2006 Ford Focus ST 3 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Actually the VXR is not quicker than the Civic Type R (EP3). The CTR went round the track in 1.32.8 in the 'Hot Hatch Test' that featured a Mini Cooper S, Golf GTI, Megane 225 and of course the CTR.

Like has been said before, its all about personal preference. If your arguing about looks (alone) you must be the type of person that spends a few hours each morning styling your hair rather than giving staying in bed with your gf/wife and getting messy with her...

OK looks are important, but to be fair a hot hatch is more about what it can do, rather than how it looks... of course there has to be a balance and I think all hot hatches, even the mini look good in their own respect.

The fact is, the ST is a nicer car to live with and a good compromise between out-an-out performance and the creature comforts of something like the golf. If you want a hardcore hatch, dump the VXR and look at something like the Megane r26... it's a much better car round a track. If you want something with a badge that's resonably quick get a GTi. if you want the best of both worlds get an ST. If you want something completely nuts and want to live on the edge buy a VXR.

Anyway if you read the original review, its quite obvious it was written either by

A. a 12 year old whos Dad has a VXR.

B. someone just trying to wind up Ford ST owners.

C. a VXR owner who wishes he wasnt.

Hi, just thought I'd comment on the hot hatch debate. Currently driving a 330 e46, previously an STi Type R. I test drove the VXR, GTI and the ST, and this is what I found.

Vxr - possibly the worst hot hatch I have ever driven, poor steering - far too light, chassis was terrible, torque steered like mad and was all round a horrid experience, but it does look good. I thought a hot hatch should make you want to drive it, but all I wanted to do was get out LOL. It was quick though, but not in a comfortable way!!

GTI - great car, low powered for a GTI, would be good with a remap, maybe a middle aged man's hot hatch LOL.

ST3 - best of the bunch by far, well built, great steering feedback, and the power delivery was great. Definitely the car I will be buying, that's just my opinion having driven all three, and having owning some nice cars, I feel my opinion should be noted ;) ST3 in red for me!!!

Wasn't the Golf GTI voted car of the year by Top Gear and Fifth Gear voted by the public?

In my opinion the aim of pleasing everyone is what makes the Golf GTI a bit bland and not very special.

It does tick a lot of boxes and the engine produces even torque making it quick in most gears at most speeds, and I am a fan of the DSG box, but the car lacks real character.

In comparison to the best hot hatch of the last generation, the EP3 civic type R, it is a bit dull. These bloated hatches with bigger and bigger engines to compensate are losing the 'go-kart' factor. I wouldn't argue the Golf is alone in this, but I think it is a sad thing that chuckable little hatches are becoming sturdy powerhouses.

I actually think Renault are making the best hot hatches this generation for the reasons I mentioned.