autoevolution
 

If Hot Hatches Are Europe's Muscle Cars, the Focus ST Is a Mustang

YouTube channel Carfection likes to make a strong point with every video it releases. Being British, it's usually about fast hatchbacks or obscure sportscar companies that should be famous and aren't.
YouTube channel Carfection likes to make a strong point with every video it releases. Being British, it's usually about fast hatchbacks or obscure sportscar companies that should be famous and aren't 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from YouTube
But the artists formally known as XCAR make a great point about hot hatchbacks: that they are like Europe's muscle cars. It's a shame that they used a diesel-powered Ford Focus ST Wagon to prove it.

Diesel performance vehicles have only been around a short while, so people are going to call you stupid if you compare the oily beasts to a classic Ford Mustang. Of course, those people can't afford to buy a Mustang or a €35,000 Focus, but that's not the point.

The early muscle cars were about being cheap and offering great fun for the money. They gained a cult status, but sales of Camaros and Challengers are not what they used to be. In fact, the Dodge Viper may become extinct thanks to cataclysmic events like the supercharger and Tesla Model S.

Emission regulations may force the hot hatch to transform as well. Sooner or later, all cars will have to emit less than 100 grams per kilometer. That's why Porsche is working on hybrid 911 and the next Megane RS may be a hybrid.

Of course, muscle cars aren't accepted in Europe because they are stigmatized as symbols of excess. Import taxes, expensive fuel and badge snobbery make the compound a problem, meaning you can't live the American dream as a 30YO Brit, even if you want to.

As interesting as the Carfection video editorial may be, we have a small problem with the Focus ST being their official camera car. We have a sneaking suspicion that Ford facilitated the deal or lent them the ST for free, so it may not be a bias-free review.

But what do you guys think, is the hot hatch a European muscle car? Does that make the RS3 a Hellcat and the A45 AMG a Mustang GT350?

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
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.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories