Focus II vs Golf V: which is better?
Ford Focus II (2004–2011) vs Volkswagen Golf V (2003–2008): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Ford Focus IISpecifications
| Ford Focus II | Volkswagen Golf V | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2004–2011 | 2003–2008 |
| Body | hatchback | hatchback |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 Duratec | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 100 hp | 102 hp |
| Torque, up to | 143 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 342 mm | 4 204 mm |
| Width | 1 839 mm | 1 759 mm |
| Height | 1 497 mm | 1 485 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 640 mm | 2 578 mm |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Ford Focus II
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost engine: Duratec suffers timing belt and ignition coil wear
- Ford 6F35/6F50/4F27E gearbox: valve body and solenoid wear
Engine (Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost): on Duratec — timing belt and ignition coil wear; on EcoBoost — overheating and coolant leaks on the 1.6.
Gearbox (Ford 6F35/6F50/4F27E): valve body and solenoid wear; shift shocks.
Volkswagen Golf V
Pros
- Engine VW 1.6 MPI (BSE): a reliable engine
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW 1.6 MPI (BSE): oil consumption at high mileage
Engine (VW 1.6 MPI (BSE)): reliable engine; oil consumption at high mileage; timing belt wear.
Which one to choose
- Focus II — if you care more about: wheelbase.
- Golf V — if you care more about: power, torque.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Focus II or Golf V?
Focus II: up to 100 hp, Golf V: up to 102 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Focus II — about 13 675 ₸, Golf V — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.