Comparison Between Opel Astra OPC and Ford Focus ST
Five years ago, if you wanted to buy a beautiful hatchback, your only option was to head to a Volkswagen showroom to book a GTi. There were not many alternatives in this category apart from the Honda Civic Type R. However, car manufacturers have recently showcased their prowess in this rapidly growing segment. We tested two new contenders in this market – the Opel Astra OPC and the Ford Focus ST. We won't reveal the results just yet, but let's just say one is a powerhouse, while the other might require a check on your bank account. So, which one will win this round? Let’s find out…
Design
In any combat sport, it's said that the first strike is the most crucial. It showcases your abilities to your opponent and gives them an idea of what to expect. Opel’s first impression made a strong impact on the Ford. Perhaps it's due to its coupe-like silhouette or its unexpected design. Regardless of the reason, the Opel is stunning. The body is meticulously sculpted, the alloy wheels are striking, and the rear brake adds a touch of elegance. The rear exhaust gives the car a balanced look between feminine curves and a masculine stance.
The Ford Focus ST resembles older hatchbacks, combining a five-door layout with an uninspiring engine. While this design facilitates access to the rear seats and increases trunk space, it fails to enhance the car's aesthetic appeal. Bright colors suit the vehicle better and showcase the beauty of its alloy wheels, but it's not enough to rival the Astra's allure, especially from the front.
Winner:
Opel Astra OPC.
Interior and Features
Both cars feature an average-quality interior. The driver’s seat is comfortable in both, but the rest feels bland. They both come equipped with Bluetooth, a decent sound system, and a rearview camera, but that’s about it. The Ford has subpar gauges, and both vehicles have scattered buttons on the dashboard. The materials used are mediocre, and neither car will convince you that they belong to a more luxurious class, even though the GTi is known for this kind of deception.
Despite having more doors, the Ford doesn’t actually provide more space. It merely offers easier access to the back. However, the Astra feels more spacious and comfortable for both the driver and passengers. The Ford also lacks some basic features like xenon headlights, which are essential today. Strangely, these are available in other Ford models, along with a self-parking system. The absence of these in a model that is supposed to be one of their flagship cars is odd.
As for the Astra, what gives it an edge is the ambient lighting. It’s a simple touch, but the red illumination enhances the overall feel. While rear seat access might annoy passengers, they will appreciate the interior space.
Winner:
Opel Astra OPC.
Driving Experience
This section is challenging. This is the longest paragraph, and choosing a winner was difficult.
The seating position in the Opel Astra is superior – you sit lower, and the steering wheel is angled towards you, providing an ideal driving posture. The Ford has seats that hold you in place better, but they’re too high, making you feel as if you're driving an SUV.
However, the Ford features better gear ratios. Both cars have six speeds, but the Astra's gear response is sluggish and imprecise, whereas the Ford's is good and feels balanced. The Ford is light, and its 252 horsepower from the 2-liter turbo engine provides an exhilarating torque feel. The heavier Astra won't make you feel that speed, but its 280 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque surpass Ford's power and can challenge other cars on straightaways. Additionally, the smart suspension won’t make you feel the torque steer despite the massive power.
The Ford still excels in technical aspects, largely due to the heavier feel of the Astra; however, the Astra competes with a limited-slip differential that the Ford lacks, offering stability and speed in corners.
Winner:
Let’s be honest, both are excellent hatchbacks, and the winner will depend on who offers better technology.
Sporty hatchbacks need to be precise and instill some fear in more expensive cars on the road. This is where the Ford shines. The Astra is fast and powerful but lacks turbo response and feels heavy. The Ford dances and sways as you accelerate.
Winner:
Ford Focus ST.
Pricing
This is one of the most critical factors, isn’t it? This section explains why we don’t fill our garages with luxurious Italian and stylish British cars. The hatchback segment is all about value for money. A car for all occasions without emptying your bank account.
The Ford is the smarter choice here, costing 95,000 AED, while you would need to add over 20,000 AED to purchase the Opel. Although I lean more towards the Opel, there’s no justification for its significantly higher price compared to the Ford.
Winner:
Ford Focus ST.
Conclusion
And the winner is............ To be honest, if the choice was mine, I would still opt for the German Golf GTi. It may be pricier – around 135,000 AED – but it remains the best car in this category.
But let’s set Volkswagen aside. I won’t deny that I preferred the Opel more – its stability at speed, cornering prowess, and stunning looks. However, at the end of the day, it is not the winner.
The champion is the Ford Focus ST. Its lightness and agility make it a pleasure to drive. The price of this Ford makes it the ultimate victor in this challenge.
