Ford Focus ST v Holden Astra VXR v MINI JCW 2015 Comparison - Motoring
Ford Focus ST v Holden Astra VXR v MINI JCW. While the base 2015 hot hatch formula appears set – front-wheel drive, turbocharged 2. 0-litre four-pot – the three interpretations we’ve assembled here arrive at the same end via otherwise different methods. At present only available in six-speed automatic guise, the latest JCW builds on the Cooper S driveline to produce 170kW and 320Nm. Priced from $49,950 plus on-road costs, it is slated at the premium end of the hot hatch market. for $50 less you can buy an all-wheel drive 170kW/370Nm Audi S1. If the MINI is a new car, the 2015 Ford Focus ST is more of an update. There’s an aggressive new front-end treatment hiding the same 184kW/360Nm, six-speed manual combination, though Ford has thoroughly revised the suspension, safety and steering systems, as well as advancing infotainment. Update, meanwhile, is something that could also describe the Holden Astra VXR … at a stretch. But beyond the badge swap from Opel to Holden, there appears little difference to the Astra OPC we saw back in 2012. There is a price change, however: now available from $39,990 plus on-roads (a discount of $3000 over its Opel days) the... Source: www.motoring.com.au
