Depends really, do you drive with the window open and your sterio blaring, wearing a baseball cap backwards? If so go for the Focus, particularly in that cat sick orange colour. Otherwise, the Golf shows you value style and substance as much as the last 1% of performance.
New Golf GTi was reported to be one of the best ever Golf's by Top Gear. I'd definitely go for that, I mean what would you have, a Volkswagon or a Ford? VW will also keep value better.
i dont know what matey was saying bout ford losing value, maby the crap ones but the sports hold well (not including the old focus st but thay were **** anyway) the rs stayed at the same walue for up to about a year. i've driven a few rs's they are nice bit of torque steer but its your call really, just dont do anything stupid and buy the golf
I looked at a Golf / Focus too and realised that you're paying a big premium for the VW badge, although the VW will hold its value better. To be honest, I found the Golf a bit cheap looking inside, and once I'd test driven the Focus I had my mind made up for me. Good luck !