Compare performance (196 HP vs 280 HP), boot space and price (28,300 £ vs 27,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Astra or Ford Focus?
In the world of compact hatchbacks, two names often come to the fore: the Ford Focus and the Vauxhall Astra. Renowned for their blend of performance, efficiency, and practicality, these models epitomize the strengths of their respective brands. As drivers ponder which might be their next driveway addition, here's a detailed comparison to help make that choice a bit easier.
The Ford Focus offers a diverse range of engine types, including Petrol MHEV, Diesel, and Petrol. With power outputs ranging from 115 to a zippy 280 HP, there's a model for everyone, from those seeking fuel efficiency to those wanting more spirited driving. The most potent variant can rocket from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h.
On the other hand, the Vauxhall Astra comes in five engine configurations: Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, and Electric. This variety caters to the eco-conscious with electric options providing up to 418 km of range, while petrol engines offer up to 225 HP and achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The Astra's maximum pace peaks at 235 km/h, slightly ahead of the Focus.
Eco-friendly credentials play a significant role in today's automotive choice. The Ford Focus demonstrates solid numbers with consumption ranging from 4.9 to 8 L/100 km, and CO2 emissions as low as 117 g/km. The Vauxhall Astra, however, edges ahead with options like the Plugin Hybrid consuming only 1.3 L/100 km and the fully electric version emitting 0 g/km of CO2.
Both vehicles offer diversity in driving dynamics. The Focus presents both manual and automatic transmissions, including the advanced Dual-Clutch Automatic for a sportier feel. Its front-wheel-drive configuration delivers that nimble handling the Focus is known for.
The Astra, by contrast, matches with its own array of transmissions, from manual gearboxes to the Dual-Clutch Automatic and even a Reduction Gearbox for its electric variant. Like the Focus, it too utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout, ensuring reliable traction and control.
When it comes to practicality, both models feature five seats and a standard hatchback five-door design. The Ford Focus provides a slightly larger trunk space at 392 liters compared to the Astra's 352 to 422 liters, depending on the version. Both cars come with a similar payload capacity, ensuring they can handle everyday chores and weekend getaways alike.
Interestingly, the Focus and Astra are quite similar in dimensions, making them easily maneuverable in urban settings. The Focus is marginally longer, while the Astra is slightly wider. Curb weights vary, with the Focus between 1330 to 1529 kg and the Astra from 1332 to 1736 kg, depending on the trim and engine choice.
Deciding between the Ford Focus and the Vauxhall Astra boils down to personal preferences and priorities. If you value pure dynamic performance and handling, the Focus might be your match. However, for those leaning towards more eco-friendly options and advanced powertrain diversity, the Astra provides compelling alternatives.
Ultimately, both vehicles stand as robust contenders in the hatchback segment, epitomizing the delicate balance of power, efficiency, and practicality.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
Ford Focus is only slightly cheaper – starting at 27,500 £ , while the Vauxhall Astra costs 28,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 763 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Vauxhall Astra uses 2.2 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Ford Focus with 4.9 L/100km. The difference is about 2.7 L/100km.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Ford Focus offers markedly more power – delivering 280 HP compared to 196 HP. That’s roughly 84 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Focus is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.7 s, while the Vauxhall Astra takes 7.6 s. That’s about 1.9 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Ford Focus delivers a bit more torque with 420 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 60 Nm more.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Ford Focus is only slightly lighter – 1,330 kg compared to 1,438 kg. The difference is around 108 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Vauxhall Astra offers only slightly more boot space – 422 L compared to 392 L. That’s a difference of about 30 L.
When it comes to payload, the Ford Focus carries somewhat more – 560 kg compared to 502 kg. That’s a difference of about 58 kg.
The Vauxhall Astra holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Opel Astra strikes a neat balance between everyday practicality and engaging handling, so the daily grind suddenly feels a bit less dull. Inside it's intelligently packaged with modern kit and comfortable seating, making it a very sensible pick for buyers who want a dependable hatchback that doesn't take itself too seriously.
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The Ford Focus remains a clever all‑rounder that balances sharp handling with everyday comfort, making it a strong choice whether your commute is city streets or country lanes. Its practical cabin and sensible running costs mean you’ll spend more time enjoying the drive and less time worrying about ownership, with a playful streak underfoot that keeps things interesting.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
28,300 - 37,900 £
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Price
27,500 - 42,700 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 4.9 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 8 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.3 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
83 - 454 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
0 - 130 g/km
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co2
117 - 183 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
52 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,438 - 1,733 kg
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Curb weight
1,330 - 1,529 kg
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Trunk capacity
310 - 422 L
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Trunk capacity
392 L
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Length
-
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Length
4,382 - 4,397 mm
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Width
1,859 mm
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Width
1,825 - 1,844 mm
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Height
-
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Height
1,438 - 1,482 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,354 L
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Payload
438 - 502 kg
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Payload
495 - 560 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Electric
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
130 - 196 HP
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Power HP
115 - 280 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 10.6 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 11.8 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
186 - 250 km/h
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Torque
230 - 360 Nm
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Torque
170 - 420 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Power kW
96 - 144 kW
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Power kW
85 - 206 kW
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Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,598 cm3
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Engine capacity
999 - 2,261 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,026
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Model Year
2,022 - 2,024
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CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B, D, A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G
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Brand
Vauxhall
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Brand
Ford
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
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