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Focus RS vs. Golf R Head 2 Head: Huge Jumps, Brakes on Fire and the Prius

Spending big money on a small hatchback - what's that all about? If we are to judge from the latest episode of Motor Trend Head 2 Head, it's about having fun in the Ford Focus RS and the Volkswagen Golf R.
Focus RS vs. Golf R Head 2 Head: Huge Jumps, Brakes on Fire 7 photos
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
Focus RS vs. Golf R Head 2 Head: Huge Jumps, Brakes on FireFocus RS vs. Golf R Head 2 Head: Huge Jumps, Brakes on FireFocus RS vs. Golf R Head 2 Head: Huge Jumps, Brakes on FireFocus RS vs. Golf R Head 2 Head: Huge Jumps, Brakes on FireFocus RS vs. Golf R Head 2 Head: Huge Jumps, Brakes on FireFocus RS vs. Golf R Head 2 Head: Huge Jumps, Brakes on Fire
Usually, when the guys meet, they have to pick between a BMW and a Mercedes or a Ferrari and a Corvette. But today, it's about two European hatchbacks that cost $40,000 or more. Even if you love the crazy Ford and hate the sober Golf, you should still watch the video because it's so much fun.

And we aren't just talking about burning rubber, dumping the clutch and getting 4 miles to the gallon. No, there's genuine humor, starting with the fact that one of the presenters is biased as heck, turning up to the test in three layers of Volkswagen-themed shirts.

After that, they improvise a rally stage by pretending to be doctors who have to get up a hill in less than 2 minutes. Why? Because a blowup sex doll needs a jello heart transplant. If you want any serious conclusion, you've come to the wrong place, as the Focus RS gets a time penalty for lighting its brakes on fire.

What, you never saw a Golf R jump through the air like a rally car? Neither have we, but MT's editors get both cars flying. Of course, every time these two hot hatchbacks meet, one gets criticized for its overly stiff suspension and the other for being boring.

But it's not an open and shut case, as they do conclude that the Golf R is a brilliant everyday car. In isolation, it's great, better than the Subaru STI regarding the engine, comfort and drivetrain.

Oh, and did we mention that the Toyota Prius is a continuing theme throughout the 20-minute review? It turns up everywhere, including on the race track. As a conclusion to this video and perhaps the past year of hot hatch comparisons, we think that our fascination with the Golf and the Focus will never stop. As such, picking a winner will always be a temporary thing, especially when new contenders start popping up. We're looking at you, Honda!

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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