Peugeot 308 P51 vs Volkswagen Golf MK8

Peugeot 308

P51 · 2021 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Golf

MK8 · 2020 – 2026

The eighth-generation Golf (MK8), on the MQB Evo 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 eTSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol vs 1.5 eTSI 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	8,5 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	224 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	104,8 hp/t	114,9 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	118 g/km Winner	126 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,0 L/100km Winner	5,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 308	Volkswagen Golf
Boot	412 L Winner	381 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.270 L Winner	1.237 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m Winner	2,64 m
Length	4,37 m	4,28 m
Ground clearance	—	14,0 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 Evo (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/EA211 Evo 1.0/1.5 · EA888 2.0 (GTI/R) · EA288 Evo 2.0 TDI · eHybrid/GTE PHEV
Transmission	6-speed manual · EAT8	7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
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

MIB3/MIB4 software campaigns (early)
DQ200 DSG service (1.0/1.5)
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

Modern MIB4 electronics post-facelift (2024)
Wide, efficient engine range
Strong driver-assistance systems

Cons

Peugeot 308

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

Volkswagen Golf

MIB3 software on early cars (pre-facelift)
Capacitive controls pre-facelift

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

Well-rounded, comfortable and effortlessly easy to live with. Steering is light, accurate and quick, the ride supple and settled, and the Golf soaks up everything from city streets to motorway miles. Front-drive is safe and predictable, while 4MOTION on the R adds immense all-weather traction. The 1.5 eTSI is smooth and frugal with its 48-volt boost, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the GTE plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed DSG is quick and slick; the manual light and precise. Overall a do-everything hatch that is comfortable, capable and hard to fault.