Peugeot 308 T9 vs Volkswagen Golf MK8

Peugeot 308

T9 · 2013 – 2021

The second 308 (T9), 2014 European Car of the Year on EMP2.

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 T9 for the best-balanced 308: light, refined and cheap to run — with the right engine.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech (petrol) or 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2017.

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	9,6 s	8,5 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	224 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	112,1 hp/t	114,9 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	105 g/km Winner	126 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,7 L/100km Winner	5,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 308	Volkswagen Golf
Boot	420 L Winner	381 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.270 L Winner	1.237 L
Wheelbase	2,62 m	2,64 m Winner
Length	4,25 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 · 1.6 THP/PureTech petrol · 1.5/1.6/2.0 BlueHDi diesel	EA211/EA211 Evo 1.0/1.5 · EA888 2.0 (GTI/R) · EA288 Evo 2.0 TDI · eHybrid/GTE PHEV
Transmission	6-speed manual · EAT6	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 timing belt
BlueHDi: AdBlue/SCR and DPF
1.5 BlueHDi: timing chain on early units

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

Light thanks to EMP2: agile and efficient
Refined interior with i-Cockpit
Strong BlueHDi diesels and smooth EAT6/EAT8

Volkswagen Golf

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

Cons

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt needs strict intervals
Rear seat tight for the class

Volkswagen Golf

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

Driving experience

Peugeot 308

The T9's party trick is its weight: EMP2 made it roughly 140 kg lighter than the old 308, and you feel it through the steering and damping. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials need a short adjustment period, then the front axle feels quick and accurate while the body stays flat and settled. Most versions run a comfort-tuned torsion-beam rear, so the car rolls absorbently over Belgian cobbles and resists roll in bends without turning harsh. The 1.2 PureTech is eager, the 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi pull strongly and quietly, and the EAT6/EAT8 automatic shifts without fuss. A composed, everyday compact; only the 225 GT and GTi sharpen it into something more urgent.

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.