Comparison Test : 2013 Ford Focus ST vs 2013 Opel Astra OPC
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Opel Astra OPC vs Ford Focus ST: A Hot Hatch Showdown
In the past, choosing a hot hatch meant walking down to the Volkswagen showroom to book your DSG Golf GTi. Options were limited, with only the Honda Civic Type R making a guest appearance. However, car manufacturers are now gradually bringing their offerings to the fast-growing hot hatch segment. We got our hands on two of the latest entrants – the Opel Astra OPC and the Ford Focus ST. Without giving too much away, one is a powerhouse, while the other is a bargain that’ll have you checking your bank balance. Which one takes the championship cup in this round? Let’s find out…
Style
In almost any combat sport, the first blow you land counts the most. It shows your opponent what you’re made of and often dictates the course of the fight. The Opel Astra OPC is a gorgeous car, showcasing a coupe-esque body style, beautifully swoopy lines, and handsome alloys. Its integrated exhausts and rear bumper design create a perfect balance of femininity and muscularity.
The Ford Focus ST, on the other hand, leans towards traditional hot hatch practicality with a 5-door body style. While it allows ease of access to the rear seats and slightly more boot space, it doesn’t compete visually with the Astra, particularly due to its gaping mouth design.
Winner: Opel Astra OPCInteriors and Features
Both the Opel Astra OPC and Ford Focus ST feature average interiors. They have excellent seats, but the overall cabin feels a bit bare. Both cars include Bluetooth, decent sound systems, and reverse cameras, but not much else. The Ford’s boost and pressure gauges atop the center console seem tacky, and both cars have an abundance of buttons. Material quality is average, failing to give the impression of premium pedigree.
Despite its additional doors, the Ford doesn’t provide any significant real-world extra space. The Opel feels roomier and more comfortable for both driver and passengers.
The Ford misses basics such as xenon lights, a must-have today. It’s surprising these features are available in other Focus versions but absent in this top-tier model.
Ultimately, the Opel wins due to its ambient lighting. This small touch enhances the cabin experience, and while rear passengers may initially find entry challenging, they’ll appreciate the additional shoulder room.
Winner: Opel Astra OPCDrive
This is where the competition intensifies. The Opel Astra provides a superior seating position, allowing for a low driving stance and excellent steering reach. In contrast, the Ford Focus ST seats hold you well but feel too high, similar to an SUV driving experience.
The Ford features a better gearbox, with both cars having 6-speed manuals. The Ford’s shift action is well-calibrated, while the Opel’s feels long and imprecise.
The Ford feels nimble with its 252bhp from the 2-litre turbo engine, though it can cause torque-steer. The heavier Opel Astra, with 280bhp and 400Nm of torque, outpowers the Ford, effortlessly overtaking most performance cars in a straight line. Its clever suspension minimizes torque steer despite its power.
While the Ford excels in tight technical sections, the Opel’s standard limited-slip differential provides immense stability and speed through corners.
In the end, both are fantastic performance hatchbacks, but the winner is determined by a technicality.
A hot hatch should be agile, responsive, and capable of thrilling performance. The Ford fits this mold perfectly, while the Opel, though fast, feels heavier and suffers from turbo-lag. The Ford’s playful nature makes it the choice for driving enthusiasts.
Winner: Ford Focus STPrice
Price is often a deciding factor in the hot hatch segment, where value for money is key. The Ford Focus ST is priced at AED 95,000, while the Opel Astra OPC costs upwards of AED 115,000. While the Opel has its merits, it cannot justify the higher price tag.
Winner: Ford Focus STOverall Verdict
If I were to choose a hot hatch, I’d still opt for the car that started the segment – the Golf GTi. Although it’s expensive, the MK7 is the best in this category.
That said, my heart is with the Opel. It’s stable at high speeds, has excellent cornering capabilities, and boasts a stunning design. However, it’s not the overall winner in this face-off.
As much as it pains me to say it, this round goes to the Ford Focus ST. Being the lighter car, it feels eager and responsive, embodying the playful spirit that defines the hot hatch segment. It’s the car that delivers joy at real-world speeds, and it does so at an unbeatable price.
