Ford Focus vs Vauxhall Astra: household hatchbacks do battle

The Vauxhall Astra has gone by some large modifications in its life, however few have been fairly as radical because the transformation from the seventh era to the present automotive. A big a part of that stemmed from Vauxhall’s switch from Common Motors to PSA (now Stellantis) possession, so the Astra was a whole clean-sheet design – and never simply by way of the sharp exterior styling. 

Beneath the pores and skin, it makes use of the EMP2 platform that additionally underpins a variety of Peugeot, Citroen and DS fashions. That allowed the Astra to take a leap ahead by way of security help techniques, in-car tech and powertrains; within the case of the latter, it signifies that consumers can select from petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and even fully-electric variations. 

The latter are fairly dear, so until you’re an organization automotive person that can save money due to Profit-in-Variety deductions, we’d keep on with the 129bhp 1.2-litre petrol turbo. Paired with a six-speed handbook gearbox, it will get the job finished. Our real- world driving chalked up a gasoline effectivity determine of 47mpg for this mannequin, pipping its equal within the Focus line-up, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol, by 2.4mpg – not dangerous contemplating the Vauxhall additionally provides marginally stronger efficiency.

The final time we pitted the Focus towards the Astra was again in August 2022. On that event, the Vauxhall emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins over the Ford. Most spectacular was that each vehicles had the expertise to see off the Volkswagen Golf. 

Revisiting this pair once more confirms simply how shut this contest stays. The Ford manages to beat its rival in a single or two key areas; settle contained in the cabin, and also you would possibly suppose it doesn’t fairly supply the up to date really feel of its competitor, however that massive 13.2-inch infotainment show is extra intuitive to make use of than the Astra’s, whereas the Focus additionally has its rival crushed for rear legroom. Mercifully, not like another manufacturers, each vehicles have saved bodily buttons for the local weather controls. 

In relation to dealing with, the Ford continues to be the automotive to have. The best way that the Focus carves by bends with agility and composure has been an indicator of the badge ever because the first mannequin burst onto the scene in 1997. However this era of Astra runs the Ford nearer than any earlier mannequin relating to driver involvement, and it’s additionally slightly extra refined. Each vehicles have a reasonably agency trip by the final requirements of the category, however the Astra is healthier at insulating noise from suspension knocks.

When a few vehicles are as intently matched as these two, the tip consequence will usually be determined by funds, and right here it’s the Vauxhall that holds the higher hand. Decide our decisions from every vary – the Astra GS 1.2-litre petrol and the Focus Titanium 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol – and a consultant quote on a three-year PCP deal with a £5,000 deposit and a 12,000-mile annual restrict sees the Astra weigh in at £326 a month – £16 per 30 days lower than the Focus. 

Each have aggressive provides to tempt consumers, too. Vauxhall at the moment has a hefty deposit contribution of £3,450 on this mannequin, which is sufficient to offset the zero-per-cent finance out there to Focus consumers. If evaluating specs, the GS provides 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise management, a 360-degree parking digital camera and heated entrance seats – none of which the Focus Titanium has.

Outcomes

Our alternative: Vauxhall Astra

The most recent Astra is without doubt one of the most convincing vehicles to put on the badge, and the most effective within the present Vauxhall line-up. It’s good to drive, properly geared up and keenly priced. The vary of powertrains simply manages to swing issues the way in which of the Vauxhall on this contest.

Runner up: Ford Focus

The Focus loses right here, however solely by the narrowest of margins. In case you recognize in-car tech and commonly carry tall passengers, then it’s the automotive to have, however the Astra’s stronger worth and wider alternative of powertrains make it the higher total bundle.

Figures

Ford vs Vauxhall