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Ford Focus ST Proves Its Track Mettle Against VW Golf 8 GTI and Hyundai i30 N

Recently, just about every publication out there is interested in seeing the Toyota GR Yaris go up against the most expensive roster of hot hatch rivals it can muster. But Germany’s “sport auto” already nailed a skirmish against the rally-inspired Japanese pocket rocket with help from a MINI JCW, so it’s time for the compact guns to come out and play on the Hockenheim tarmac.
Ford Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GP 26 photos
Photo: sport car/YouTube
Ford Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GPFord Focus ST vs. VW Golf 8 GTI vs. Hyundai i30 N Performance on Hockenheim GP
Hot hatchbacks have always been heralded – at least in Europe – as among the very best sports cars for everyday usability in the real world. And, because where there’s demand there’s also a very large amount of choices, there are numerous options when it comes to potentially spending a rather small amount of money on something that brings lots of driving fun.

That also means there’s always a dilemma – which models should be pitted against each other. Some go for a mixed shoot out, others, like the Germans from “sport auto,” like to stick to the basics and not blend segment recipes. Which is probably the main reason for the publication’s big “Hot Hatchback Track Battle” to be broken down into parts.

And don’t worry, we’ve embedded below the first part alongside the latest one that sees the stakes taken up a class to proper compact credentials. There’s a total of nine cars (all of them get a proper teaser in the gallery above) that were divided into four groups, with the second one being made up of the VW Golf 8 GTI, Hyundai i30 N Performance, and the Ford Focus ST.

We have come to enjoy these track outings by “sport auto” because the Germans don’t numb out our senses with endless talk, and instead let the cars, driver, and track engage in dialog. With a little help from some cards – on this occasion indicating some of the technical specifications and the tires used by each car.

After a short presentation and a little rev battle (at the 1:10 mark) it’s up to the VW Golf 8 GTI to open the track hostilities from the 1:40 mark, followed by the i30 N Performance from 3:56, and the Ford Focus ST at 6:15.

Not to spoil the fun of watching each attempt, but the Blue Oval demonstrates it has what it takes to come out on top, while the slightly underpowered GTI actually manages to beat the South Korean contender by a good margin.

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About the author: Aurel Niculescu
Aurel Niculescu profile photo

Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution.
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