The Volkswagen Golf is the benchmark in its segment because it offers the most complete package. It may not be the most stylish continental hatchback, but it is well made, well equipped, relatively roomy and efficient – attributes that matter most to Euro-hatch buyers.
Roaring at the Golf is the lion-badged Peugeot 308. Like its German rival, the 308 also has a European “Car of the Year” award (2014) under its belt. It aims to impress with its design, amenities and performance. We tested the higher-spec variant, but a simpler version (with one-inch-smaller wheels and without panoramic sunroof and sat-nav) is available for $5000 less.
Back in Singapore’s new car market is the 308’s corporate cousin, the Citroen C4. The C4 uses the same 1.2-litre drivetrain as the 308, but is claimed to be slightly more powerful and economical. The C4 promises to be comfortable as well.
Will the Golf outshine its competition yet again? Or will either of these French contenders put it in the shade for once? Keep reading to find out.
The Volkswagen Golf’s main disadvantages in this contest against the two French rivals are its comparatively low power and ungenerous equipment (for instance, it has halogen headlights, while the C4’s are HID and the 308 uses LED).
But the lack of ponies is compensated by the rapid-shifting dual-clutch gearbox, which gives the Golf the quickest pick-up. And while its cabin is the most basic, it’s still the most spacious of the bunch.
The Citroen C4’s friendliness towards its driver (or drivers) is its most appealing trait. The instrumentation and ergonomics are excellent, while the cushy seating is great for short and long rides alike.
The C4 is also a good “shopping trolley”, thanks to its multi-item cargo hold. Too bad its rear cabin is relatively impractical.
Even more appealing than the C4 and Golf is the Peugeot 308. We like its stylish exterior and designer cockpit, but dislike how the funky steering wheel blocks some part of the instrument panel, no matter how you adjust the wheel and your driving position.
The 308 would have been the clear winner in this comparo, if not for its much higher sticker price. At press time, the Peugeot hatchback costs almost $19k more than the C4 and $14k more than the Golf.
Volkswagen Golf 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1197cc
Bore x stroke 71mm x 75.6mm
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Max power 110bhp at 4600-5600rpm
Max torque 175Nm at 1400-4000rpm
Power to weight 89.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.2 seconds
Top speed 192km/h
Consumption 20km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 115g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli Cinturato P7
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4255mm
Width 1799mm
Height 1452mm
Wheelbase 2637mm
Kerb weight 1229kg
Turning circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $105,800 (after $10k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Roomiest cabin, cleverly maximised boot, most refined powertrain
– Sombre cockpit, fairly basic hi-fi system, shorter warranty than the rest
BEST IN OCCUPANT SPACE
Citroen C4 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1199cc
Bore x stroke 75mm x 90.5mm
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Max power 130bhp at 5500rpm
Max torque 230Nm at 1750rpm
Power to weight 104.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Top speed 197km/h
Consumption 20.4km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 113g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Energy Saver
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4239mm
Width 1789mm
Height 1523mm
Wheelbase 2608mm
Kerb weight 1240kg
Turning circle 10.8m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $100,988 (after $10k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Most impressive efficiency, highly competitive pricing, most flexible boot
– Least practical backseat, narrowest front seats, still a manual handbrake
BEST IN DRIVER-FRIENDLINESS
Peugeot 308 1.2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1199cc
Bore x stroke 75mm x 90.5mm
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Max power 129bhp at 5500rpm
Max torque 230Nm at 1750rpm
Power to weight 112.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.7 seconds
Top speed 200km/h
Consumption 19.2km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 119g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Pilot Sport 3
Size 225/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4253mm
Width 1804mm
Height 1472mm
Wheelbase 2620mm
Kerb weight 1150kg
Turning circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $119,900 (after $10k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Sportiest-sounding motor, most elegant interior, biggest boot
– Odd dashboard orientation, least comfortable backseat, highest price
BEST IN DESIGN
