Head-to-Head Analysis: Ford Focus Titanium versus Holden Astra RS-V
The 2018 Ford Focus Titanium and the Holden Astra RS-V are two compact cars with sporty trims, each offering a unique blend of performance, comfort, and value.
Performance
The 2018 Holden Astra RS-V, with its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivers a punchy 147 kW and 280 Nm of torque. This setup provides sharp handling and brisk acceleration, making it a standout in the compact hatch segment. On the other hand, the Ford Focus Titanium, while still offering a sporty drive, focuses more on refined daily driving with its 2.0-litre petrol engine.
In direct comparison, the Astra RS-V's turbocharged engine and sport suspension offer a more dynamic drive than the Focus Titanium's smoother, less aggressive setup.
Comfort
The Focus Titanium boasts a high-quality interior, supportive seats, and a feature-rich cabin, including advanced infotainment and safety tech. The Astra RS-V, while offering sporty touches like leather seats and upgraded infotainment, prioritises a driver-centric sporty experience over plush comfort.
Overall, the Focus Titanium likely excels slightly more in comfort and interior refinement.
Value
The Astra RS-V offers good standard features and sport-oriented performance at a reasonable price, making it a competitive choice for a sporty compact hatchback. The Focus Titanium, however, commands a premium price reflecting its more upscale positioning and equipment levels.
Summary
| Aspect | 2018 Ford Focus Titanium | 2018 Holden Astra RS-V | |--------------|-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Engine | ~2.0L petrol, 134-149 kW (refined) | 1.6L turbo petrol, ~147 kW (sporty) | | Performance | Smooth, comfortable daily drive | Sharper, sportier handling and accel | | Comfort | Higher-quality interior, tech-rich | Sporty interior, good but less plush | | Value | Premium pricing, feature heavy | Competitive price, sport-oriented value|
While the Ford Focus Titanium has a fuel consumption average of 9.5L/100km, the Holden Astra RS-V consumes 11.3L/100km. The Astra RS-V's driving experience is dominated by its engine, but it can be hustled through sweeping bends. However, there is some torque-steering tugging at the wheel during tight turns, and the steering is not as consistently weighted nor tactile as that of the Ford Focus.
The Ford Focus Titanium feels lively and responsive, with eight well-chosen auto ratios. The rear of the Focus Titanium's cabin lacks face-level vents and has some noise intrusion. The second row of the Astra's cabin, on the other hand, seems cold and barren compared to the Focus Titanium's.
In conclusion, the Holden Astra RS-V offers better sporty performance and value, while the Ford Focus Titanium provides superior comfort and interior refinement.
In the realm of finance, both the Ford Focus Titanium and the Holden Astra RS-V cater to different segments, with the Focus boasting a premium pricing strategy reflecting its more upscale positioning and equipment levels, contrasting the competitive pricing of the Astra RS-V.
The livelihood of these compact cars stretches beyond just transportation, as they are also integrated into the automotive industry, representing their respective brand's commitment to delivering high-performance, value-for-money, and feature-rich vehicles.
