Would you buy the new Golf or a new Focus?
Which of these cars is best new: Volkswagen Golf 1.2 TSI or Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost?
Val O'ConnorJan 2013 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Val,
The answer probably boils down to personal preference and the trim levels being compared. Also, Volkswagen offers the 1.2 TSI in both 85- and 105hp guises, while the Focus 1.0 EcoBoost comes in 100- and 125hp states of tune. Purely in terms of numbers, the 100hp Focus is the most economical, though not by very much, and all four sit in Band A4 for tax.
Personally speaking, the new Golf moves the game on in terms of fit and finish, plus refinement and it's quite well equipped. The Focus still has an edge in terms of driver appeal, but there's not such a wide gap between them to make that a deciding point for most.
Best bet is to go test drive examples of both cars for as long as you can - and in as close a specification to what your budget allows as possible. I'd put my own money into a Golf.
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser@Shane_O_D