Ford Focus RS vs Audi RS3 vs Volkswagen Golf R review: mega hatch road test!

Ford’s new Focus RS has arrived and is ready to ask big questions of all its hot hatch rivals, including the Audi RS3 and VW Golf R. Road test editor James Disdale thinks it's time to settle the argument with one of the most anticipated car group tests of 2016!

[turn_shorts]

I didn't know Ted Cruz drove a Focus RS

[UZYYYY]

Focus RS: Best for corners and 'fun' driving
Golf R: Best all round car
RS3: If you have an extra 10k to burn and want the fastest straight line hatch.

[kuddin]

I'd go for the Golf R. Why have Audi put alcantara on the wrong part of the steering wheel??

[dehv]

Forget the drag race? That's all any one wants.

[mrlilmatt]

Must have forgotten the A45 AMG.. Shame

[arellano]

I’ve had my 2017 RS for 3 years and as soon as I get in it I put it in track mode, another thing is that I must have a manual transmission so the Audi is out of the question

[dwayne_]

The Ford's​ interior looks cheap compared to the other two cars.The Audi is too expensive for my liking. But the Golf R is just perfect i would rather have better comfort and quality than 50 more hp.

[JamaicanMeCrazy]

ok next get the type r and so a comparison. I know it's fwd but they're competitors

[jayMbodybuilding]

For me, everything is about balance. the Focus may be 10-20% more performance oriented than the R, but the R's interior is twice as good as the Focus's. If you were to go on a road trip, you most likely will choose the R over the focus. for Daily driving, the R would be more comfortable day to day. Put a stage 1 APR tune, and you will probably have the focus over on performance.

[oppanheimer]

This guy is a very pleasant and informative reviewer.

[Xuvium]

Putting the RS3 under the same category is wrong since it's not designed to be the drivers car but a hatchback with performance

[brettayable]

id take rs3 over any hot hatch just love how it sound plus engine will more than likly last a lot longer than a lot of cars out there

[mertz]

I want to see them race each other to be honest

[blueonblack]

Top Gear (the magazine) did a similar test. You can find it on their website... I believe they swapped RS3 with Civic Type R, saying that RS3 is really only good on a straight road. They also added Merc A45 AMG to the mix.

They picked Ford as the winner.

[AddictedWithCars]

I just don't get it. The Audi is more powerful and better quality than the two. Yes it does understeer, The new 991.2 turbo s also understeer, it doesn't mean that it is not fun to drive… but to keep you safe in the road, It is not a gt3 car, it is not a formula. I mean i bet 90% of the time, people who own an rs3 or focus rs doesn't go to track, you are not buying these to drift all day long in the neighborhood. Even if you wanted to, the rs3 and golf can be as fun as the RS (drifting wise). I appreciate the effort that has been put to make this road test, I just don't like the way they compare a "fast" hatchback with racing cars.

[-pcmr-]

Gotta say, owning a Focus ST has made me never want to buy another performance turbo/DI car from Ford again... Spent more time in the shop with that car (bought it brand new) and dealing with issues than I have enjoying the car in a good running state. First with the motor mount (they used a stock focus rear motor mount instead of something a little stronger), then map sensors going bad, then carbon buildup, and a bad wiring harness... all within the first 10k miles. Finally got that all sorted out at about 15k, and here I am, 33k and carbon buildup is back (and I dont buy cheap gas) radio is still malfunctioning almost daily, and my door sensor on the driver side went out... So yeah. Got to say, I'll be skipping the RS.

[jamdc]

If I had 40, 000pounds, i'd get the ford and 10, 000 pounds of fuel to go around

[azsori]

+1 for the Manual vs. Manual comparison (R & RS)

[NZsarge]

1. RS3
2. Golf R
3. AMG45
Would be my preference.

[Perkssssssss]

Price price price, fuck price if you want beast RS3 top!!!