Peugeot 308 vs. VW Golf (English subtitled)

Peugeot states the 308 should become car of the Year 2014. So there's only one thing we can do. We take the VW Golf to the introduction of the new Peugeot in the French Alsace region. But first the 308. The previous one looked a bit like an MPV. This one's different and that's no co-incidence. If you want something with MPV-genes, buy a 3008. The car's design is quite conservative. But the dash is beautiful! With higher placed elements, as in the 208. But the visibilty is much better. This touch screen takes some getting used to. But the used materials look great! You notice the 308 is lower than its predecessor, there's less headroom. The amount of space in the rear isn't anything special either. The 1.6 THP is a great engine. 155 hp. The gear ratio's are optimised for economy. But the engine's flexibiblty can deal with it. Further, there's a 1.2-litre 3. cil. engine with 82 hp. There's also a cheaper 125 hp version of this 1.6 and that's about it. Next year, there will also be an economical diesel engine. The steering works in a very direct fashion but it doesn't offer much feel. It's not really a driver's car. Comfort is more important. The 308 handles imperfections in the road surface with confidence. The Golf ... With an interior like this, you could easily be in a bigger car. It really feels as if you have moved up a level from a c-segment hatch. The seating position is lower than in the 308. The Golf doesn't drive very dynamically either. The steering works in a less direct manner than the Peugeot ... ... but it offers more feel. You can choose 'sports' for heavier steering but on the whole it's 'middle of the road'. The 308 drives well, but not better than the Golf. It isn't more spacious either. And the engine is just about comparable. So there's really not that much to set the 308 apart, it won't wipe the Golf away. The 308 will appeal to many people, but opt for a Focus if dynamics are important. The 308 is a good car, but it's not going to set a new standard.