Ford Focus vs Volkswagen Golf: new car comparison

Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf are among the best selling cars in the UK. They are both great cars, and in many ways there isn't much choice between them. So how do you know which one is best for you? Here's our guide to the Focus and Golf, which will take a look at how each car's latest version compares in key areas.

Interior and technology

The last Golf went on sale in 2020, so it's a newer model than the Focus, which went on sale in 2018. The Golf has a more modern and even futuristic look than the Focus on the outside, and the theme continues on the inside. There are very few buttons on the Golf's dashboard as most functions are controlled via the large touchscreen display. It looks great, and while it takes a while to get used to, you'll soon learn to find the things you use the most.

The interior of the Focus is more intuitive to use. There are buttons and dials to control the air conditioning and stereo system, and an easy-to-use touchscreen display to control the infotainment system.

Once you get to know their salons, you will feel right at home and feel comfortable even on long journeys. Both have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation, air conditioning and cruise control, all of which will make long journeys easier. Golf has a more premium appearance, but the Focus is almost as good as it is.

Luggage compartment and practicality

Focus and Golf are almost the same size outside and inside. Both have enough space for four adults to feel comfortable on a long journey. The Golf has a bit more headroom than the Focus, so it's a better choice if you're tall.

Each car is roomy enough to work as a family car, no matter the age of your children, and it's easy to install Isofix child seats in each. Smaller children can see better from the Golf's rear windows, and its interior is slightly lighter and brighter than the Focus.

The boot space matches exactly. Both cars easily fit a week's worth of family-friendly luggage, though the Golf's trunk is a couple of boots bigger. Fold down the rear seats and there's a lot more room in the Focus, so it's better suited for trips to flat furniture stores. But the Golf's rear seats fold almost flush with the boot floor, so big things are easier to slide. If you want an even more practical vehicle, the Focus and Golf are available as station wagons.

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What is the best way to ride?

Both the Focus and Golf are fun to drive and perform well in day-to-day tasks. They're nimble in town, easy to park, stable and calm on motorways, and very capable on back roads.

But the Focus is more attractive because it makes you, the driver, feel like you're part of the car, not just the operator. The Golf is by no means boring to drive, but it does feel more relaxed. So what is the best way to drive depends on what you want from the car. If you really enjoy driving, the Focus is better. If you want a quieter car, the Golf is for you.

Both vehicles are available with a wide range of engines that are strong enough to drive at high speeds. A plug-in hybrid Golf is also available. The sporty Focus ST-Line and Golf R-Line models have larger wheels and stiffer suspension, making for a stiffer ride, but by no means uncomfortable. The high-performance Focus ST, Golf GTi and Golf R are among the best hot hatches.

What is cheaper to own?

The Focus and Golf are available with a range of economical petrol and diesel engines, some with mild hybrid technology. It's an additional electrical system connected to the engine that helps improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions, but doesn't give you the ability to run on electricity alone or connect to the grid to recharge your battery. Whichever engine you have, the Focus usually uses slightly less fuel than the equivalent Golf. According to official figures, the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered Focus gets 55.6 mpg, while the equivalent Golf gets 53.3 mpg.

The plug-in hybrid version of the Golf, called the GTE, is one of the most expensive models in the lineup, but it has an official average consumption of over 200mpg and very low CO2 emissions, putting it in the lower category on company car taxes and road tax.

Safety and reliability

Ford has a reputation for making tough, reliable cars, and the latest Focus has lived up to it in the few years it's been on the market. Being a newer model, the Golf is relatively untested, but Volkswagen has a good reputation for being a reliable brand. It is unlikely that any machine will cause serious problems and they will last a very long time if properly cared for.

Both cars were highly rated by the Euro NCAP safety organization, which gave them full five-star ratings. Each is equipped with advanced driver safety systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

dimensions

Ford Focus

Length: 4378mm 

Width: 1979mm

Height: 1454mm

Luggage compartment: 375 liters

Volkswagen Golf

Length: 4284mm

Width: 2073mm

Height: 1456mm

Luggage compartment: 380 liters

Verdict

Both the Focus and the Golf are great cars to meet the needs of most people. They are spacious and practical enough for family living, yet compact enough to be easy to park. The Golf's styling and interior evoke more of the "wow factor" and will appeal to those who want the latest high-tech model. The Volkswagen brand is considered more desirable than Ford. But the Focus has a more comfortable interior, is cheaper and more fun to drive. And that's why, by and large, the Focus is our winner.

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