Can’t miss it Franco-German duel on this segment. queen compact sedans with us, Peugeot 308 (2021) of the third generation combines style and efficiency with the small 1.2 PureTech. Facing her, we see her eternal German rival volkswagen golf. The undisputed queen of the segment, the eighth-generation Golf (2020) stands out for its versatility and remains the safety choice. But the French have many arguments…
Here are our two opponents of the day in this head-to-head!
Peugeot 308 vs. Volkswagen Golf: the eternal duel of sedans
The Volkswagen Golf has earned its reputation for its responsive and sober engines, as well as a functional and well-built interior. The eighth opus is no exception to the rule, even if its unique tactile ergonomics, especially on the steering wheel, are not easy to understand. Point that Volkswagen apparently marked for correction for the upcoming facelift.
But from the emotional side – dead calm. And here the 308 helped. Particularly original in this new generation, Peugeot meets a more desirable interior design and complex equipment, such as digital instruments with a 3D effect or a new touch panel for setting up the shortcuts of the multimedia system. Not forgetting the famous piano keys too, practical physical controls at your fingertips.
But the Golf doesn’t shy away from the on-board tech it’s happy to offer for an equivalent price. Above all, its interior remains more practical, with larger openings, much more room for passengers and a little more for luggage. And if on the road the 308 turns out to be a little more nimble in turns, the Volkswagen brakes better. Finally, the German has a more pleasant four-cylinder gasoline unit than the “three-legged” Peugeot, which always tends to vibrate a little. Even if, in terms of power, the two units develop the same power (130 hp), the German works a little better than its rival of the day.
Peugeot 308 vs Volkswagen Golf: style vs restraint
Peugeot 308 III 1.2 Puretech 130 Allure Pack
air design, elegant upholstery(1) , customizable quick access panel under the large central screen: the Peugeot 308 has an effect on board. But the top of the mini steering wheel always tends to encroach on the racks…
(1). Model pictured with Nappa leather upholstery (€2,100).
Volkswagen Golf VIII 1.5 TSi 130 Active
Despite the attractive materials, the Golf dashboard seems more banal. But his screens are less hesitant. In addition, the storage spaces are larger and the doors are carpeted.
Peugeot 308 vs Volkswagen Golf: technical characteristics
| MACHINERY | Peugeot 308 | volkswagen golf |
| Turbo gasoline engine | 3 cylinders in a row, 12S | 4 cylinders in a row, 16S |
| Moving | 1199 cubic meters | 1498 cubic meters |
| Maximum torque | 230 Nm at 1750 rpm | 320 Nm at 1400 rpm |
| CO2 / bonus or minus | 127 g/km/0 EUR | 126 g/km/0 EUR |
| Box | Mechanical, 6 steps | Mechanical, 6 steps |
| maximum speed | 198 km/h | 198 km/h |
| Acceleration 1000 m DA | 31s | 30s4 |
| Accelerated from 80 to 120 km/h 4/5/6 |
7s/9s4/13s8 | 8s2/10s9/15s |
| Average consumption | 6.2 l/100 km | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Road/Highway/City | 6/6/6.7 l/100 km | 5.9/6/6.6 l/100km |
| weight | 1305 kg | 1273 kg |
| Braking from 130 to 0 km/h | 67 m | 61 m |
| breast | 397 dm3 | 431 dm3 |
Peugeot 308 vs. Volkswagen Golf: Verdict!
| LABORATORY NOTES | Peugeot 308 | volkswagen golf |
| Behavior on the road | 15 | 15 |
| Protective equipment | 14 | 16 |
| Approval/execution | 15 | 15 |
| Comfort/noise insulation | 17 | 16 |
| Comfort/guarantee equipment | 15 | 17 |
| Accommodation / trunk | 7 | 12 |
| Practical aspects | 7 | 14 |
| Presentation/finish | 16 | 15 |
| Consumption | 18 | 18 |
| Price | 7 | 6 |
| VERDICT | 2nd place (135/200 points) | 1st (144/200 points) |
In this duel in volkswagen golf breaks away with a narrow margin. If the French comes out of the game thanks to its pleasant overall presentation and modern styling, it is ahead, in particular, in practical aspects, but also its trunk volume, which is less provided than its rival. On the driving side, the two compact sedans are on par with their 130hp, though Peugeot 308 only uses a small 3 cylinder. Comfort and noise isolation are also slightly better than on the Golf. Finally, if the two models shine with their sobriety per liter, it is at the prices that the German captures another small moment. A choice of the heart or a choice of the mind? You choose!
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.