Against Type R now are such monsters as the Ford Focus ST and Opel Astra OPC. Realizing the seriousness of such vehicles, we decided to conduct a full track day at the Tushino airfield. A couple of years ago, Honda Civic Type R was an icon for a generation of motorists and sportsmen. Unbelievable hondovskie motors with specific power under the "hundreds" of horses per liter stirred the imagination. Outrageous speed blew his eardrums, and often led to a victorious finish Civic. In Russia, even held monocup Civic Type R, which was attended by nearly production machines and the racing specification engine with easily managed to remove all 240 "forces" - and this at a volume of 2 liters. However, in a class of low cost hot-hatch turbo era began, through which strap 200 "horses" was left far behind. It seems that power is now limited to the ability of the front wheels to realize it. Against Type R now are such monsters as the 225-strong Ford Focus ST and Opel Astra OPC, which is hidden under the hood as much as 240 hp At the same time the Europeans still cheaper than the Japanese. The base Ford is 787 000 rubles, but for the spectacular color Orange and other options will have to pay. Basic Astra OPC cost of 31 490 dollars, while Honda dealers are asking for less powerful Type R, all 37 $ 700. Who will win? Realizing the seriousness of such vehicles, we decided to go beyond a series of road tests, and had a full track day at the Tushino airfield, where our test pilot made one of the most successful pilots anlegal Basil Saburov. He shared with us his own feelings of cars that can be assessed in motion in the video, as well as held a series of measurements. In preparation for the test, we tried to pick up for comparison as close as possible to the technical characteristics of cars, but to achieve full parity did not succeed. Ford arrived at the test, barely getting the rooms and had no time to be run, which resulted in the first place on the brakes. Opel wore in almost racing tires Pirelli PZero, giving a significant advantage on the track. His first couple of turns running Astra derive a leader - a powerful engine and breeding tires do their job. Slow down before the bends can be significantly later, the main thing - do not make a mistake during acceleration: a little too far with the gas and the wheels quickly break down in the slip. In terms of traction characteristics is clearly inferior to Honda turbo rivals. Tachometer pointer continuously have to keep some of the red zone, but in the turns less weight machines and a sports chassis can catch up on some opponents. Focus for the track was too hard a test. His suspension - the softest of all test participants, and the tires Continental SportContact 2 is not very suitable for racing. As a result, brake earlier accounts, and especially in the turns do not disperse. Results of races on the classic snake even more clearly demonstrate the capabilities of machines. Despite the modest engine, Honda has time to visit all 10 cones, while competitors only reach the ninth. At the same time and fly a Type R is much nicer - just enough time to turn the steering wheel, and Honda zanyrivaet itself in turns. OPC is going much more spectacular, the car now and then tries to go into a skid, which will undoubtedly affect the result - do not help either bus or a powerful engine. But the system has pleased ESP - it is not so much choking the engine, as on other machines that can go on the snake and at the same time feel carefully podstelennuyu cushion. Electronics rivals is more strict and any slip or sudden acceleration immediately intervenes in the engine that makes it completely deactivated. On the soft suspension Ford waddle out of every bend, and a slight delay from the Astra is due only a great and responsive engine, which has a large reserve of thrust. However, the steeper the turn, the more behind rivals ST. In between tests, jumping from one machine to another, inadvertently start thinking about design. You come from a classical focus and choose: get behind the wheel now resembling an arrow released by Type R or faceted Asters. Our test has proved once again that the taste and color of all the markers are different. Focus ST will attract fans of classical style, but if you choose the car is not orange, the hot hatch will be almost indistinguishable from the more peaceful brethren. OPC, seems to be cut down with an ax and got quite well - even more sweeping lines add the dynamics of the most high-speed car tests. Honda - a very special car: the unusual proportions of the body resemble a minivan in front and behind - the spacecraft. Leaving the track, we are plunged into a familiar atmosphere - a 5 minute ride, 10 standing. It's time to look around. Civic saloon like spaceship. The two-storey instrument panel is complemented by a two-storey rear window, completely devoid of a janitor. This decision carries the original, but in terms of ergonomics, the interior of the Honda is far from ideal. The engine starts under the left hand button - hello, the classic "Lada"! - A control unit with climate control and auxiliary keys are scattered completely at random. Another good thing that the steering wheel and gearshift knob at the Civic are the traditional places - they are the best in our trinity. Of course, controls all three machines have a solid reactive force and allow the drive with high accuracy. But Honda is still better. A stylish aluminum knob and does is worthy of replication on all cars of the world. Individual attention, chairs - it's practically racing buckets with fixed head restraints and seats for five-point seat belt attachment - it is not clear how they ended up on the series car, but ride them incredibly comfortable. Salon Focus seems to know half the population of our vast: it's no joke - the best selling foreign car, a queue that did not fall below the mark in 6 months. Such a relationship brings and pushes. But even those who never had anything to do with the production of Ford, ST did not cause any difficulties. All at your fingertips, that's just slightly annoying uncharacteristic for high seating sports car - you feel almost like a minivan. Thank you again bucket Recaro, which stably fix the body in turns, and insert them under the cool exterior color enliven the gray interior. By the way, on-board computer interface completely Russified Focus, although ST is going to Spain. Before the test of the switching mechanism, we expected more. In the previous checkpoint Gertrad ST selectivity was exemplary, but now the mechanism is the same as for conventional Focus. OPC is also far removed from ordinary Astra - the same visor central air and the familiar trick of excellent seats Recaro. Criticism only cause Uncommittable paddle switches so narrow rear window, partially offset by parking assistant. In City Street Racing, which in many ways and created a hot hatch, the balance of power is changing. Simultaneous start with a traffic light demonstrates the superiority of the turbo engine atmosfernikom. At Opel, and Ford Motors issued to 320 Nm of torque already at medium speed. In order not to lag behind from their opponents, the driver has to twist the Type R engine to cut-off, while at OPC - and especially on the ST - enough to keep the tachometer pointer above 3000 r / min: Regiment of torque allows the transfer switch in one, which affects the comfort ride and acoustic comfort. Call the work of sports motor noise not dare, but when it comes to comfort, the most quiet in Focus: Motor recalls his solid roar only during extreme accelerations, and suspension and almost completely silent. Opel with a central exhaust charms dull hiss. Type R, like a racing car and reliably inform the driver of the motor speed, as well as asphalt under the wheels. Directions tram lines echoing throughout the body is given - a real sports car. If we are talking about practicality in this category unconditional leader - Ford. He has the most spacious room with high ceiling above the rear passengers and a large luggage compartment. Civic Capacity and Astra is about the same - comfortable in these cars just sitting in the front and rear feel left out and visibility attention, and their bodies tightly fixed between the seat cushion and the roof. Well, until our sports cars cool after the hot test and look down menacingly at each other, it's time to take stock. The winner goes Opel Astra. It combines the best sporting and fitness for everyday driving. Add to this the most powerful engine in our trio - and here he is the Champion! Despite the victory in the snake, a great chassis and spectacular design, Civic Type R in second place. The atmospheric engine is turbocharged palely against the competition. The elements of the Japanese - Speedway, here he is at ease and confident toured more powerful rivals due to the lower weight and sports suspension. But in the torsional characteristics of the motor tires need to constantly refer to the standard gearshift. This is a car for people with high mobility and a passion for everything new and extraordinary. Ford Focus ST, alas, is content with third place, but it gets the audience award for its excellent balance, and suitability for everyday driving. Yes, it is inferior to track competitors, but in the comfort of captivating, high-quality interior and a steam traction 2.5-liter turbo, which can easily be forced up to 300 hp It is not as explosive, as the Honda or the Opel, but it honestly does its job and is perfect for both long-distance coach trips, and to ride on the Moscow traffic jams. By the way, Focus - the only one in our trio, who offered a more practical 5-door body. P.S. Yet at the stage of preparation of the material had to hear the questions: why we do not have to test front-drive hatchback is the most powerful in the world - Mazda3 MPS? The answer is simple - the quota for these machines are sold for the year ahead. What is the meaning of test that you can not buy
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