Peugeot 308 P51 vs Volkswagen Golf MK7

Peugeot 308

P51 · 2021 – 2026

The third-generation 308 (P51), with i-Cockpit, hybrids and the all-electric e-308.

Volkswagen Golf

MK7 · 2012 – 2020

The seventh-generation Golf (MK7), on the MQB platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 308

Pick the P51 for the most modern 308 with the widest powertrain range, from efficient hybrids to the electric e-308.

Best engine: The chain-driven 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or 1.5 BlueHDi — or the e-308 for the city.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Golf

Pick the Golf for a balanced mix of refinement, practicality and driving enjoyment.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Peugeot 308	Volkswagen Golf
Power	130 hp	150 hp Winner
Torque	230 Nm	250 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,4 s	8,2 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	216 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	104,8 hp/t	116,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	118 g/km	116 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,0 L/100km Winner	5,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 308	Volkswagen Golf
Boot	412 L Winner	380 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.270 L	1.270 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m Winner	2,64 m
Length	4,37 m	4,26 m
Ground clearance	—	13,9 cm
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	10,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.600 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 308	Volkswagen Golf
Platform	EMP2 (modular)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · Hybrid PHEV · e-308 (EV)	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI
Transmission	6-speed manual · EAT8	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet belt on early cars
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain
Infotainment software needs updates

Volkswagen Golf

DQ200 DSG service (automatic)
Water pump/thermostat module on EA211
AdBlue/DPF on 2.0 TDI (short trips)

Pros

Peugeot 308

Modern design and i-Cockpit with a big screen
Widest powertrain range: from diesel to electric
All-electric e-308 (~400+ km WLTP)

Volkswagen Golf

Light MQB platform with sharp handling
Thrifty, smooth TSI/TDI engines
Solid build quality

Cons

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech (early cars) carries the wet belt
Boot smaller than class leaders

Volkswagen Golf

EA111 chain (early 1.4 TSI, pre-2014)
Plastic water pump needs checking

Driving experience

Peugeot 308

The P51 leans on the same EMP2 bones as the old 308 but wears a sharper suit. It stays light and low, so the front axle turns in keenly and the car flows through corners without fuss, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials are even more pronounced here and take a real acclimatisation; once settled, the steering feels quick and accurate and body roll stays well held. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that shrugs off broken tarmac, though big wheels firm things up. The 1.2 PureTech 130 is eager, the e-308 is near-silent and instant, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without drama. It is a composed, easy compact, not a hot hatch.

Volkswagen Golf

Balanced, comfortable and easy to place. The Golf rides with a maturity unusual for a hatchback, stays quiet at speed, and steers accurately with well-judged weighting. Front-drive versions are safe and predictable; 4MOTION on the R adds serious cross-country pace and traction. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible everyday pick — smooth and economical — the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance choice, and the GTI and R versions add real performance. The DSG is quick; the manual is crisp. Body control is composed, and while the Golf is not overtly sporty, it does everything well without fuss.