Testing small cars: Impreza. Astra, Corolla, Focus - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

ED Manual · 11-08-2003, 15:55

Im buying a new small car pretty soon, so went test driving(thats sure fun!)
All Manuals
The Imprezza really is the worst built car out of the lot, rough, shaky, flimsy door trims, slow! No fun AT ALL!! I dont know how anyone could buy one over an Astra!
The Astra seemed to me the smoothest, best built of the lot. I drove a 1.8.Had a sweet gearchange, handled beaut and went very well although a little breathless up high in the revs.(its fun scaring the salesman with some swerves, ABS, flat out gearchanges with tyre chirps into 2nd!)
The Corrolla's neally as good I would say, the engines great, the cockpit grows on you as you drive and by the end looks very nice.
The Focus is really too slow....Better than the imprezza by miles though. Handles great, Really hangs on.

I have a Hyundai accent. I compared it to the imprezza and its suprisingly a much much better drive! The quality laughably is better too!
Mitsubishi Lancers look very ordinay to me, and the Accent looks and feels of at least of as good quality to these! ill take one for a drive next weekend, as well as a new pulsar, clio and a 2.0 focus if they have one in manual.

Has anyone driven and compared Imprezzas to Astras corollas etc? they are a $30000 car on the road, astras are 22000 and are twice the car!

Mr Sparkle · 11-08-2003, 16:00

What kind of $$$ are you looking to spend? Have you considered the Renault Clio Sport? They aren't particularly new any more, but are a ripping drive and great value for money right now.

BTW I wouldn't go near a Corolla on principle - they are just SO DAMN UGLY!!!!!!!!!!!

ED Manual · 11-08-2003, 16:06

hoping for not too much over 22000, what are clio sports going for these days? Ill see if i can take one for a spin :-D!!

marine1 · 11-08-2003, 16:10

Tried VW Polo???? Piss weak in terms of performance but is OK car (and no, I've seen plenty of guys drive them so its not a girls car). Also Honda Jazz is a brilliant small car from what i've been hearing from some mates who have them.

ford.boy · 11-08-2003, 16:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by marine1

Tried VW Polo???? Piss weak in terms of performance but is OK car (and no, I've seen plenty of guys drive them so its not a girls car). Also Honda Jazz is a brilliant small car from what i've been hearing from some mates who have them.

The jazz is ok if you don't care about turning. or looks.

threefiftyone8 · 11-08-2003, 22:21

Give the Mazda Astina a look, with the 'phat' 17in rims on them the look ok and they are fun to drive too...

dave_au · 11-08-2003, 22:27

Why ask us, looks like you've already made the decision on the belgium made car.

BTW, Impreza starts at $23,990

My friend has a CD Astra and its falling appart. Another friend has ordered the turbo astra nad is being shoved around by the dealer.

Why dont you save and buy a good second hand car from the govt fleets ? 40000km, still under warrenty, complete service history etc

Timmeh · 11-08-2003, 23:38

I bought a Focus, here is how I rated the other cars I test drove:

Astra: did not like the styling, or dynamics of the chassis. Also very expensive for what you get. And its a Holden

Corolla: Engine had nothing unless it was at full power, you feel every kilo when you go to turn. Was my third choice.
Peugeot 206: My second choice, but only in the Gti model. Also expensive. Good drive, but same as Focus - needs more go.
Imprezza: same thing as you said, no build quality.
Focus: underpowered, but great chassis and build quality.
Pulsar: the new one has terrible styling, with all that chrome.
Lancer: the new Lancer has even less power than the others, and the new styling is not to my liking.

Those are all personal opinions of course, but I went with the Focus in the end. I'm happy putting a few mods on the Focus engine to give it as much power (or more, depending on how much I want to spend) as it's fastest competitors. It'll never be a drag car, but that's ok to me.

They aren't for everyone (which I like), but that was my choice.

Cheers...... Tim

Cancerman · 11-09-2003, 03:17

None of the cars are my cup of tea, but I think the Corolla is being rated a bit harsh. Engine has a fair bit of go, bags 3rd in the wet. Interior is nice too. Handling isn't that bad for a FWD banger, brakes ok.

But I agree with dave_au

, AU's are an absolute bargain now. And its another world of power and comfort.

FordHawk · 11-09-2003, 03:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Sparkle

BTW I wouldn't go near a Corolla on principle - they are just SO DAMN UGLY!!!!!!!!!!!

There is no pleasing you is there Sparkles!?!! First the stripes...now the Corolla. I personally hated the new Corolla's styling when it first came out...but it has definately grown on me now. Plus you can't kill a Corolla.

ED Manual - I am surprised you think that way about the Astra....a friend of mine swears it was the worst experience riding in one of them...

I love the Foci...so I would say that is a good choice...but I understand your issues with it being underpowered.

In the end go with what you feel is the best fit for you...because in the end, it will be what you have to put up with.