If you're in the market for a sensible C-Segment hatchback, you may have noticed that your options are slowly starting to dwindle. It's true, the C-Segment is shrinking and models like the Ford Focus and Renault Megan (in non-RS trims) are no longer offered. They've all but been replaced by the compact crossover and it appears their days are numbered.
One of the more endearing examples of this era was the Peugeot 308. Tracing its roots back to the compact family sedans of the 1920s, the 308 started as the Peugeot 20-series sedans and then later the 30-series that we remember in the 305. The 306 was a return to the hatchback format with a sedan option available. When Peugeot retired the sequential naming convention, the 308 name was retained and continued to the present day.
Related: Top 3 Peugeot 308 trims head to head: here’s our winner.
The 308 is no longer on offer in South Africa with Stellantis South Africa (the holding group for Peugeot South Africa) acknowledging that SUVs and Crossovers are the preferred body style. Still, the last 308 variant we received was a well-rounded and agreeable machine that hardly received the recognition it deserved. On the used market one can be had for a rather reasonable amount but you will be faced with having to choose between this or the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3.
Here we take a closer look to see which one is the better alternative.
Peugeot 308
The 308 was available from 2015 with Active, Allure, GT Line, and GT models on offer during its time in SA. The 308 was discontinued around 2019 before the relaunch of the brand in September 2019.
Engine
Active, Allure and GT Line models are fitted with the 3-cylinder 1.2-litre 1.2THP PureTech turbo petrol engine. Mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, the 1.2T produces 96 kW and 230 Nm. This energetic engine punches well above its weight and has more than enough grunt to keep you moving at a respectable pace.
The GT models are fitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 151 kW and 285 Nm for a real sporty approach to driving.
Features
The 308 was rather well specified from the floor with automatic headlight and wipers with cornering assist headlights. You would get partial leather upholstery as well as front and rear park distance control.
Infotainment is in the form of a large 9.7-inch infotainment system with Mirrorlink that allowed for Apple CarPlay and Android auto in later models. Bluetooth is standard even in earlier models.
Safety
The 308 comes as standard with 6 airbags across the range. You will also find ABS with Emergency Brake-force Distribution (EBD) as well as a stability program (ESP). Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) helps cut down braking distances in the event of an emergency.
ISOFIX mountings can be found in the outer rear seats for child seats that are equipped with suitable fixtures.
Running costs
Peugeot claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of only 5.2 l/100km from the 1.2T engine. 308 models were sold with a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan. Should you select a newer model, you will be entitled to the balance of these plans.
Practicality
The 308 has a 385-litre boot as standard and this can increase to 1224-litres when the rear seats are folded forward. The ground clearance of the Active/Allure models is 110 mm.
Volkswagen Golf
The VW Golf needs no introduction, we all know the GTI. But what about the other models? In the Golf 7 range, a 1.0-litre Trendline and Comfortline model, as well as a 1.4-litre Comfortline model, was on offer. This is the last time that a regular, non-GTI model Golf will be sold in South Africa.
Engine
The Golf 7 came with a choice of two engines; the 1.0TSI and 1.4TSI options with 81 kW and 92 kW respectively. Both produced 200 Nm and were available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
Features
In the Comfortline models, you get a host of convenience features such as automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers. Leather is an optional extra on Comfortline models but all models get the 6.5-inch Composition Colour infotainment system. Models that were equipped with the options Discover Media system and later models will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Safety
There are no fewer than 7 airbags in all Golf models and you will also benefit from Volkswagen's XDS torque vectoring system for improved stability. In addition, you also get ABS with EBD, a stability control program and ISOFIX mountings in the outer rear seats.
Running costs
Volkswagen claims a fuel consumption on the combined cycle of as low as 4.8 l/100km for the 1.0TSI models and a respectable 5.2 l/100km from the 1.4TSI.
The Volkswagen Golf was sold with a 3-year / 120 000 km warranty and a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan with these being transferrable to the second owner.
Practicality
The Golf has often been lauded for its practicality. With a 380-litre boot, it's rather similar to the 308 and this can be further expanded to 1270-litres when you fold down the rear seats.
Ground clearance on the Golf is the highest of the three, coming in at 142 mm.
Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda3 hatchback is the one we will be comparing here, apples with apples and all that. While available in a sedan format as well, the Mazda3 hatchback is the more popular offering from the Japanese firm. The Mazda3, released in 2019 is the one we will be looking at. The previous generation was not too dissimilar though and offered a similar set of features and drivetrain options.
Engines
Mazda is yet to adopt turbocharging on the same scale locally as the others and as such, all the engines in the Mazda3 range are naturally aspirated (no turbo or supercharger). You can choose from a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder that makes 88 kW and 153 Nm or a 2.0-litre engine in the range-topping Astina version that will give you 121 kW and 213 Nm. The 1.5 engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic while the 2.0 is only available with the automatic shift option.
Features
You will be pleasantly surprised by the Mazda3 and the options list is rather short as Mazda has included much of the equipment as standard. All models get a heads-up display and feature automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
The infotainment in the Mazda3 is an 8.8-inch system called MZD and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety
In the Mazda3 you will get a complement of 7 airbags to protect you and your passengers. The Mazda3 range comes standard with ABS and EBD. An ESP system is in place and emergency brake assist helps shorten the braking distances in the event of an emergency. ISOFIX mountings are situated in the outer rear seats for child seats.
Running costs
Fuel consumption for the Mazda3 is claimed to be 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle for the 1.5 while the 2.0 returns a slightly thirstier 6.3 l/100km. Mazda scores additional points in the warranty and service department by offering a 3-year / unlimited km warranty and a 3-year / unlimited km service plan.
Practicality
The boot in the Mazda3 hatch measures in at 351-litres, making it the smallest of the three here today. With the seats folded down, you get a little over 1000-litres with 1026 being the final tally. The ground clearance rivals the Golf, coming in at 140 mm.
Verdict
Low mileage Volkswagen Golfs and Mazda3s still carry a rather large price tag. By comparison, the Peugeot 308 seems like a sensible choice considering the standard array of features and respectable running costs. The dealership network, while not as extensive as that of VW is still well-formed and should not pose any concerns.
All three are rather similar and much of the decision would boil down to personal preference. We find the uniqueness of the 308 appealing and it offers a wonderful drive in return. The Golf does offer the best aftercare with extensive warranties and service plans. If you're able to live with the few shortcomings of the 308 (and there aren't many) then we would highly recommend it.
