Whatever many motorists say, the compact car class will live forever. Where such confidence? - you ask yourself a question. We answer: the advantages of such cars are much greater than the disadvantages: minimal consumption, ease of parking, maneuverability, comfort, and you can list it endlessly.
Among the clear leaders of this class, Opel Astra and Ford Focus should be highlighted. But which of the presented car is better to buy, we will try to figure it out now. Moreover, let's make a reservation right away, we will not arrange a test drive for representatives of the latest generations, let's talk about those whose test of time has proven that they deserve to be called the best, in particular, we will talk about the Opel Astra H and Ford Focus III.
First of all, let's say that they are related by the country of origin. Despite the fact that Opel is home to Germany, and Ford is the United States, these models are currently being produced from the conveyors of Russian factories, thus making their purchase more affordable. This is where the similarities end, so it's time to talk about their individual benefits.
Appearance
Opel Astra is a car with an appearance that will appeal to both women and men of all ages and orientations. A streamlined roof, wide base, small overhangs, stylish optics and embossed contours of arches, you must agree, a handsome man.
The exterior of the Ford Focus is also quite attractive - classic lines in symbiosis with modern design elements will not leave anyone indifferent to this model.
Which car is more beautiful at first glance is rather difficult to say, and we will not pursue this goal, because in any case the result will not be devoid of subjectivity, so decide for yourself which car is more representative.
Speaking about appearance, it will not be superfluous to add that both the first and the second participant of today's comparative test are produced in several body versions, namely: a sedan and a hatchback. Depending on your wishes, you can choose the option that best suits your needs.
Salon
In the interior of the Ford Focus, exclusively high-quality materials were used, the build quality is also at a height, moreover, depending on the configuration, the manufacturer also offers an impressive range of options, which makes the stay in the car comfortable and functional.
The interior of the Opel Astra will satisfy the requirements of even the most discerning buyer. The materials used in the decoration will delight with their softness and aesthetics, and the door panels, decorated with artificial leather, will add sophistication to the atmosphere. All this is harmoniously complemented by comfortable chairs and a rich set of options.
Engine and transmission
The third generation Ford Focus in the dealer network is presented with an engine line consisting of four gasoline and one diesel engines with the following characteristics: 1.6 (85 HP), 1.6 (125 HP), 1.6 ( 105 HP), 2.0 (150 HP) and 2.0 (250 HP). The model is aggregated with either a five-speed mechanics or a six-speed automatic.
Opel Astra is not replete with a choice of engines, there are only a couple: a 1.6-liter 115-horsepower and a 1.8-liter 140-horsepower. As a transmission, both a mechanical five-speed and an automatic four-band are offered.
The cost
And finally, one should touch upon such an important factor when buying a car, as its cost.
The price tag on the Ford Focus III sedan is 542,000 rubles, on the hatchback - 532,000 rubles.
The price of the Opel Astra sedan starts at 613,900 rubles, the hatchback is slightly cheaper - from 603,000 rubles.
How to please with a gift? Presenting a luxurious bouquet - this method is still quite effective, although rather hackneyed. Or maybe do something extravagant for a dear person? For example, invite somewhere and portray something unimaginable, non-standard and unforgettable. But will he like this approach and not scare him away? Actually, we all mean that we have an Opel Astra and a new Ford Focus 3 on the test. And we need to choose the best one
Complete set
We climb in the complete set. Prices Opel Astra / Opel Astra start at 593,900 rubles for a hatchback with a 1.4-liter engine with 101 hp. In the basic configuration of the car, of the useful options there is a CD player, a radio, an information display on the instrument panel, driver and passenger airbags, as well as side airbags, electric power steering, power windows for the front doors, disc brakes with ABS traction control, as well as an ESP stabilization system ... Having paid 20,000 rubles, such Opel astra can be retrofitted with air conditioning, foglights and heated front seats. In total, the buyer will pay 613,900 rubles for a car equipped with everything necessary.
Ford Focus 3 / Ford Focus 3 in Russia it is presented with larger engines. In the Ambiente starting configuration for 499,000 rubles, the car is equipped with a 1.6-liter 105-horsepower engine and a five-speed mechanics, and the list of options includes such as: electric power steering with variable effort on the steering wheel, central locking with a remote control, anti-lock braking system ABS with EBD brake force distribution, tilt and reach steering column, front airbags for driver and passenger, full-size spare wheel, front power windows, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. An air conditioner and audio system with a 3.5-inch monochrome display, six speakers, a USB port, a radio and the ability to read CDs and MP3s will add another 39,200 rubles to the cost. Total 538,200 rubles for a fully equipped car. But the system of exchange rate stability is not provided in this configuration and is offered only in the package of options for the next configuration Trend for 19,500 rubles.
In general, design is a delicate matter, and you cannot please everyone. Someone like the rounded classics, someone like the interweaving of complex shapes, stampings and chrome. However, if there was a design choice Ford or Opel , we would prefer the American brand.
Salon
Let's take a look inside the cars. The interior is luxurious in design and organization of passenger space for both. Chrome, high-quality plastic, hidden backlight - all worthy of praise. However, functionality, roominess and ergonomics are of course different.
Sitting in the driver's seat Ford Focus 3 / Ford Focus 3 you understand that you are driving a high-tech car. All kinds of prompts, information from the on-board computer about the operation of systems, service messages and, at first glance, a bunch of incomprehensible buttons that are clearly responsible for something can be confusing. However, having got used to it a little and over-pressing everything, it becomes clear that systems management is quite simple. The main functions are located on the steering wheel, while auxiliary or infrequently used ones are activated from the central control panel, which is also divided into zones for convenience.
However, "but" is still there. The buttons on the panel are too small and inconvenient to use when driving. And the screen on the dashboard is sufficient for presenting information about a radio station or a track on a CD, but too small to consider navigation on it.
But the color-changing night illumination is beyond praise. The lighting atmosphere in can be chosen for any occasion and mood.
Governing bodies Opel Astra / Opel Astra on the contrary, they are more familiar. Large, logically laid and also distributed by zones of responsibility buttons will not get lost in the hands even with strong shaking. Yes, and such a panel looks much more organic and pleasant. The required minimum of functions, as well as for Ford , placed on the steering wheel. And the center of the dashboard is crowned with a large color display for navigation, which is much more convenient than Ford's.
The landing in our wards is also different. And although both cars, in addition to the driver, can easily accommodate three passengers, for the latter, nevertheless, it will be more convenient Opel Astra .
Trunk
Both vehicles are fully prepared for the transportation of goods. By the volume of the luggage compartment wins Opel Astra / Opel Astra with an indicator of 370 liters versus 277 liters for Ford Focus 3 ... However, there are reservations about such a victory. Opel equipped with a stowaway, which increased the luggage compartment space, making it deeper. Have Ford a full-size spare wheel is hidden under the trunk floor, and the trunk itself is a little more convenient, due to the longer floor length.
To increase the useful area of \u200b\u200bthe luggage compartment, both vehicles have a system of folding rear seat backs. Thus, in Ford the volume of the trunk can be increased to 1062 liters, while Opel up to 1235 liters.
But here, too, there were some nuances. Have Opel Astra / Opel Astra the backrests fold up, forming a step up, which is not very convenient when stacking long loads. Have Ford a similar system is better implemented. Before folding the seats, it is necessary to raise the seat cushions, and then put the backrests in their place. In the case of Ford, a flat floor also does not form, but the resulting step leads down, which greatly facilitates the loading of bulky luggage.
On road
Well, it's time to take a ride in the cars. Let's make a reservation right away that the dispute is not entirely equal, since the manufacturers do not keep all the complete sets and modifications of the cars sold in their press parks.
Therefore, on the test were Opel astra with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and a power of 140 hp. and equipped with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with 125 hp. There was also a difference in gearboxes - Opel Astra rolled us with a 6-speed "automatic", and Ford Focus 3 with 5-speed "mechanics".
However, these differences had little effect on the assessment of the driving comfort of hatchbacks. Yes, Opel with a gun, of course, it is more convenient, but the suspension, opposite to the Ford one, reacts more nervously to minor irregularities, the operation of the turbocharged engine, the hum of tires and the noise of the wind are clearly audible in the cabin. And with a slow forcing of irregularities, "crickets" are added to the existing noise, caused by loosely fitted and polished trim parts.
But the road Astra keeps confident. On a straight line, the hatchback does not require special steering, and the turns pass without blots and very recklessly, thanks to the Watt mechanism (by the way, it is installed in the database).
And here Ford Focus 3 / Ford Focus 3 pleased in all respects. First of all, I was impressed by the noise isolation of the hatchback. The cabin is as quiet as a higher class car. Neither a running engine nor external noises annoy the driver and passengers. The ride quality of the new generation is also significantly higher. The suspension indiscriminately swallows asphalt defects of any caliber and does not annoy with shaking and unpleasant vibrations.
In management Ford Focus 3 will cost the owner 95,235 rubles (headlight - 8,820 rubles, fender - 7,622 rubles, bumper - 22,810 rubles, hood - 19,651 rubles, replacement of one part - 9083 rubles). Have Opel Astra / Opel Astra the same damage will cost 96,212 rubles (headlight - 10,534 rubles, fender - 7,328 rubles, bumper - 22,868 rubles, hood - 19,482 rubles, replacement of one part from 9,000 rubles).
In the ranking of the most stolen cars Opel astra and Ford Focus 3 obvious outsiders. Traditionally Japanese brands are in the top. This means that CASCO for these cars will be quite lifting.
What to choose? Flowers are enough to impress, but to surprise, perhaps an intricate Focus will be just right. Riding comfort, quality materials, a high level of noise insulation, coupled with a sporty appearance Ford Focus 3 cause more appetite than characteristics Opel astra ... And in the list of additional options for Ford there are absolutely outlandish ones: an automatic parking system (the driver only presses the pedals, and the electronics steers), a blind spot monitoring system in the mirrors, and, perhaps, an emergency automatic braking system at low speeds will soon appear.
As the former owner of FF3 1.6 (125) automatic transmission (PS) Titanium + (skated for 9 months and 14 t.km.), and currently the owner of Astra H Caravan 1.6 (115) + Izya I will describe briefly + and - both auto:1. FF3
Pros:
- Body and interior design (more modern and elegant, more suitable for young people and girls);
- Excellent noise isolation;
- The quality of interior materials;
- More useful options available, in comparison with Astra N (speakerphone + subwoofer complete with Sony's radio tape recorder, ESP, windshield heating - a great thing in winter, the cruise goes right away with DDS. All this is not available at the moment when ordering Astra H)
- "sharp" and balanced steering wheel, hence just excellent handling and feedback with the car on the road
- almost "sports" suspension. Turns, track stability, etc.
- dual-zone climate control - one of the best I've seen. Very soft, in the heat there is always enough cooling power, uniform volumetric cooling.
- reliability - definitely higher than Astra.
... well, that's all.Minuses:
- CLEARANCE !!! it is almost nonexistent, FF3 is even lower than FF2 (I drove both for at least six months, new from the salon)
- PS automatic transmission is just a MEGA brake, it spoils the car by 100%. No speakers, very thoughtful on overtaking, which is why you can forget about these very overtakes, because of this, the number of dangerous situations on the road increases ... in general, PS is the main LAZHA that Ford engineers have made over the past 12 years
- 1.6 (125) - where are there 125 horses at all ??? Rather 90 ponies under the hood, the other 35 probably sleep in the trunk)))
- a cramped cabin and no trunk, with the same dimensions as FF2 - how did they do it? talents, damn it !!! cars only for those who do not have a family and children.2. Astra H Caravan
Pros:
- CLEARANCE !!! for me this is one of the key factors. I believe that the car should go where I want, and not where it can go. Potential competitors (in the price category): Skoda Octavia and Renault Fluence below, did not consider others.
- Interior space. In this class, one of the best IMHO.
- Trunk: there is no one to compete with the Caravan, definitely (again in this price category).
- Pair 1.6 (115) XEP + MTA5 (izya) - the dynamics are definitely better than the bunch FF3 1.6 (125) + PS6, as well as Skoda Octavia 1.6 (102) + automatic transmission6 and Renault Fly 1.6 (106 ) + Automatic transmission 4. Izya behaves absolutely predictably, it took about three hours to get used to it, no more. Sport button - generally fly away, I use it on the track when overtaking.
- The ability to independently activate via OP-COM such bonuses as "Scandinavian light", automatic locking of the central locking system when starting to move (over 12 km / h), emergency brake light when ABS is triggered (intermittent red), etc.
-Not badly balanced suspension. Some rigidity is needed with this clearance.
- keeps the track well on the track.
- higher seating position than in FF.Minuses:
- Noise isolation
- A viscous, not sharp steering wheel - accordingly, handling and feedback are worse than in FF3
- Not available when ordering at the moment such necessary options as ESP and standard speakerphone - absurd
- The on-board computer and radio tape recorder are not in Russian - GM assholes, chess word. Since 2004 they could have already been translated.
- There was no frontal heating. I got used to riding on tricks that in winter I do not scratch my windshield and I leave the parking lot in winter in 3 minutes, while others are scraping cars.
- No USB in the radio. It is solved by purchasing an adapter for 5 sput.PS Peresev from FF3 to Astra N Caravan has never regretted it. For me, the car is not a "Christmas tree", which should glow with multi-colored lights - nonsense, but first of all, the joy of movement with an optimal set of options that meet modern requirements. Astra here, in my opinion, is much higher than the newer and more technologically advanced FF3. All IMHO and no more.
Hello everyone .. I read it here and I want to cry .. half of what is written here is written by people who probably did not sit in focus, especially since they did not go ... I'll say right away that I know enough about this model and say that it's worth it .... I have nothing against an aster, a good car, but it is more expensive and more expensive to maintain.
1) Design..It's clear that this parameter is not for everybody, but nevertheless, not only to me the aster j seems more feminine \u003d)) and ff3 is probably rougher ... but oh well, the taste and color ... the interior is there too ...
2) Motors ... 1.6 turbo 180 forces in dynamics, in my opinion, does not pull exactly by 180 ... 160-170 maximum ... it was correctly written earlier that the turbine has both pros and cons ... how does it behave will show this question ... the cost of turbine maintenance is higher than the atmosphere and this is a significant minus ... + in fuel consumption .. comparable to the atmosphere of a Ford ...
150 forces of the atmosphere, taking into account euro5, goes almost the same, compare the dynamics to a hundred ... it differs in my opinion by 0.4 seconds from a turbo aster ... and now the question is - 0.4 seconds is the result of a turbine and 30 horses ??? of course this is strong ... the overpayment for the turbine ... in general, you know what I mean ... (I compare engines on machines)
Fuel consumption - Astra 180 horses in the city 10.3 liters, ff3 in the city 9.1 .... where is the savings ????? what do you pay for and what do you believe? Let me remind you that Opel and Ford do not underestimate consumption data like the Japanese ...
3) the "DSG" box is called Ford PowerShift, as it was developed by the Germans in a strange way, and the DSG by the Americans ... the boxes are good, they switch quickly + saves fuel (the consumption is the same as on the mechanics) ... minus DSG is that they put these boxes on sufficiently powerful motors with a "dry clutch" system .. this is a mistake, due to which the resource of the box decreases, and repairs are expensive .. Ford does it differently. PowerShift with a "wet" clutch system is installed on powerful motors (for example, a Mondeo 2.0 turbo) .. on a normal atmosphere where the torque is lower than PowerShift with a "dry" clutch ...
4) Suspension .. having a ride on both cars, I liked it more ..... it's hard to say that .... probably here I liked both equally ... before the suspension on the aster was softer than on focus .. . now the same ... due to which it is difficult to say, because there were no fundamental changes in ff3, except that the front suspension was lightened by 7.5 kg ... probably this influenced the unsprung mass and, accordingly, the suspension stiffness ... but I'm more inclined here to ff3 probably only due to the fact that the rear is independent, and the aster has a beam with a pair of levers ... whatever you say, the independent behaves better under load, if a car without ESP, then even more so ... if with ESP then the difference it is difficult to feel, if not to dare ...
5) But ff3 is also not ideal like any car .. they all have drawbacks ... the same system of active assistance with parallel parking ... for Russia this is nonsense ... in Europe it may be useful, but a self-rotating steering wheel in c class is cool))
6) will ff3 be more than asters on the roads? of course \u003d) this is the best-selling car from the class over the past few years ... now people buy cars and compare the price-quality ratio ... and here ff has always been famous for the fact that prices are not overstated .. + most people buy cars by review, fortunately there are more good reviews about ff than bad ...I don't know why most astrovodov don't like ff .... ff and astra are those 2 cars that are worth buying if you focus on the middle class ... so be friends with each other))
In the first version of this article, I indicated one of the disadvantages of the Opel Astra - the lack of an official dealership in the Russian Federation. But in a few days everything changed: Ford Motor Co is officially leaving Russia, which makes the three-door Astra and Focus equal. Does it make sense to buy auto brands that have left our market? And which model is better? We understand the article.
In appearance, the "German" immediately goes on the offensive. Its sharp edges and thousands of lines are an order of magnitude more interesting than the exterior of the calm "Focus". Combine that with the sloping roofline and neat tailgate and you can see why the H GTC is eye-catching and not looking old-fashioned even now.
Ford Focus 3dr, promoted as a youth hatchback, looks much more conservative. It differs from the five-door sibling by a flatter rear window and longer doors. However, due to the shape of the roof, it gives "Astra" a painful blow in the stomach. If in Gran Turismo Compact only two are placed in the back (preferably, not very high ones), then the Focus is quite a five-seater car.
Engine range and gearbox
If the fight took place in Europe, where the Opel Astra H GTC was offered with more than 10 engines, the outcome of the round would be a foregone conclusion. But in Russia, the "German" is available with engines of 1.6 and 1.8 liters in 115 and 140 liters. from. and a pair of turbocharged exclusives for 200 and 240 "horses". From gearboxes - five- and six-speed "mechanics", four-speed "automatic" and five-speed "robot" EasyTronic.
"Ford" is offered with four gasoline aspirated volume 1.4; 1.6; 1.8 and 2.0 liters (80-145 hp), as well as with a 1.8 turbodiesel with a fuel consumption of about seven liters in the city. The real combo is the ST and RS versions, which developed 225 and 305 horsepower, respectively.
So, the Opel Astra, which started the battle actively, blocked the rival in terms of engine range.
Of the gearboxes, the Focus has 5- and 6-speed “mechanics” comparable to those of “Opel”, a 4-band “automatic” and a PowerShift “robot” with two clutches. It's funny, but neither the one nor the other manufacturer was able to bring the manual transmission to mind - both boxes kick, kick and do not like dynamic acceleration.
Complete sets and options
The third round of confrontation "Astra", having missed a lot of sensitive blows for a meager engine and transmission range, starts with a carefully verified series. Essentia's first base trim is available with air conditioning, fog lights, heaters, stereo, alarms and a full range of security systems.
The second Enjoy package includes climate and cruise control, four airbags, a multifunction steering wheel and full power accessories. The third series of Cosmo blows: R16 alloy wheels (R17 and R18 on request), headlights with spherical lenses, piano lacquer finish, leather + fabric combination interior and a couple of final blows-options - adaptive xenon AFL light, panoramic roof and navigation system ...
"Focus" in this round has a hard time. He responds with blocks to bold blows of his opponent. The Ambient package contains only ABS, an airbag and audio preparation, while Comfort has an air conditioner, an on-board computer, aluminum inserts in the interior and a stereo system. The most durable blocking techniques are called Ghia and Titanium with power accessories, alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control.
Maintainability
Adam Opel AG once launched a recycling program and an accompanying advertising campaign. The viewer was shown old and crumpled cars, then the new Kadett and the confident voice of the announcer said: "Your car can become an Opel!" True, in Russia the slogan was translated with an error (“Any car becomes an Opel!”) And morally equated a German car with junk.
In this round, Astra immediately receives a strong blow from the Focus for the 1.6 and 1.8 liter Ecotec engines. Due to the wear of the plastic elements, the motor starts to work unstable. The "sore" is eliminated by installing a penny plastic clamp.
Often, the Astra's throttle heating tubes burst (warranty case), the heat exchangers are actively running, the camshaft gears break down to the wedge, the EGR valve gets clogged, the crankcase membrane cracks (eliminated by replacing the valve cover). And the power steering is junk, the heated seats are moping, the alarm often fails and the antifreeze tank bursts.
"Focus" on the head is superior to "Astra" in terms of reliability. Yes, his engines have a breakdown of the IMRC valve, the fine fuel filter gets clogged and the fuel pump often burns out, but this is almost nothing in front of the Astra checkpoint problems. Here synchronizers break down, the input shaft oil seals run, for 40-60 thousand km the EasyTronic “robot” clutch burns.
Timid and not at all painful blows of a “German woman” on the body of a competitor - at Ford's IB5 gearbox the pin of the satellites breaks until the box is destroyed, and the steering rack is all over the place.
All Ford Focus 3dr problems are well known and are "treated" in most services. As for Opel, there are very few competent craftsmen. And those that are, say: "Every day we learn something new, because even something that we did not suspect breaks down."
Cost and problems on the "secondary"
In the secondary market for the Astra H GTC they ask from 170 to 500 thousand rubles. The most affordable cars have already exchanged three hundred thousand kilometers and two or three owners (and others - and PTS). A car in normal technical condition will cost 280-350 thousand rubles.
For 330 thousand rubles, we found a 2008 model, with a 1.6 by 115 hp engine. with., automatic transmission and mileage of 171 thousand km:
We check the history through the service and see that in almost 11 years the car has changed six owners and once Opel got into an accident. Now it is sold with a duplicate TCP. Perhaps because there was no room left in the original document to make entries.
The three-door "Ford Focus II" is cheaper than the competition. The minimum cost for a car is 120 thousand rubles, the maximum is almost 600. Hatchback 2007 c. with a 1.8 and 125 hp engine. from. and a mileage of 150 thousand km is given for 210 thousand rubles:
The ad states that Ford was owned by the same owner. Avtokoda's report showed that six people owned the car, with the latter being used for only four months:
The car got into an accident, has a duplicate title and traffic police restrictions. Such "Opel" will not be able to re-register itself until the restrictions are lifted from it.
So, in this round, Opel outperformed Focus with a slight advantage.
Which car to choose
The advantages of "Astra" are stylish appearance (almost a coupe), available spare parts and rich equipment, in the minuses - quality, quality and quality again.
The key advantages of "Ford" are its "nationality", maintainability (hello, taxi drivers!) And a variety of trim levels. There is only one drawback: this is a car, like everyone else: it usually looks, usually drives and is usually sold.
We presented all the pros and cons of the models and their final assessment in the comparative table:
Which of these two hatchbacks do you like? Share your opinion in the comments below the article.
