When it comes time to buy a new car, each of us proceeds from the amount that he can spend. And the inevitable comparison of "classmates" begins. This is quite fair and understandable, because any person wants to buy "as many cars as possible for
this money". Consider two
"Odnoklassniki": what to buy - Ford Focus or Opel Astra?
Exterior body design
Opel Astra
The design of the Opel Astra can be defined as smooth, with a claim to elegance, in a unisex style. There is a desire for developers to please and please both sexes. The third-generation Ford Focus, on the contrary, has a more dynamic, bold, with a hint of sportiness design. The appearance of the car has become more aggressive. Naturally, design is a subjective matter, and everyone, based on their preferences, will decide for themselves which of them is more beautiful - Opel Astra or Ford Focus. And everyone will be right!
Ford Focus 3
Salon interior
Inside the cabin, the Opel Astra is also smoother and more elegant. The gracefully curved line of the dashboard, as if continuing to the front doors, seems to want to hug a person. Finishing material (plastic, seat upholstery) is impeccable in German. The interior of the Ford Focus consists of polyhedrons, broken and sharp lines. But the "cosmic" style is well-defined and looks organic.
Opel Astra H sedan
Comfort level
The Opel Astra suspension is more sensitive, it swallows bumps on the way better, but it is also noisier: bumps on serious bumps, as well as the hum of the engine, penetrate the cabin. The third-generation Focus has seen a significant improvement in comfort over its predecessor. In any case, to the question “whose sound insulation is better: Opel Astra or Ford Focus?”, The answer is unequivocal - Ford Focus.
Ford Focus sedan
Trunk size
Visually, by eye, it is almost impossible to determine whose trunk is more spacious. But a careful detailed measurement revealed whose trunk is slightly larger. The leader in this indicator is the Opel Astra. But on the other hand, the Focus has a full-size spare tire, while the Astra has only a dokatka.
Engines, configurations and prices
Opel Astra in our market is available with three engine options. This is a 1.4 liter turbocharged 140-horsepower unit; 1.6 liter with 115 l/s and 1.6 liter turbo engine with 180 l/s. Ford Focus is offered with a 105-horsepower 1.6 liter; 125-strong 1.6 liters. and 150-horsepower two-liter gasoline engines. There is also a two-liter 140-horsepower turbo diesel.
For the price, the basic configuration of the Focus is much cheaper than the Opel base. When choosing a Ford, the eye immediately falls on the premium configurations "Trend Sport" and "Titanium". But the prices for the top Astra configurations are generally chosen beyond the framework of equal competition. In general, the prices for the "stuffed" Ford Focus configurations are comparable to the prices of the basic Opel configurations - that is, Ford Focus rules at prices.
The conclusion for all comparisons is still the same: when making the final choice, you must first of all trust your personal preferences and your intuition. After all, you end up driving this car. But even for this, it is important to collect the maximum amount of information, and then the right decision will pop up by itself, like a slice of bread from a toaster.
When it comes to buying a new car, you want to not only learn more about it, but also compare it with other models of the same class and price category. Such comparisons make it easy to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the selected models, but also to better learn about the intricacies and details of the car. The closer the cars being compared, the more interesting it is to compare them, since against the background of common features, the very nuances that can become key in making the final decision emerge.
The heroes of this comparison are the undisputed sales leaders in the Russian automotive market. The Ford Focus 3, which took first place in 2012 with 92,000 units, against the third-place car with 52,000 units, the Opel Astra.
Price and range
The main advantage of the Ford Focus in the Russian market is its low price, which greatly increases its rating in terms of price-quality ratio.
In addition, the Ford Focus 3 is available in a wide range: station wagon, sedan, 3 and 5-door hatchback. Cars are produced in four trim levels with a range of engines and three types of gearboxes. The third Ford Focus is available in 10 body colors, for some (white, all metallics and Red Candy) an additional charge is provided.
The official price of Opel Astra is almost 100 thousand rubles higher. According to the official website, it is 691 thousand rubles. The car is also available in sedan, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The range also includes a range of motors of different power and type, as well as various gearboxes. Opel Astra has a color scheme of 7 colors. just like the Ford Focus, some colors (metallic) require an additional charge.
Interior
Unlike its predecessor, the interior of the Ford Focus 3 has changed significantly and has become much more expressive and vibrant. The combination of smooth lines and sharp transitions, a concave steering wheel, a protruding center console, displays and dashboard of the third generation model look original and futuristic. All instruments and controls are organically integrated into the design, being its integral parts. The interface of the control panel, audio system, climate panel is intuitive. The software is Russified and dealing with the functions is not too difficult.
Thoughtful harmonious design combined with a comfortable fit. The steering wheel and seat adjustment system allows you to comfortably accommodate both a miniature girl and a tall man. As a small drawback, the owners of the Ford Focus 3 note some impracticality of the fabric seat upholstery, on which dust and dirt are very noticeable.
The interior of the Opel Astra is distinguished by great grace and elegance. Round details and smooth lines successfully combine classic and modernity. Separately, I would like to note the seats with extendable cushions, as well as rubber-coated handles for controlling climate control and an audio system. A small drawback is the abundance of buttons (about 40!) On the center console. At first glance, this is not a problem, but a convenience, but this is until you start trying to find something on it.
A much bigger disadvantage is visibility in the Opel Astra. Wide pillars seriously interfere, and nothing is really visible through the small triangular windows between the support and the windshield pillar.
Space
Although the wheelbase of the third generation Ford Focus has increased, interior space is smaller than its predecessor. In addition, massive armrests on the rear doors take up a lot of space in the back seat. Two rather tall passengers feel comfortable on the sofa. But the trip together will not be so comfortable.
Opel Astra has a sofa that is 1 cm larger. So, in terms of passenger comfort, the cars are almost equal.
Rivals also do not differ in the capacity of the trunk. Moreover, if we take the numbers as a basis, then the Opel Astra significantly outperforms the Ford Focus. However, when actually using the trunk liters, it becomes clear that each of them is able to accommodate a little. This applies to both sedans and hatchbacks. The actual capacity is 1 large suitcase.
A feature of the Ford Focus is the presence of a convenient and quite roomy organizer under the trunk floor. Which, by the way, can be reduced if desired by adding additional space to the main luggage compartment. And besides, in the luggage compartment of the Ford Focus 3 there is a full-fledged spare wheel, and not a stowaway, as in OpelAstra.
Engine
Ford Focus 3 and Opel Astra engines are tuned to comply with the Euro-5 standard.
The most common Ford Focus 3 engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 125 liters. with., according to the opinion of experts, is inferior in its dynamic characteristics to the 1.8 liter predecessor. To feel the activity of the engine and some kind of dynamics, you need to keep high speeds, starting from 4000 rpm. The advantage of the engine is real fuel savings with a smooth ride at a constant speed and early transitions to the next gear.
The Ford Focus 3 also has an option for a really dynamic ride - a 2-liter 140-horsepower diesel engine. However, it is installed only with an automatic transmission, and its price is significantly higher than other representatives of the model.
OpelAstra engines cannot boast of high dynamic performance. The base 100-horsepower and more powerful (at 115 hp) show rather dull acceleration, offering the driver a smooth ride in city traffic. The alternative is a 140-horsepower turbocharged engine, which makes the dynamics feel much better. But its price is also somewhat higher.
Controllability
In handling, rivals act as two opposites. Against the confidence of the Ford Focus 3, Opel Astra developers offer sharpness.
Ford Focus 3 keeps on cornering confidently, does not heel and practically ignores small bumps in the road surface. But at the same time, there is a feeling of accelerating the reaction of the car to the movements of the driver. The gambling nature of the Opel Astra is manifested in greater briskness, but in corners it can easily go off track, as it does not differ in the accuracy of a competitor.
Comfort
The third Ford Focus is certainly far ahead of its predecessors in terms of ride comfort. On the road, it keeps solidly, without unnecessary twitches and fuss, without keeping the driver in constant tension. The model moves smoothly even on Russian roads.
The suspension is resilient and at the same time elastic, it does not allow breakdown of shock absorbers even on serious bumps. An important achievement in the field of comfort should also be considered an increase in the level of sound insulation. Now the whine of tires that Ford Focus 2 owners have complained about in the past, there is also no impression that the engine is running right in the cabin.
Any Opel Astra engine is perfectly audible after 4000 rpm. But the insulation of the bottom and wheel arches is quite decent. As with handling, the Astra is sharper in the pits and joints. Not enough, of course, to talk about it as a drawback, but enough to lag behind the Ford Focus 3 in this nomination.
Safety
Both cars are equipped with all the necessary safety features and received high ratings for saving the lives of passengers in European crash tests in both frontal and side impacts. The difference is that the Opel Astra on the Russian market is already equipped with all the necessary safety equipment as standard. As for the Ford Focus 3, you will have to pay for a full set of airbags.
Summary
In terms of aesthetic and functional characteristics, both cars are significantly better than their predecessors. The significantly increased level of comfort Ford Focus compensates for the somewhat unconvincing dynamics of the car. The pleasant impression of the agility of the Opel Astra when driving is somewhat reduced due to the lack of stable stability. Choose, of course, the potential owner. And for this it is worth looking at the details.
How to please with a gift? Giving a luxurious bouquet 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, all this we mean is that we have Opel Astra and the new Ford Focus 3 on the test. And we need to choose the best of them
Complete set
We climb in the configuration. Prices Opel Astra / Opel Astra start from 593,900 rubles for a hatchback with a 1.4-liter engine with 101 hp. In the basic configuration of the car, useful options include a CD player, a radio, an information display on the instrument panel, airbags for the driver and passenger, as well as side airbags, electric power steering, power windows for the front doors, disc brakes with ABS traction control, and 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, for a car equipped with everything necessary, the buyer will pay 613,900 rubles.
Ford Focus 3 / Ford Focus 3 in Russia it is presented with larger engines. In the starting configuration of Ambiente for 499,000 rubles, the car is equipped with a 1.6-liter 105-horsepower engine and five-speed mechanics, and the list of options includes such as: electric power steering with variable effort on the steering wheel, central locking with remote control, anti-lock braking system ABS with EBD brake force distribution system, tilt and reach adjustable steering column, driver and passenger front airbags, full-size spare wheel, front power windows, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Air conditioning and an audio system with a 3.5-inch monochrome display, six speakers, a USB port, radio and CD and MP3 readability will add another 39,200 rubles to the cost. Total 538,200 rubles for a well-equipped car. But the exchange rate stability system is not provided for in this configuration and is offered only in the package of options for the following Trend configuration for 19,500 rubles.
In general, design is a delicate matter, and you will not please everyone. Someone likes rounded classics, someone likes the interweaving of complex shapes, stampings and chrome. However, if there were a choice of design 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 space for passengers in both. Chrome, high-quality plastic, hidden lighting - everything is worthy of praise. However, functionality, spaciousness and ergonomics, of course, differ.
Sitting in the driver's seat Ford Focus 3 / Ford Focus 3 you realize that you are driving a high-tech car. All sorts of hints, on-board computer information 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, getting used to it a little and pushing everything, it becomes clear that managing systems is quite simple. The main functions are placed on the steering wheel, and auxiliary or infrequently used ones are activated from the central control panel, which is also divided into zones for convenience.
However, there is still a “but”. The buttons on the panel are too small and inconvenient to use while driving. And the screen on the dashboard is sufficient to provide information about the radio station or track on the CD, but too small to see the navigation on it.
But the color-changing night illumination is beyond praise. Light atmosphere can be chosen for any occasion and mood.
Governing bodies Opel Astra / Opel Astra on the contrary, they are more familiar. Large, logically laid out and also distributed over the areas of responsibility buttons will not be lost in the hands even with strong shaking. Yes, and this panel looks much more organic and pleasant. The required minimum of functions, as well as 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 the Ford one.
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 transport of goods. 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 caveats to this victory. Opel it is completed with a dokatka, which increased the space of the luggage compartment, making it deeper. At 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 the luggage compartment, both cars have a system of folding rear seat backs. Thus, Ford trunk volume can be increased to 1062 liters, and Opel up to 1235 liters.
But even here there were some nuances. At Opel Astra / Opel Astra the backrests fold up, forming a step up, which is not very convenient when laying long loads. At Ford such a system is better implemented. Before folding the chairs, it is necessary to raise the seat cushions, and then put the backs in their place. In the case of Ford, a flat floor is also not formed, however, the resulting step leads down, which makes it much easier to load bulky luggage.
On road
Well, it's time to ride the cars. Let's make a reservation right away that the dispute is not entirely equal, since manufacturers do not keep all the configurations 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 140 hp. and equipped with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with a capacity of 125 hp. There was a difference in the 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’s more convenient, but the suspension, opposite the Ford one, reacts more nervously to small irregularities, the work of a turbocharged engine, the rumble of tires and wind noise are clearly audible in the cabin. And with the slow forcing of irregularities, "crickets" are added to the existing noise, caused by loosely fitted and insulated skin parts.
But the road Astra holding confidently. On a straight line, the hatchback does not require special steering, and the turns pass without blots and are very reckless, thanks to the Watt mechanism (by the way, it is installed in the database).
And here Ford Focus 3 / Ford Focus 3 pleased in every way. First of all, I was impressed with the soundproofing of the hatchback. The interior is quiet, worthy of a car of a higher class. Neither the running engine, nor external noises annoy the driver and passengers. The ride quality of the new generation has also become an order of magnitude higher. The suspension indiscriminately swallows asphalt defects of any caliber and does not irritate with shaking and unpleasant vibrations.
In control 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). At 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 clear outsiders. The top is traditionally Japanese brands. And this means that CASCO for these cars will be quite lifting.
What to choose? To impress, flowers are quite enough, but to surprise, perhaps, intricate Focus will be just right. Ride comfort, quality materials, high level of sound insulation, coupled with a sporty appearance Ford Focus 3 cause more appetite than characteristics Opel Astra. Yes, and in the list of additional options at Ford there are quite 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 appear soon.
What is better Ford Focus or Opel?
So I took myself a Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost for 100 horses, I chose it because I think it's better!
The choice is as follows:Ford Focus is a time-tested car, popular in Europe, America and here, which is most important. Fresh, stylish, the golden mean between style and conservatism.
- Choosing between a large number of representatives of the C-class, I wanted something special, but at the same time not screaming about myself, such as the Honda Civic;
- reliable and conservative, but not Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra;
- something bright, but not a Peugeot Citroen, somehow they look feminine and drive, there is no drive at all.
Interior view of Ford Focus
In the cabin, excellent ergonomics immediately caught my eye, everything is at hand, concisely and informatively. Feeling of security and composure, sat down, went without hesitation.
It can be seen that the interior was worked out by people who know their business. The quality of plastic for this money is 5-. I like everything in the cabin, but there could be more space in the back.Driving impressions
The Focus rides, as if glued to the road, cornering is excellent, the steering is clear, the steering wheel is filled with heaviness with a set speed, safety is paramount.
The suspension, as it should be for a driver's car, is harsh. Yes, to hell with it. Rides EXCELLENT!Ford heart
An engine with a volume of only 1 liter, but with a turbine, gives exactly 100 hp, the dynamics of 12.5 seconds is certainly not encouraging, but fuel consumption of 6 liters in the city equalizes this drawback.
On the highway, we managed to reach 4 liters per 100 km, though only 2 times, when I drove 90 km / h all the way, otherwise, 4.5-5 liters.
Problems with the Ford Focus that I encountered
The steering rack was changed under warranty once, the stabilizers were changed. The rest is ok. No knocks, no squeaks. Mileage 39,000 km. Satisfied with the car.
Hello, friends!
Today we continue a series of comparisons of cars - classmates. Next in line are the products of the European automotive industry: the Opel Astra J series and the third generation Ford Focus.
So which is better, Ford Focus and Opel Astra? Let's figure it out together!
Exterior Ford Focus and Opel Astra
The third generation Ford Focus is the embodiment of the manufacturer's ideas aimed at improving aerodynamic performance, which is reflected in the appearance of the car. Soft, streamlined shapes improve the aesthetics of the model. A light shade of aggressiveness gives the car solidity. The headlights have acquired a “predatory look”, and in combination with trapezoidal foglights and an updated grille a la Aston Martin, it can rightly be called a “predator” of the roads. The model is offered to Russian buyers with three body types: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback and station wagon:
Ford Focus 3 sedan
Ford Focus 3 station wagon and hatchback
"Opel Astra" J has a more classic shape, signs of German stability and reliability? A new design radiator grille, oblong headlights and modern stylish foglights - all this, in combination, gave the car a dynamic image, elegance and recognition on the road. Before leaving the market, the model was offered to Russian buyers with four body types: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback and station wagon, 3-door coupe hatchback:
Interior: "Opel Astra" or "Ford Focus 3"
Salon "Opel Astra" J is made in classic dark colors. The material of the seats is wear-resistant, on request - leatherette. Color, in a basic complete set, grey.
The front console is made of different textured plastics, in terms of the quality of materials and ergonomics in general, it objectively loses to Focus. The dashboard with chrome-plated digital instrument surrounds looks stylish and rich. Thanks to the soft backlight, all indicators are perfectly visible.
The on-board computer screen is located between the tachometer and speedometer. And in the top versions, in the upper part of the center console there is a large display of the multimedia system and navigation.
Expensive versions on the steering wheel have a climate control console, phone calls, and an audio system. The rear seats of the Astra are more spacious than those of the Focus.
The "Ford Focus 3" draws attention to the quality and at the same time the practicality of the materials. The seats are upholstered in water-repellent fabric, and in the top versions it is possible to order a combined upholstery with high-quality leatherette inserts. The buyer can choose the color of the interior trim at his discretion: from creamy to dark gray.
The modern and stylish dashboard is convenient for monitoring instrument readings without being distracted from driving.
The steering wheel in expensive versions is equipped with a control panel for on-board systems, from managing the multimedia system to on-board computer settings that are responsible for comfortable use of the car. There is the possibility of voice control of a number of functions of the multimedia system. The Focus has more comfortable front seats than the Astra.
Ford Focus trunk volume is: for a sedan - 372 liters (one of the smallest trunks in the class), for a hatchback - from 277 liters (with the rear seats not unfolded) to 1062 liters in a transformed form (with the rear seats folded down), for a station wagon - from 476 to 1502 liters.
The trunk volume of the Opel Astra is larger in all cases: for a sedan - quite decent 460 liters, for a 5-door hatchback - from 370 liters (with the rear seats not unfolded) to 1235 liters in a transformed form (with the rear seats folded down), for a station wagon - from 500 up to 1550 l.
Specifications Ford Focus
The type of engine on most Ford Focus models is atmospheric, with a volume of 1.6 liters, which, by the way, are now produced in Russia, at the new Ford Sollers engine plant in Yelabuga, with a large share of parts and raw materials of Russian origin. we wrote about it. Depending on the boost level, it develops 85 hp. (such a motor is installed only on a hatchback in the basic version, exclusively with a 5-speed manual, from 834 thousand rubles), as well as 105 and 125 hp, these two power units can be combined with both a 5-speed manual transmission (from 971 and 1 million 006 thousand rubles, respectively), and with a 6-speed "robotic" gearbox (from 1 million 011 thousand rubles and 1 million 046 thousand rubles, respectively). And at the top of the range is the 150-horsepower EcoBoost turbo engine, which is combined exclusively with a 6-speed classic "automatic" (from 1 million 196 thousand rubles).
The turbo engine of the EcoBoost family appeared on the Russian Ford Focus quite recently, it pleases with excellent traction, coupled with low fuel consumption
Specifications Opel Astra J
Opel Astra generation J was also mainly equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, but with only one boost level (115 hp). And in recent years, before the brand left the Russian market (perhaps in solidarity with Western sanctions?), turbo versions of 1.4 liters (140 hp) or 1.6 liters (170 hp for station wagons and 3-door hatchback, or 180 hp for the sedan and 5-door hatchback), occasionally there was a 2-liter turbodiesel with 130 hp. "Asters" were equipped with a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic.
All engines on the Opel Astra belonged to the EcoTec family
Test drive Ford Focus and Opel Astra
When conducting a joint test drive, it turned out that both models feel confident on the road. The difference is only in the nuances and not too big. In general, the Ford Focus is slightly better in terms of handling, it rolls less on turns and during acceleration, delivers more "driving pleasure" (while we leave the 3-door Astra behind the scenes). Ordinary Opel Astras behave a little more comfortably on our roads, compared to the Focus, they react less to various road trifles.
To sum up: Ford Focus or Opel Astra
And in terms of technical parameters, and in terms of behavior on the road, both models are quite close. When choosing, the main issue may be personal preference, some of the nuances of the differences - which were discussed above. And most importantly, the Ford Focus continues to be on the Russian market, which means, among other things, the better availability of after-sales service and the availability of spare parts, a larger selection of models in the secondary market. At the same time, Opel Astra has a considerable number of fans who appreciated the interesting design of the car, and a fairly good overall balance of the car's qualities. And what is better to choose, you decide, perhaps some of my comments will be useful to you.
