It is fair to say that there are not many bad cars made these days and the differences between them are usually quite minor. That's why deciding what car to buy can be difficult.

I've had my Octavia vRS mark II for only two weeks and thoroughly enjoy its looks, practicality, handling and energy despite it not being fully run in. There is a part of me, however, that still debates whether I made the right decision.

It's mainly due to the number of reviews I have read. A recent round up of 'hot hatches' is shown on the Yahoo site here -

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/03042006/45/hot-properties-0.html

The Ford Focus ST seems to be favourite amongst a number of established reviewers (Top Gear and Fifth Gear included) and I can understand why, though I've not driven it yet. It does look, sound and perform very well but its probably not as good for taller (long legged) drivers such as myself and unlikely to be as economical or comfortable on longer journey's as the Octavia.

Likewise, the Golf GTi mark V, which I have driven, is indeed a great car. Again, its size was bearable and although boot space isn't of great importance to me, what I like about the Octavia is that it looks like a saloon despite technically being a hatchback. The Golf is also

having driven all 3, If money was no object I think they go

1) Golf

2) Focus

3) Octavia

This is based partly on the driving experience and partly on image and assumes the Golf had the optional leather recaros. The Focus is easily more fun to drive than the others.

But if I were buying:

1) Focus

2) Octavia

3) Golf

Because the Foucs is the cheapest and in 5 door is not much smaller than the Octavia. the Golf is overpriced, as is the Astra VXR.

From a 'pure' driving viewpoint then the Focus and Golf may well provide a better experience, however.....

Most of us cannot afford a 'pure' experience, we have other things to take into account such as kids/trips to B+Q/camping holidays etc.

So it really depends on what you need a car for, and also, when you read a review keep one thing in mine.

''Who is the reviewers target audience'' ?

Although if you want/need an estate, there really is no choice, is there?

Octavia, every time!

Came 3rd out of the 8 tested, was the only one of the top three you could afford/ thoil and fit into comfortably so why do you need reassurance, chill out and enjoy!

But if I were buying:

1) Focus

2) Octavia

3) Golf

Because the Foucs is the cheapest and in 5 door is not much smaller than the Octavia. the Golf is overpriced' date=' as is the Astra VXR.[/quote']

Interesting - the Focus ST is

i have driven the ST and it is an excellent drive ( i have posted along these lines before....)

HOWEVER

its is

Nothing stealthier than a debadged vRS Combi on 16" Alloys.

vRS Combi are very rare in Ireland, I only heard of 2 Mk1's. I have heard there's already 2 Mk2's on the roads.

There are some interesting points made here but I am now most definitely happy with my decision. From some of the pictures I have seen, the interior of the Focus is not as spacious or aesthetically pleasing, although the additional 'turbo boost' gauges are interesting.

Another major bad point is that it does not have a foot rest for your left foot. This would seriously annoy me on long journeys and regardless of its ride and performance characteristics, the 'living space' in cars is more important to me - especially when stuck in traffic.

I think you've made the best decision for the all round performer.

I was very interested in the Focus ST but couldn't justify the running costs as a second car. I spent alot of time on the Ford forums looking into things.

Two points of interest on the Focus.

1) It's very juicy - most owners were reporting below 20 mpg:(

2) There are very big problems with ordering one. There are many people who have ordered and are cancelling them now. Was in a couple of dealers the other day and Ford are limiting production. Apparently there are 10,000 on order in the UK and yet European production will be limited to 6,500 this year. Obviously there's gonna be alot of disappointed people out there.:(

Anybody who has already got one could be quids in if they decide to sell!

I don't know much about the Golf. However, I remember reading the review you mention and it came second - I believe the R32 came 4th or 5th!

My thouhgts.

The focus may be a nice drive but is small for a family (even in five door guise) and the base spec is very, well basic. Boot size is awaful. The Golf is a nice car but I'm afraid the image is of Boy Racer same as the Focus. My vRS is a company car as I get a monthly allowance. My vRS looks like a real car as I like a saloon style shape but with a hatch boot. And I can get the whole family in the car for a trip and no one complains because they enjoy the drive.