Ford Focus vs Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Golf – Which Sporty City Car Should I Buy?

QUESTION - SID

I currently drive a 2008 Holden Astra and while it's a great little car, I am tempted by something that is a bit sportier but fuel efficient at the same time. I drive usually 200km per week; all of it is in the city. I usually do not have more than one or two passengers and storage and boot space are not particularly important to me. I am a tech geek and would like to have Android Auto on board. Cars I have considered are: Ford Focus Sport (2016), VW Golf 92TSI, Honda Civic 10th gen VTI-L (which pushes my budget) and Renault Clio GT (which does not come with Android Auto). I am open to more suggestions or comments about why one of these cars would be a better pick over the others.
Thanks.

BUDGET

$30,000

ANSWER – ALEX INWOOD

The good news is you’re shopping in a highly competitive and highly saturated part of the market, so there are plenty of cars to choose from. Of the cars you’ve mentioned, the Golf 92 TSI is the most complete all-rounder and the one I’d recommend. Its dynamics are polished, the interior roomy and well made, and it has plenty of equipment. It remains one of the best all-round new-car buys. The Focus is still a strong performer however and while it mightn’t be a polished as the Golf, especially inside, it makes up for it with a strong dynamic focus and sorted handling.

Other cars worth considering are the Fiesta ST and VW Polo GTI. Both of these cars are smaller than the Golf and Focus, but have an even greater emphasis on performance and sit atop their respective ranges. The Fiesta has long been a favourite among motoring journalists and is a lot of fun to drive. The Polo has Android Auto, plus a premium-feel interior and a brilliant 1.8-litre engine. Like the Fiesta, it’s also available with a manual gearbox which helps to increase the fun factor.