Mixed emotions: hatchback versus coupe

This was a selfish decision, the search for a vehicle of pure pleasure… a weekend toy.
After toying with some interesting ideas one Tuesday morning, nothing really stood-out.

But then happenstance saw a comparison brewing between the Ford Mustang EcoBoost and Ford Focus RS. The aim of the test was to see if the V8's vice-like grip on performance car honours was loosening, and whether a pair of turbo hotties powered by the same 2.3-litre engine provided different thrills.

But there's also a profound difference, aesthetically and dynamically in the way these Fords are executed. Forget the badges and the engines for a moment and consider this:

Would you spend your hard-earned on a hot hatch or a cool coupe?

City-savvy hot hatch makes all the right noises
After spending a couple of days swapping between the Focus RS and Mustang EcoBoost, it was obvious the Focus RS was simpler to get in out of (assuming you don't option the wild bucket seats with hard core side bolsters).

In fact, all things considered, the Focus was an easier car to live with - practical thanks to its five-door layout and the boot offered decent space.

But practicalities weren't crucial in my decision-making process. I wanted something to make me feel good and, on the road, again the Focus RS again delivered the goods when lining up corner apexes and blasting out of the exits.

The Focus RS was a manual too - which I don't mind - and the exhaust note was excellent, snarling and crackling after every overtake on the open road.

On the downside, a trip out of town proved seat comfort wasn’t a Focus strong point. And my ‘weekend warrior’ will be a car I'll happily spend up to a whole day piloting… so the

Focus RS could be a challenge then.

Two doors, one engine, endless roads
The Ford Mustang coupe is a completely different proposition. From the moment you open the longer, heavier doors there's a sense of occasion which permeates every time. Sure, getting into the Mustang required a little more flexibility than the Focus RS hatchback, but once inside you felt a bit more special.

The Mustang’s long bonnet, low seating position and lack of practicality may not be the most sensible combination, but even when cruising straight ahead – on utterly boring country roads – I felt cool and relaxed, as though there were nowhere else I'd rather be.

As a pure cruiser, the rear-drive coupe is ‘the business’. Although the Mustang lacked the visceral exhaust acoustic of the Focus, it still had hint of personality (felt rather than heard) which added to the rewarding driving experience.

Sure, boot space is average and the rear seats are a joke but, as a weekend toy, the Mustang will bring a smile wherever it's used – not just on a twisting mountain pass.

So, on an emotional level, it’s the Mustang I would pick as my weekend toy. It doesn't need to be driven at break-neck speeds to be enjoyed, engaging the driver in less obvious ways.

Oh, and I did purchase a new vehicle in the end. Cargo space is minimal, fuel consumption is ludicrous and the ride will literally make your eyes water…But the rego is very cheap.

I bought a jetski, 1500cc of pure bogan. Well I said it was a weekend toy.

But if it had to be a coupe or a hot hatch, which would you choose?