VW Golf v Ford Focus v Honda Civic v Astra review

We’ve pulled together four of the best small cars money can buy, and Mat’s about to find out which one is right for you!

It’s fair to say all four of these cars are pretty recognisable. We’ve got the world-famous VW Golf, the Ford Focus, the Vauxhall (Opel) Astra, and the Honda Civic. The question is, in a crowded small car market, which one stands out the most?

For example, when it comes to price, all four are evenly matched. Entry-level versions of each car start from around £25,000 for the Golf and Astra, rising to £27,000 & £29,000 for the Focus and Civic respectively. Additionally, all the cars here (apart from the Civic) come with a whole host of engine and trim options to choose from.

Thankfully, Mat’s here to give all four cars a full in-depth review! He'll be checking out their designs, practicality, interiors, and what they’re like to drive. And in each case, he’ll compare them all against each other before deciding on an overall winner!

The question is, which one is your favourite? Let us know in the COMMENTS!

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:17 Price
00:58 Design
02:03 Interior
07:52 Back Seats
11:15 Boot
13:10 Engine
14:05 Driving: Astra
15:39 Driving: Focus
17:06 Driving: Golf
18:40 Driving: Civic
21:05 Verdict

[carwow]

What's the best car in this line-up? VOTE BELOW!

[callum]

Shows how ridiculous the SUV market has become when you're calling a Golf, Focus and Civic a 'small' car.

[TheSummoner]

I remember a time when these cars would have been considered anything but small.

[lucaspunzengruber]

Hey Matt! I personally really value a nice stereo system in a car, but the sound systems are hardly ever covered. Could you please include your opinion on the car's speakers in the future?

[milinddixit]

I think the Astra looks good in that grey. Looks like a stealth fighter jet.

[dennisanderberg]

Personally I really enjoy these videos when Mat goes through ups and downs with different cars. Keep up the great works carwow!

[actionreplay]

I brought the Honda Civic on October. It is by far the best car i've driven. My previous car was a Audi A4 Avant Blackedition. So that just goes to show how good this new Civic is. It is winning awards left right and centre for car of the year awards.

If anyone is thinking of a new car- Definately go for the Civic Advance model. Comes with leather seats with full electric controls, panoramic/sun roof, Bose sound system, adaptive matrix lights.

This is the first car that I want to get in and just drive around- thats how good it is.

[tomis]

Finally Matty boy getting back to your roots by presenting everyday cars for mere mortals :D
I still can't afford them but you get the idea :))

[Aatishk]

The new Civic does look much better than the previous gen when it comes to looks, even though it wasn't MAJOR. But possible a future purchase.

[tjones]

Brought the Civic in advance trim
I agree, best car in all areas.
Plus the leather, sun roof, bose sound system plus more.
Take one for a test drive and see the difference.
Love the car!

[edsmith]

I had the Focus as a courtesy car last month and was how shocked how good it was
It's a hot hatch by all intents and purposes

[BrechtPallemans]

I absolutely agree, I drive a Honda and they're just amazingly well designed cars

[ZayndiYusupov]

I’ve been a long time Golf fan, but I totally agree that the new Civic is a King today! I’m getting one very soon😍

[kenshin]

Would like to see an updated vid on actual small cars like the Aygo/Yaris/i20/208/Fit and whatever Skoda/others have.

[timkudryavtsev]

I wonder why Mazda3 is not part of this list. At least hatch version. Great video lads.

[robertsmiff]

My choice would be the Civic. Having said that, after a disaster in September at Gatwick with multiple cancelled flights, I ended up hiring a Golf Estate to drive to Edinburgh. It was SO comfortable and great on the motorway. With 5 adults and luggage, going uphill into Scotland it averaged 58mpg - incredible! And... no sore backs! Yipee!

[yasinosaurus]

Matt posted a video comparing astra, golf and focus in 2017 I think.

He said the best among them was the astra. So I got one. Drove it happily for 4 years.

Another video in 2022 comparing similar cars and says civic is the best.

I am now shopping for a car and will probably get the honda.

Thank you.

[frantotti]

For me, Opel- Vauxhall Astra is the best looking car between four cars.

[maestro]

I hoped to find the Mazda 3 because of the looking, the interior, the chassis and the engine... Maybe in the next video...

[eppyz]

The Civic is a bigger car. In the USA the Golf is still considered a "Compact" where the Civic is classified as a "Large" car. So the Civic feels bigger because well it's a bigger car.