Comparison: Ford Focus RS v Subaru WRX STI v Volkswagen Golf R Track Test | CarAdvice Drive
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2016
- We put the 2016 Ford Focus RS up against the 2016 Subaru WRX STI and 2016 Volkswagen Golf R around Haunted Hills in Victoria. Well, we don't Australian rally driver Chris Atkinson does...
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All great cars... it just depends on which brand you like best. Buy what YOU like, not what someone else thinks about it.
They're all 3 cars that I considered when I was car shopping... I ended up going for the RS, but probably only for a few reasons:
The STi doesn't come as a hatchback... my whole reason for a new car was something more practical than the S2000 I had that was still fun. While the STi is certainly more practical than a S2000, the idea of a sedan just annoys me with the wasted airspace over the rear trunk. That's really the *only* reason I didn't go for the STi, since I prefer its AWD system (not as dynamic as the RS maybe, but certainly more robust... you can literally take a STi from the showroom, put some chunky tires on it, and go rallying). The engine is also a little disappointing, but I would already have known how to work on it.
The Golf R wasn't exciting enough for me. Definitely a well-rounded car, but a little too rounded for me since I was coming from a S2000... every review I read said that it was best driven at 8/10ths, but would disappoint if you took it to 10/10ths. After a S2000, that wouldn't do. Plus everytime you see a STi or RS (even the ST for the most part), it's *always* being driven by an enthusiast. For the Golf R it seems to be about half the time, and the other half of the time it's just some guy that doesn't really know much about cars, but had money to spend and bought the Golf R because it was the top of the Golf range.
The RS on the other hand is disappointing at 5-7/10ths, but then *really* delivers at 10/10ths. It has many flaws (the GPS and Bluetooth stopped working a week after I got it and still haven't been fixed, and the "overboost" function is just annoying since it makes getting full torque a little unpredictable when you mash the throttle... If the Mountune 375 tune gets the warranty green-light by Ford in the US I'm going to go for it), but 18000 miles in I'm still enjoying it. I have to agree with CarAdvice's road review that the RS doesn't fully deliver on the hype, though. It's only nearly as exciting as they say if you're driving like a *maniac* (and I've done some pretty crazy things on public roads). I've gone nuts in it a few times to try it out, but if I did it every day I would end up in jail. Its limits are so high even with the Super Sports that you have to not only be going way above the speed limit, but very aggressive with the steering to get the back end to come out and play with all of the assists off. That plus I know the drivetrain doesn't have the beefiness of a Subaru AWD system to handle much off-road play.
I think for long-term I'm going to go with a ~2012 Boxster Spyder for my on-road kicks (or just another S2000), and a heavily modified (~2" lift and slightly chunky tires, STi drivetrain), older model Impreza wagon or hatchback for my bad weather/off-road kicks.
+Matthew Brown - awesome feedback Matthew! Congrats on your purchase too.
So how did it go Matthew after all these yrs? Give us a follow up.
3rd generation sti 08-14 come in hatchback with the fastest sti track times
I'm really glad these comparison reviews are popping up. It's nice to see these competitors being pushed.
People should step back from the raw lap times and instead look at the car's dynamics and composure. Which one is the the most sorted and balanced? Which has quirks that you end up fighting against? Talk about things like driver inputs and feedback from the car. Talk about suspension setup, damping, total travel, and interactions with the bump stops or lifting tires. Talk about perceivable chassis stiffness (or lack), bushing selection and their effect on dynamic changes, slop, and variation between lighter driving and hard driving. Often a car feels very different driven at 7/10ths versus 10/10ths. Detail the experience. Driving sports cars is seldom about raw numbers. It has a lot more to do with feel and the overall experience to drive.
I'm glad this video hinted at some of these aspects, but I do often wish reviews went into more detail and really discussed all the little aspects. I walk away from a lot of these shootouts with so little tangible information. It's bad when I can watch a dozen reviews on a single car, and at the end I can't tell you in any detail how the car drives or feels. Again, I'm glad this video hinted at some aspects. It's more than many reviewers do.
+Xmvw2X
Absolutely!
The numbers and 'ring times are like click bait. These little snapshots are nice but a one lap dash won't tell what they're like to live with.
Atko could definitely provide detailed insight. Give him each car for a month so he can take it to a few different tracks in a variety of conditions including daily duties and backroads.
He could give the car to his Mrs/significant other for a week, many buyers have a +1 to consider when purchasing who have different preferences. This would give you a bit of balance to go with the enthusiast aspects.
As it is you have join a forum and chat with owners to understand the ownership experience which takes weeks, possibly multiple forums and varying results.
If you don't look back at your car when walking away after you've parked it you've bought the wrong car.
Good points. I've test driven all the above (was considering purchasing) and while I agree with your sentiment, it's very hard to put into words the different driving dynamics. That being said - they are all VERY different. I honestly enjoyed them all. STi sounds the best in my opinion. I truly hate the exhaust pops on the RS and R; they sound synthetic and amateurish. I think they all look decent, though I prefer understated/ sleeper, so R is a win there for me. Comfort wise - R wins hands down. Usability/space - R again wins hands down. That being said, STi was had a more comfortable interior (for me ) than the RS. If I tracked the cars, I'd probably build out an STi with forged internals and turn the boost up. For everyday living, the R is a no brainer for me. It's fast enough on public roads, can rip around corners nicely, and will plow it's way through 8-10" of snow where I live with a set of Bilzzaks. As I drove all 3, the RS and R felt truly quick/fast, yet the STi felt significantly slower. Perhaps my seat of the pants meter is off, but after several test drives in each, I just couldn't get the STi to feel as quick as the other two around town. The RS was simply too choppy on public roads for me, and I've had such good experience with my past two GTIs, that the VW makes sense. I also take longer road trips a few times a year, and the thought of spending 8-10 hours in the RS....no thank you. At the limit, the RS and STi are winners, though I'm sure with some dialing in of the R's suspension it can keep up more often than not. It's all personal preference. All 3 are great little cars. For me, the R makes sense. If the STi were to offer a hatch with a newer motor, that might sway the tide some.
I test drove all three and bought the RS and absolutely love it!
Put all three on the Cup tires!
Exactly... everyone carries on about how quick it is around a track and its on Cup 2s.
At least Ford offers it though. I'm not mad at them for it. Drift mode on the other hand is a good reason id never buy it. 🤔
Yeh... true, although you can just buy them... they arent ideal for daily use... I put Supersports on my RS3, those are great compared to the stock Pirelli rubbish.
just don't push the button. problem solved
No, that's missing the point.
The editing on this is fantastic! Love the static cameras and cuts between them.
One of the best comparison videos I've seen, great job. Be nice to see a similar comparison on the road to compare them as enthusiast daily drivers.
Thanks for watching!
I'm glad I chose the sti. sharp car that like myself has matured over the years. it's refined and the best looking of the bunch which is subjective but how I feel!! cheers
well in my opinion you can't go wrong with the RS or STi, but i definitly wouldn't buy the golf tho
Geoff /// M Nelson Well said. A sensible comment for once. Mature drivers are able to enjoy performance cars without driving like idiots, yet when you read half the comments on videos like this, it makes me wonder how many people have been done for speeding.
Best video on the subject by far, good job !!
Happy to say I just go the RS 2018 LE red, awesome car !!
the amount of shit the new sti gets, with its old engine yet here it is. very very impressed. and as for the Ford Focus rs, what can I say lol, the thing is an absolute beast. a few mods on that Subaru for the price you'd pay for that Golf R and you lap time would be even higher.
Outdoor Layne true but I'm reading a lot about the eco boost and apparently it's already maxed out from factory too ...tbh there's only so much you can do to any 4 cylinder ..but the EJ needs an update like now ..
UgenixK on the volkswagen ur paying for the gearbox and the comfort over performance
Goon yes i agree. its DCT and interior is probably best in class. prefer it to the A class too.
literally if you took the pilot super sports on the RS and put em on the STI, you'd prob get a better time than the RS.
Goon this one had the pilot sport cup 3 those are track tires so it's like 3 leagues ahead of the stock tires on the STi where the super sports would be 1-2 leagues
Great review, and loved the track, looks so much fun to drive on!
Subscribed ;)
Equip the sti with the hp and tire package as the rs, and i bet the results would favor the sti. Regardless, props to Ford making this car backed up with a warranty! As Subaru would void the powertrain warranty attempting to match the rs's power level.
hard decision between the R and RS for me, but I've got with the RS prioritising the driving experience over luxury
great Review Boys! thanks
Amazing! Thanks for a good car review!
This was such a cool video!
PLEASE! put some better tires on the STi and compare it to the RS! Changing the tires on my '15 STi to pilot super sports was a world of difference. Much more overall corner speed and loads more confidence! I can't imagine how much better it would be with a set of cup 2's.
On a track that short, probably be good for .75-1.00 second lap improvement. Would make it a real even race.
Great video guys, looks like a great fun little track
Cheers Blake, it most definitely is :)
Blake Currall I would love to see a comparison between these three cars on the same tires. I would like to see as much of the driver error if you will removed from the comparison as possible.
I love the Focus RS!!! Ford did an awesome job with this car!!!
How bout with the DSG?
i had a focus rs on order and after driving it and the wrx sti, i went for the sti, much better package.
Except for the 2.5 engine which likes melting piston rings and blowing head gaskets. Got to be 2.0 JDM twin scroll for me. Still have one over a Golf R though much more of a driver's car
lol I have a ej25 an the head gaskets went as soon as I bought it
You need to factor the wages and business costs in the country the car is built , the wrx sti built in japan not Europe why it's not worth the money
Same reason a hsv clubsport lsa . Cost more to build than a camero zr1 with 660 hp in USA for $61000 USd . Because of labor and corrupt trade unions in Australia make it hard for manufactures to give value to Consumers without making a loss .
Giving one car a massive advantage pretty much ruined what could have been an awesome test. I'd still go the Golf personally. I'm a nana driver so I wouldn't notice any meaningful difference in performance.
So, when's the rematch with the stickier tires on the subaru? I hear a bunch of youtubers say that but nobody follows through really.
before i say anything it must be said that I am a subie fan boy and own a current gen sti. With that being said the R lost a lot of time on the last double apex turn before the finish because it seemed ahead of the sti for most of the lap. With that said i could't tell you why it lost that time.
Another thing is the focus RS launch control, tires ooooo the tires make a huge difference, and the electronic torque vectoring instead of the mechanical diffs make it much fasster than the sti. I believe the STi could do just as well with tires and launch control alone.
In conclusion the focus comes with the better and tires from factory. That makes it the faster car. In the end i think its up to the driver to make all the difference in a race between these cars bc the margin is so close and swapping tires on any of the cars would make a second difference.
well you couldn't go wrong with an STI or an RS, so +1
So basically, if I change my tires to some more stickys on my 16 sti, I am capable of being just as fast as an RS. Good to know.
Pretty much - but stay tuned and we'll put it to the test.
im not 100% sure, but i'm pretty sure you will be a little bit slower still. but then again i could be wrong.
He didnt turn off Stability Management off all the way on the Golf R or else he would have an "ESC OFF" icon on the bottom right of the center screen on the dash.
Pickle Ahoy still gives me no reason to believe an FWD with occasional torque to the rear can do well on track
That's what most reviewers thought about the Honda Type R (suprise!) and that is all time FWD
it hits awd with a mere 15° difference between drives and turns power to the rear wheels very quickly, it often applies torque when driven aggressively.
Denchanter357 a good reference is the fifth gear video of the golf R vs the sti
You do realize the focus RS is also FWD until it decides to send power to the back. Don't get me wrong, it's got a brilliant system that controls it, however looking at the basics it's the same style system.
Is it bad that I still want to get the slowest one of the three?
Only wish these test were carried out with same rubber ,wheels sizes. Would interesting rerun with latest models. Remember Ford had 2addition years of Development, when it would has been repeated tested by Ford against the other two. Much closer on identically shod cars, which indicated to me that Ford didn't really make massive gains for their investment. Off track as a daily nothing at all.
More video like this!!!
pilot sport cup 2 vs dunlop sport maxx rt / conti sport contact 5. i can already see a winner just by the tyre selection!
So who wins?
After tires..dsg?..after dsg..what? Always excuses...RS is better, faster...put some cowboy boots on ursan bolt..he will still beat ur ass..BOOM
Excellent.
Yeah the RS is great and it seems it set the time in Normal mode not the more aggressive Track, Drift or even Sport mode...
impreza
why would you use launch control in the Focus but not in the Golf R? You do realise that there is launch control in the R? That's why the R bogged down at launch. If you're gonna do a comparison, please make sure its a fair one.
The golf r have lunch control in the automatic not in the manuell😂
Dennis Höla that just proves you no nothing:)
launch control does not always translate fastest of the line... a good driver can launch a car just as good or at times even better than what launch control can do. I have seen some cars do better 0-100 times without launch than with their factory launch control.
its interesting to me that they used the slower golf r (at least off the line). i wonder how the dsg would have stacked up here... especially if they used equivalent tires on each.
Still looking for a video/comparison where the Focus RS loses.. guess I have to buy one then!
Got a 2020 wrx, NOT because I think,it's faster or better but because I wanted to get out if old dying car I had before but owed money on still. I'm saving for trade in and if the new sit comes out with a disappointing increase over current sit, I'm going to definitely shop around for a rs. I think the head gasket issue was mainly sorted out by the 2018 model.
Look in car wow it lost to rs3 and amg
Where's the rematch with stickier rubber on the Subaru? :->
Soon...
CarAdvice.com Bonzer! (I think that's what you antipodean chaps say anyway)
I'm looking forward to the rematch as well....please hurry haha
CarAdvice.com
please keep us posted about the rematch
Flow Man This is a stock car race. If they change stuff on the STI, then they'd be able to change stuff on the RS. So the RS would still whoop up on the STI!!! I've always loved the STI but I'm extremely impressed with the Focus RS and would rather buy the RS over the STI.
Now be very careful with the Focus RS in the Down Under, guys...
Rumors have it that it's a driver's car...
😆
I like track videos as they show what's possible; however, my commute is not on a track, it's on regular city streets/expressways. How do these cars handle compare in everyday life, not just track life (which for most of us never happens).
Great comparison, however the 3 screen pip is not very purposeful....and what a weird track, does it allow for overtakes? The lanes are so narrow
The RS is a much better car than the others.
Beats them both easily, and the more corners you have the faster the RS goes.
Subaru's have a tendency to understeer big time, not a good thing when trying to go round corners quickly.
Doug Maverick Beats them both? On a racetrack yes, but how often will you be on one of those eh? Drive like that on public roads and you deserve a ban. This is the big problem with those who buy performance cars. Too many immature drivers who cannot simply enjoy them without being childish about 0-60 times etc. Bikers are the same. Incapable of sticking to the speed limit.
I dont see that they ever did the rematch. Doubt it would have changed the results though.
Why not the R with DSG it's faster than the Manual ......
Focus RS is a bad little dude!!!
what about the evolotin final edition
Focus RS the best
DSG golf r would have beaten the sti and possibly could have edged out the focus or at least been closer to it
The everyday person is not going to be driving the car on the track! what is the best car overall for the road?
Great point! You can read our road comparison of the trio here:
www.caradvice.com.au/479211/ford-focus-rs-v-subaru-wrx-sti-v-volkswagen-golf-r-comparison-road-test/
not to hate but, only a pro driver will drive a car that good. most of us will not notice tiny differences like that (except tires). those cars are beast! !
Will someone please ask Subaru to put cup tires on the damn STI so we can finally settle this???
+Vaping Saves Lives - we'll do it. Stay tuned!
@@Drivecomau please do the Golf R and the civic type R with the RS and the STI to see how close all of them really are.
Reliability should be first priority. What good is a car If it's 15-20k miles worse on falling apart?
how can a FORD FOCUS WIN that car needs to FOCUS
the R will always kind of bog down with the manual but the dsg has launch control with a 0-60 time 0f 4.7 same as the RS.
DSG also costs 1.1k more, which is money that can be used on light performance mods
that's true although 1k spread through out your payments won't make much of a difference. I would choose the RS anyways but unfortunately they're insanely expensive where I am.
now try the Golf R with DSG
so basically all that power in the RS is lost and it needs those tires to make up for it.
Don't really like it when people compare cars that are somewhat similar but have one or two points that actually puts them apart quite a bit and hen rank them up.
Example would be having about the same horsepower but one having a way worse power to weight ratio.
In this case that would be the tires. If you want to really compare the cars, equip them with the same tires. Who buys a car for the tires it comes with anyway? (Except those helium filled ones on the GTR maybe, those are special lol)
We compare the cars as they come from the showroom. But stay tuned as we'll fit a set of the sticky Michelins to the Subaru for a rematch...
Well yes at least you pointed it out but still kind of ... meh...
Waiting for your video about the rematch.
Run a control tyre for all three and run the golf in its made to match DSG, you will see a totally different outcome. to be honest the RS is quicker, but 12 months after I purchase, I know what car I'd rather be driving, and I think you do too.
The R is slower 0-60 in DSG as well, and its power delivery isn't geared for track work.
I have driven all 3 plus the new FK2 CTR. The R would be the last car I'd want out of the 4. It's subtle, rides well. Interior is so so, but it's not involving to drive and the power delivery is just unexciting. It was by far the most underwhelming and unrewarding car to drive.
interior is so so on the Golf R???? i think its the best out of all of them tbh, also, lets make something clear here... if you are buying any one of these cars just for the track then you are wasting your time... money could be well spent else where for a dedicated track car... for the better part all 3 or 4 (including the Type R) will see the majority of their lives on the street, and for that reason, Im specifically calling out the Golf R as a long term choice.
Interior soso? lmao its better than any honda,ford or subie every made.
Nonsense comment by a Golf owner no doubt. If you want a nice interior buy a BMW or (better) Audi.
The Golf really isn't anything special and the seats in the R are just horrible compared to the Focus shell seats - the Type R seats aren't bad, although the dash in the Honda is a bit hit and miss.
The Golf didn't feel well screwed together to me either, sun visor felt like it was going to come off in my hand when I went to use it, but you know what, I bought the car to drive and enjoy.
If economy and comfort were a concern I'd have bought an A5 or a 320d!
what ever the resolt the STI rally sexy car love it as sport and family car ❤
bet you the evo X final edition will do a better time than all of them.
sheldon rhooms woah, get outa here with that demon talk
Subaru WRX STI needs a new engine. A seriously massive update. EJ25 is just too old and the power is lagging behind Ford Focus.
Intel & Nvidia SUXXZZZ!!! Its not all about speed. Most people will use these for daily driving, commuting, shopping, Sunday drives etc. Ive had a clean license for 30 years, and it is possible to drive fast AND drive within the speed limit. Its all about the overall experience you can have, and boils down to which car the individual prefers the look of, and how it feels. For me, its the Subaru, and it will last a lot longer than the other two.
Japanese wages higher than Europe . Why cost to much to upgrade engine at the same price . you want more power pay more for it
Intel & Nvidia SUXXZZZ!!!
Thats Crap. The engine is good, but the tires were trash. Also ford have 350HP subaru 305 HP (294HP the one used in video)
Also only few people can get it to it's limits, because it harder to drive it, compared to focus or VW
Razvan J, Ford is made in US, but all the engine parts are delivered from china. Litteraly nothing of engine bay is made in US.
And also the main target of Focus (since MK1) is european market. Because we don't need such a big cars as are mostly used in US (which are pain to drive in europe)
Europe was always more of cars that are sporty, they have reasonable amount of power.
And Ford is american, but they are made in europe, and they even have factory in china. So it's american, not made in America.
Also, for driving experience, for me Subaru WRX STI was far better experience than Ford Focus RS (ST wasn't released yet).
50000 usd more like it with 400hp . The cs400 was 50000 pounds brand new
What a track
I'd take the STI,reliable.
Great, if I ever need the fastest (barely) small AWD Hatch around a tiny and twisty race track, I will want the RS.
Funny how far car publications have to go in creating improbable scenarios where the Focus RS will dominate and win- "but, but, it's quickest around a race track!!"
I'll have the Golf R please...
Nice focus rs commercial... How much Ford paid for it? I understand that rs can be faster, but compare sti to R that has the same time, unreal...
What a waste of time and fuel. For a proper comparison they all need to have the same tires. That will then give you a controlled test. Shit I would even do three different runs. All season tires, extreme high performance summer tires and then slicks on a dry track of course. That will really give you an idea of where these great machines stand.
Um - nope.
All cars ran on their factory/showroom issue tyres. The fact that Ford offer the Pilot Cup II rubber is something that is unique to them. To run the VW and Subaru on non-standard rubber changes the game in many ways for a new-car comparison test.
That said - we will be running an STI against an RS, on the same tyres, to see how the Sube goes with more grip.
CarAdvice.com the fact that ford offers cup 2 tires is nice but it cost an extra 2k$. Which is a pretty big chick of change for "better" wheels and sticky rubber. I under stand it's a off the showroom floor comparison even if it's wasn't in the description. I'm just saying, no shit the car with the best tire is quickest. Apples to apples man.
Oh and if I'm "um,wrong" why are you doing it again with the cars on the same rubber? Less the VWR.
Cup or not...RS is faster....tires..after dsg...after what?
I have focus
1sec ?im staying with subaru
996 TT for a few more $ 😈
the golf r just screaming, burning up the front tyres
All other tests show the Golf R is faster than the STI on tracks.
th-cam.com/video/c6NqWm7yMvs/w-d-xo.html
sti wins everywhere.
Sti is also detuned in Australia.
Golf r is detuned by 22kw for australia
James Lovett You're joking right?
Hmmmm....which tests?
Golf R slower
"the old fuckus RS"
The sti is still what I would get I mean the rs is a ford 😬
RS
Now, coming from a professional driver..RS clear winner..no more excuses coming from golf r fan boys....awesome review
Are you guys nuts? You have 3ea. $40,000.00 cars that are all slower than a $33,000.00 Mustang GT. What is the point? Anyone buying these cars i have some ocean front property for sale in Utah. hahahaha!
Try those numbers again? 33k is a base Mustang GT, nowhere nearly loaded. These cars start about 35-36k. The Focus RS does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, which is tied with the Mustang (some people have managed 4.5). The Mustang does the 1/4 mile in just over 13 seconds, same as the RS (I've seen a 12.9 from a stock RS in the right conditions).
This is just in a straight line in warm, dry weather... when you introduce corners or wet pavement, all 3 of these cars will obliterate a Mustang. On the damp track they shot this video on for example, a Mustang GT would've been at least 3-4 seconds slower. It may have a lot more power, but it also weighs more and can't put its power down nearly as well (plus it's not nearly as practical).
LOL @ Mustang GT. Good luck getting around that course as fast as these guys.
Remember too - prices are quoted in Australian Dollaridoos.
wrx sti is 37k in usa
This video is clearly bias for the Focus RS...
How so? It won fair and square.
LOL...just about every car review and videos show the RS beating the R.
Face it, Ford made a good car. Sorry VW fanboys.
+MrThePrivateer actually, I've seen a few other videos with the golf bogging down. i think it was the video were their was a drag race between the Focus RS, VW Golf R and Honda Civic Type R.
have to agree with privateer, the dsg is faster, and the tires if they were equivalent as well i highly doubt the RS would have come out as far ahead as it did.
What's cool about the RS is how at around 7,000 miles the engine block cracks...
Mine as 26k...still waiting
How about you put the same runner on all three cars to begin with!??? Bloody useless....
The Subaru is such an old fashioned, out of date creaky package for everyday use compared to the other two. In the real world and ownership it's like a dinosaur, really it is. The RS is the best driver's car, the Golf R is the best everyday car and the Subaru needs to end production because it's outclassed as an ownership proposition in 2016.
R with good tires works well compared to the RS, mayyyybe with an engine tune as well. also they were testing the slower manual, which plays quite a bit into it here.
Denchanter357 the Golf is very good. It's very sensible. It handles and looks nice enough, but it isn't all that interesting. The RS is more fun to drive as it feels more rear biased (and it is) although you trade a teeny bit of everyday usability and practicality versus the Golf. Smaller trunk for example. For me this is why the Focus RS wins. The Golf makes a lot of sense though so you can hardly put it down, just my personal feeling it is a bit well....... dull.
agreed, i do like the rs's awd system a bit better, but the haldex fits my use case a bit better.
as for me, dull exterior is exactly what i want... a sleeper look that doesn't alert cops to pull that guy over. even considering removing or disguising any exterior badging of any kind.
P GR Obviously thats just your opinion, but creaky? The car will be more reliable, and will be tough as old boots. Subarus are built to last, and for me I would buy the STI for that reason. VW reliability is poor, and the other is a Ford so that says it all really.
Much higher running costs and poorer fuel economy, turbo laggy engine, terrible emissions, stone age interior and ride quality. It's from another age, or specifically about 10 years ago! It is amazing Subaru even dare pitch this model at this price against these cars as an ownership proposition. Sit inside them and drive individually and tell me the Subaru doesn't feel horribly dated in so many ways.
Subaru just haven't developed this car or spent money on it's platform to modernize like Ford and VW have with theirs.
if you buy a performance car based primarily on it's reliability then I question your priorities.
It's not 1953 where the Ford and VW could break down every few miles, let's put this into perspective, they are proven reliable cars.
Golf most boring interior of all
VW automatically loses because its indicator stalk is on the wrong side.
Now be very careful with the Focus RS in the Down Under, guys...
Rumors have it that it's a driver's car...
😆