл бұрын

J1M1F Remember thinking the same, looking back at it looks like the track dried up a lot

@dragospahontu

4 жыл бұрын

Yup, and they are cheap now and aged beautifully

Great production, great reviewing, great video, as usual. Thanks drive!

I enjoyed every bit of that .great cars great comentary and fair well done to you loved it.

Focus ST: Every Golf GTi owner's (and there are lots out there) worst enemy.

@scanthemelon

10 жыл бұрын

If only I could stand looking at it...

@AliTaylor777

10 жыл бұрын

scanthemelon Agreed. Front looks purposeful but the melting rear lights are very Korean. Shame, because I tried one on Scottish B roads last weekend and it's absolutely superb for the price. I enjoyed it far more than the clinical Golf R or hideously over-priced and inert A45 AMG. A proper analogue old school hatch.

@justinnoreaster

7 жыл бұрын

Is a matter of taste. I actually very much like the design. Even the gas tank door is incorporated into the design.

@gedam131

6 жыл бұрын

which is the worst part of the styling tho

@dennismckeown5863

6 жыл бұрын

Wow thats not saying much.

astra vxr all day, drove the focus st and wasn't impressed, not sure if i agree with chris on the throttle response, i felt the vxr had way better response and just ploughed ahead.

@navtejnahal

7 жыл бұрын

Tom Wainwright totally agree with you mate, had a st on test did not find it comfortable, the vxr on the other hand won me over even though it has one flaw with it being thirsty i still love my snowflake vxr and would choose it everyday over all other hot hatches

@johnhall6279

3 жыл бұрын

Astra vxr all day long looks better faster say no more

Mr Harris, I salute you. Great test. Keep em coming.

Great video Chris and Crew!! Hot hatches also hold a special place in my heart.

The one and only ! Ford Focus ST !

In terms of an "every day" car they should have the GTI in there. Don't care if it's not as fast, 1 remap and the power issue is sorted.

@smsuperman1219

9 жыл бұрын

The gti is a great car all around. Good looks, sound, comfort and handling, but lacks a bit, just a bit, in driving excitement compared to these three.

@dj4monie

8 жыл бұрын

+Greig Mackenzie When this was made the 7th gen car wasn't quite available yet. GTI is very nice daily driver and quick too when given a little bit of a electronic tune up (Flash) 11's in the 1/4 on slicks, not bad. Takes a turbo upgrade to the ST even close. No Opels or Megans in the States. If Saturn was still around we might have the OPC version of it here. So it's the GTI, Focus ST and sometime in the near future a Mazdaspeed 3

@cbecks2051

5 жыл бұрын

Yeh then remap the 3 in the video and the gti is last

One of the nicest videos I ever seen! No bullshit, just fun! Congrats Chris!

I am a Vauxhall fan and this VXR keeps me with them. I currently have the GTC 1.4 but I’m upgrading very soon

"Hatchbacks are just cool, aren't they?" - well, they would be if we weren't continually cheated with engines, options and such here in the USA.

Vxr all day look at it

Love your work Chris! Awesome Vid. Watching at work was painful, just made me want to get out on the twisty roads in Melbourne in my Golf R! Come to Australia and drive the Reeton Spur in Victoria

Another great video from Chris. Love that jumping Focus.

VXR and the RS are faster yes. But going off driving on roads and motorways (what you'll be using the car for) the ST is far superior.

@ismail10_02

5 жыл бұрын

The Megane is superior in handling too

@johnny6476

2 жыл бұрын

This VXR also has superior handling too.

Chris, you are the among the best in this bussiness but your end results in this test come out a little weird...don't they? I've been in all three of these cars and i can tell you this: -Astra is the heaviest of them all...because it comes fully loaded...20" rims with 245 tyres,giant brakes,a locking diff by Drexler,three selections of performance regarding suspension/st. wheel/power delivery, all the electronics you could possibly want, the best seats in it's class (and above!),the best interior quality and the best looking... by very far. -The Focus has been improved but it's interior is clearly TWO steps behind...just visit any auto show and compare! It has four doors only and looks tall- not a proper "hot" hatchback then in my book, and looks plain and simple ugly. -Untill now the RS was famed as a the ultimate track car. A car with certain "problems" in everyday life (i've owned Meganes in the past) that one can pretend to accept in order to have the best in track...although i don't know how many actually use it in track... Interior quality is on par (!) with the Focus and the plastic "bolt on" exterior parts make it look the most chav of the three. But here comes the surprise:If i read the stopwatch well Astra was the best in track? And this was done in the wet where the extra power and torque of a FWD car may come in as an handicap-your words? -Last comes the price bomb:Astra at 27K is too expensive for what it offers...umm, but hey the Focus at 28K is getting expensive too... and watch this: the Megane comes at 26K base price (not even mentioned) that doesn't include the goodies pack (suspension tuning and locking diff) that costs 1350 quid more, making it 27.350 pounds... The point about the BMW 135i is truly valid but this is a 3.0 liter car with all the problems this brings (tax-running costs). I don't own a VXR but i do think there is a gigantic elefant in the room, and noone (you included) is willing to accept it's presence. And the elefant is not the fact that the VXR comes last when it should probably come first, but the fact of the extreme prejudice in the auto-press against a manufacturer that has every right to get praised when he makes a good car. It's the same story with Corsa Nurburg (i don't own that either!). It beats the hell out of it's rivals but praise (a true, wholehearted one) hasn't been heard so far. Just my 2c and i hope a little food for thought...

@tomforrest7814

9 жыл бұрын

warpspeeed wow you speek the absolute truth mate :-)

@warpspeeed

9 жыл бұрын

It's just my 2p on the subject...thanks Tom.

@tomforrest7814

9 жыл бұрын

we need you to do this to all the biased reviews :-)

@JPWest020

9 жыл бұрын

warpspeeed I think you're right. The Opel (in the Netherlands its called 'Opel) has a image problem. Unrighteously so. The OPC is a really good car. Great looks, stunning performance. It's only problem: it's to heavy. It needs to loose weight.

@tomforrest7814

9 жыл бұрын

I am confused if BMW had made the VXR Astra GTC no one would mind but just because its a Vauxhall it has to be slated. Dont get me wrong Vauxhall have made some bad cars like the Combo and Corsa B but most are cracking cars that need the love they deserve! I agree, the GTC VXR is one of the nicest cars out at the moment with striking looks and strong performance

Wasn't bored for a second of this video! Great cars, Great host.

Great review again Chris & the Team, Keep up the great job lads.

I wouldn't trade my ST for either of those cars.... ST FTW!!

I don't know what he's whining about the Astra and why does it come last? Somebody here obviously doesn't like Vauxhall nor Opel... So he said the throttle-response is a bit meh, -but its still the fastest car here, -it'll kick the Focus anyday, anywhere, -its better equiped than the Megane R.S. and more sophistcated -and its probably also the best looking (only without that "in your face" double-rear-spoiler) The Astra is sort of the best of both worlds (nearly as grown up as the Ford and still keeping up with the Renault without a problem).

@alfisti93

10 жыл бұрын

First of all, i'd like to point out I called nobody a "twat". Whatever... I was wondering about the objectivness of this comparison. So tell me: which car is the fastest? Which car is the most advanced? Which one has the most extras available (as standard also)? So its got nothing to do with "opinions" but a bit more with objective reviews... All he mentioned that was bad about the Astra was the "feeled" throttle response, so this is why it comes last? THATS ridicolous! So do YOU know what car I own or were driving lately? I guess not.

@alfisti93

10 жыл бұрын

Performance on paper? He did a performance lap...where the astra comes first. So what is this review good for? Don't worry I already have. :)

@johnhall6279

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah well said mate astra vxr all day long

I own a performance blue Focus ST and love it. It's a great daily driver with tons on aftermarket support. Unfortunatly we don't get the other two here is the US so options for hot hatches are limited. It would be fun to try the Renaultsport Megane and VRX. At least we can sort of try them on Forza for Xbox. Great video comparison.

Chris, I have always wanted to get your driving impressions on the Lancer Evolution, perhaps several generations over the years. Thanks for your hardwork in making this channel stand out from the compeition. Cheers

I Love the st, the front is Beautiful, but the back ... it's shit

@pancon5

10 жыл бұрын

Agreed, I love the car too and I absolutely loved and still do the back and the position of the rear lights on the MKI Focus. If they hadn't abandoned it I think the Focus would have a little more character. Now the back is somewhere between mundane and ugly.

@Catalina._

6 жыл бұрын

Amine Greenoi The whole car is hideous lol even the Fiesta looks much better...

Astra Vxr THE BEST OF THE BEST

@dennismckeown5863

6 жыл бұрын

It sure wiped out the other two. and the other two looked so outdated especially the ford it looks 20 + years old.

@johnhall6279

3 жыл бұрын

Astra vxr looks so much better and faster

Love it! You gave me that push to buy my GT86 Chris! You rock, thank you :)

Well done Chris, superb comparative. Continue like this!

Chris serious. You put the Astra last, even though it's faster, better looking and has by far the best quality interior. You're another reason I stopped watching the new Top Gear.

@dancecolin393

8 жыл бұрын

youre not a geardhead thats why. chris is all about driving experience and so are these sporty hatches, move along sir.

@asifnoaman8978

Жыл бұрын

@@dancecolin393 chris is a grumpy old man who is biased against certain manufacturer unlike EVO magazine who praised the car highly including fifth gear

Right so the VXR is quickest around the track, but yet he says the Megane is better on track.... right okay then.... Not the only Video where the VXR is quicker than the Megane around the track, anyone seen the one on Anglesey Circuit, VXR loads quicker than the Megane and the ST is just a piece of shit the brakes actually set on fire! Its not a track car!

@monfortnicolas5448

3 жыл бұрын

The only problem with the Renault Megane is that it's..well renault.. The engine is good (as long as it's petrol) but the gearbox guidance is sloppy even on the RS and i wont even get started on how materials age inside...everything is cheap plastic that fades away with years, buggy electronics.. yes engine is good, chassis is amazing, but everything else is dirtcheap bar the seats obviously. Focus ST is a much better compromise the overall quality is much better, the price is fairer and the overall reliability is also better. It's a better car for me.

As always, great video Chris!

Now on to the Ford ST.watched many videos on this car against the Astra VXR.And the VXR had the fastest lap time by a sec and a half in every video I have watched with these two cars in.

must say the st looks shit compared to the old one

totally contridicted himself ,when he took the vxr to the track he openley said that the conditions were more wet ,yet it produced the track time ,this guy has a obviouse bias towards the focus and megan ,vxr is the fastest ,best looking best interior ,this guy was looking at anything to bring down the vxr ,its the best of the 3 by far ,as for the megan ,the interior was so cheap and looked like the seat were going to come loose as he went through the shicanes,the focus is just a focus ,boring ,predictable ,this guy is bias 100% to the ford and renault ,just becazuse its a vauxhall,he sterio typing this vxr ,basically ,hes talking garbage

@andrewlittle3743

6 жыл бұрын

And you don't, in any way, sound biased towards the VXR...

@asifnoaman8978

Жыл бұрын

@@andrewlittle3743 and you dont either. Tit for Tat

Great video again Chris, thanks.

Fantastic Review Chris! gave me so much insight into what car to get next!

best thing about chris harris is he never ever says thats shit he just gives you the real best bits of everything.

real fun to se chris enjoying driving those cars, as always a great review and ye awesome cars, a hot hatch is all you need to have fun on the road and they remain quite cheap

Another great and well explained video review Chris!

Possibly the best car review iv ever seen and iv spent my whole life watching car reviews like a lonely looser becoming a master in his subject of expertise.

Great episode Harris! Totally worth the wait!

i loved this video. it really worked for me based in ireland with similar type of roads but with more pot holes

Gives me hope for an upcoming purchase. Keep up the good work.

Well done Chris Harris! Bloody marvelous cracking reviews!

This videos was the final reason I bought my ST new in 2014, and I still love it to death with 380whp and a list of mods a mile long. I'd go back and buy the same damn car.

love the enthusiasm chris! great review. Ill take a megane anyday

That Vauxhall looks SOO good wth.

VXR is neck and neck with the trophy. Seen many of these two cars in track battles. They are on a even par in my opinion.

Very good video Chris! Well done to you too!

Good cars and good review. Thanks.

I really agree with you. I have been following Chris for 3 years now and find myself going on to youtube just to see if another video has been added and then find myself being disapointed by the usual 5mins 38sec video lenths that sometimes get posted. VERDICT: We love your videos Chris, just give us more.

great video and review

Good job Chris! As always!

You're lucky, what an amazing bit of road! :)

Ah Chris, you're an amazing reviewer. Thankyou!

Best video ever goes to Chris Harris.. again Still wish I had the RS3....

Chris seems more happy reviewing hot hatches than driving supercars. A reminder of why driving is fun.

Love the show! You guys should make a episode with even smaller hatchback, because i almost enjoyed this as much as your 911 vids!

I sure hope so. I would love to see these kept going, and here's hoping for a three door version someday for the US market!

chris, youve done a great job as always

Nicely done Chris!

nice cars, perfect review, thanks a lot! gonna change my old st to a new one! =)

Watched this video this weekend... bought the ST today!

I watched this review and then bought a 2013 ST. Had it five months and still love it. Taking it on a proper drive will never fail to make you smile.

@bianco2012

7 жыл бұрын

I did the same...went full stage 3 with goodies and blew it up. throw some suspension goodies at it and dont fiddle too much with performance would be my advice

@mraeece

5 жыл бұрын

Bianco damn sorry to hear , I’m planning on getting one and in terms of performance modifications I want maybe something like stage 1+ . Muffler delete to bring sound out but I’ll leave resonator in Cold air intake Bov What do you recommend for the intake I don’t want to spend a lot of money on the intake just something that’s a bit better then stock If I can get 300bhp I’m happy

Great job Chris. I could listen to your Brit vernacular all day long. Haha

Another great review from Chris. Hopefully going to get myself the focus st in a while, can't justify the money for the astra vxr and already have the older shape vxr so a more composed ford should be ideal :)

You know it's a good day when you see Chris Harris has a new video

Thanks as usual for a great review! Your love of cars and enjoyment really keep smiles on my face as I watch you drive these three great cars. Thanks again.

Any advice on buying any of these cars 2nd hand (used) would be appreciated. I want one but can't afford to buy from new. But i get put off by the fact they have probably been thrashed to death and may have numerous problems as a second hand buy.

Another proper Chris Harris video. The man deserves these 19 minutes shows, not the 5-minute ones he's been getting

What an excellent review of three of the best hot hatches out there currently. I am glad Chris tested these three cars and some excellent driving as well! I'd like to see the focus against american hot hatches though such as the VW GTI and the Mazdaspeed 3

Outstanding, once again Chris, outstanding.

Great work.

'That just feels bloody marvellous'. great review!

Fabulous Review. Really well presented!

Like said many times before. You, sir, deserve your own show

Excellent review, as always

I love this vid, but what I would like to see more is the interieur! Like a view through all the cars, I miss that in so many car videos!

this is the only guy i would listen to about cars.really knows his stuff.

Focus ST coverage starts at 5:10 or thereabouts for us unfortunate souls in the US that might never sample the Megane RS Astra VXR. Splendid camera work.

What a review. I like when you have the time to do the review, on the road then on the track. You gave exactely what I wanted to know about these cars, great work Chris ! I tried a Megane RS, it's a fantastic car to drive on a track ! But that Focus sound pretty good onboard and it's available in wagon, which is interesting when you have a family. Do you know if the Wagon is as good as the 5 doors ?