Both the 2017 Ford Focus RS and the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R are among the hottest hot hatches in the market today. Providing dual-purpose options as both high-performance vehicles and daily commuters, let's check out whether the American power beats the German precision.
The only thing common between these two hot hatches are that they have powerful turbocharged engines with AWD and are based on commuter cars. So, which one is better in the hot hatch war in north America?
Engine. The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R is still powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline four. Volkswagen claims that it pumps out 292 horses kicking in at a low 1,900 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent to the four wheels via a Haldex AWD, which VW calls 4MOTION.
Manual or automatic transmissions are options for this hot hatch. Thanks to its AWD system, the Golf R can rush a 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds. But turbo lag is a factor, barely though.
Meanwhile, 2017 Ford Focus RS, having been already popular with the masses but hasn't set foot in the US, this hot hatch packs a 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 350 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. Its engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending power to all wheels. Featuring a torque-vectoring system, it sends that hot hatch for a 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds faster than the Golf R.
Fuel economy. Now, since these hot hatches are daily commuters, fuel economy is another factor to take into consideration. The 2017 Ford Focus RS, although faster than the Golf, has a rating of 19 mpg for city and 25 for highway, whereas the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R has a 23mpg for city driving and 30 for highway (auto.).
Exterior. Now, we'll skip the interior as both are tied to somewhat the look as any commuters they were based on. There isn't anything that would set them apart. But, of course, it will be up to your taste regarding the interior.
The 5-door 2017 Ford Focus RS features a trapezoid-shaped grille flanked by Bixenon headlights on the sides, stretching far down and wide wheel arches on the sides for 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped with Michelin tires. There are vertically mounted fog lights mimicking Kia's Pro'Ceed on the bumper.
Notable also are two large air intakes found on each side of the small front bumper. Out back are huge aerodynamic diffusers enhancing the vehicles downforce and reducing drag, flanked by twin exhaust tips on both sides.
On one hands, if the Focus was a bit understated, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R is loud, but still maintains that minimalistic clean look. Its gargantuan grille features larger air inlets with an "R" logo resting on the grille. It sports unique 18-inch wheels. Out back is a unique diffuser and minimum badging.
Pricing. AutoGuide reports that when it comes to base price, the Golf R has an advantage with only $43,410 (for Canada) and $41,110 (US). The Focus RS begins at $44,240 (US) and $50,664 (Canada).
Verdict. Although the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R isn't as powerful as the 2017 Ford Focus RS, it boasts overall refinement for a pleasant daily use. So, which one truly deserves your hard-earned cash? You be the judge between the low-key, commuter-friendly automatic with a more comfortable suspension of the Golf R or the sportiness and usefulness of the Focus RS.
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