The Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra are arguably the two most well-known family cars in the UK. The Focus, now in its fourth generation (see our full Ford Focus history guide for more details), has earned a reputation for class-leading handling and steering response. Its rival in the test, the Astra (full Astra history guide here), is now in its eighth generation, which also marks a new era under Stellantis ownership. In this comparison, we'll delve into practicality, driving impressions, technology, running costs, and reliability to help you decide between these two contenders in the competitive family car market.
Ford Focus Mk4 vs Vauxhall Astra Mk8
Practicality
When it comes to practicality, the Ford Focus Mk4 scores a middling 3 out of 5 stars from CarGurus experts. The interior, while not flashy, offers good material quality, comfortable seating, and ample passenger space. Rear-seat passengers will find plenty of legroom compared with previous generations of the Focus, and the hatchback's 375-litre boot, while not class-leading, should prove spacious enough for everyday needs. Ford also offers an estate version with a 575-litre boot for those craving extra luggage space.
The latest Vauxhall Astra receives an identical rating of 3 out of 5 stars for practicality. It provides decent rear-seat comfort for two adults but lags behind rivals like the Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia in terms of headroom and legroom. The narrow rear windows make the back seats feel somewhat dark. However, the Astra shines in its boot space, offering a generous 422 litres in the hatchback and a more substantial 597 litres in the Sports Tourer estate, making it a versatile choice.
Driving Impressions
The Ford Focus has always been a good car to drive, and the latest version is no exception, garnering an impressive 5 out of 5 stars from CarGurus experts. Ford offers a range of engines to suit different needs, with the punchy turbocharged Ecoboost petrol engines standing out. The diesel options are also strong performers. The Focus's ride comfort and control, along with precise steering, make it a joy to drive. The sporty ST model further elevates the driving experience, offering a perfect blend of performance and day-to-day comfort.
The Vauxhall Astra Mk8 can't match the Focus here. Despite being a newer car, it receives a rating of 3 out of 5 stars for driving impressions. While the Astra offers a relaxed and confident driving experience across its lineup, it falls short of the dynamic excellence of the Focus. The 128bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine delivers a pleasant, linear driving experience, while the diesel engine is a good choice for high-mileage driving, but neither feel particularly exciting. The plug-in hybrid models offer ample performance but sacrifice some handling agility due to the added weight. Vauxhall also has the advantage of having a fully electric Astra, whereas the best Ford can manage is a mild-hybrid version of the Focus.
Technology and Equipment
The Ford Focus Mk4 receives a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from CarGurus experts for its technology and equipment. The Focus offers a wide range of trim levels, each well-equipped for its price point. Features like alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and cruise control are standard across the range. Higher trims add extras like a head-up display, and we also appreciate that Ford has maintained physical controls for the heating.
The latest Astra was launched much more recently than the Focus, and its interior almost feels like its a generation ahead as a result. It receives a 4 out of 5-star rating from CarGurus reviewers. Even the base Design trim comes generously equipped with features like LED lights, front and rear parking sensors, climate control, and keyless entry. The GS Line enhances style with 17-inch alloys and adaptive cruise control, while the Ultimate trim takes it up a notch with a head-up display, full matrix LED lights, wireless phone charging, and more. The Astra's user-friendly infotainment system comes complete with physical shortcut buttons to make frequently accessed functions easy to find. Like the Focus, neither the touchscreen graphics nor the general quality of the interior are a match for premium rivals, but both cars still look and feel entirely modern.
Running Costs
In terms of running costs, both the Focus and the Astra score 4 out of 5 stars from CarGurus experts. While there's no pure electric or plug-in hybrid models of the Focus, the engines that are offered do a good job of balancing performance and fuel economy. If you're a high-mileage motorway driver, the 118bhp diesel variant impresses with its fuel economy, returning up to 67.3mpg in official tests and emitting just 110g/km of CO2. For most, however, it'll be one of the Ecoboost petrol engines that makes the most sense. The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit might sound small for a car of this size, but it delivers willing performance and should return 40-45mpg in normal driving. While servicing may cost a bit more than some competitors, Ford offers service plans to ease the expenses.
The Vauxhall Astra has always stood out with its competitive list pricing and well-equipped trims, and the latest version is no different. For what you're getting, it represents excellent value for money. Its range of engines, including an efficient diesel option, offers good fuel economy. The 1.5-litre diesel engine achieves between 62 and 64mpg officially, while the 1.2-litre petrol delivers around 35 to 40mpg in real-world use. The availability of plug-in hybrid and electric versions of the Astra make it a much more financially attractive option than the Focus for company car drivers. Insurance and servicing costs align with similar family hatchbacks, and Vauxhall offers fixed-price servicing schemes to enhance affordability.
Reliability
In terms of reliability, the Ford Focus Mk4 has had a middling performance in owner surveys. It typically falls in the middle for reliability, with a small percentage of owners reporting faults in the first year of ownership. However, it's worth noting that in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey, the Focus ranked 26th and 27th (for petrol and diesel models respectively) out of 37 models in the family car class, which is not a particularly strong result. The Ford manufacturer warranty covers three years or 60,000 miles, with options for extension.
It's too early to provide any meaningful reliability data on the latest generation of Astra, given its newness. However, the previous Astra finished one place behind the Focus in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey, down in 28th place. Vauxhall as a brand meanwhile has had mixed results in recent surveys, ranking 23rd out of 32 brands in the same survey, whereas Ford was 27th. The Astra comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, extendable to five years for an extra cost.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019- Ford Focus is 4 out of 5 stars, while the 2022- Vauxhall Astra scores a respectable 3 out of 5 stars. In this comparison, then, it's the Focus that gets the nod.
It's a worthy win for the Ford, which still stands out thanks to its exceptional handling and high levels of comfort. Its engine range might be narrower than the Astra's, but what is available all offers a good mix of performance and running costs.
Don't write off the Astra, however. It has a usefully bigger boot than the Focus, it's far from bad to drive, and most importantly of all it can be ordered with plug-in hybrid or electric drivetrains, which the Focus doesn't offer. If any of those things are important to you, the Astra is still a good choice.
Choose Ford Focus Mk4 if:
- You value exceptional handling and a dynamic driving experience.
- You're happy with a more conventional petrol or diesel engine.
- You prefer its more understated styling.
Search for a 2019-2023 Ford Focus on CarGurus
Choose a Vauxhall Astra Mk8 if:
- Generous standard equipment and value for money are essential to your decision.
- You appreciate a fresh design and a well-rounded, comfortable driving experience.
- Efficient powertrain options, including plug-in hybrid and fully electric, align with your requirements.
Search for a 2022-2023 Vauxhall Astra on CarGurus