Peugeot 308 vs Volkswagen Golf
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 25 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$48,990RRP
- with the Volkswagen Golf's standard kit: $48,990 (nothing to add)
$38,690RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Peugeot 308 starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Golf opens at $38,690. That makes the Volkswagen Golf the more affordable entry point by $10,300.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $53,889 and $42,559 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Peugeot 308 by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Volkswagen Golf holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Peugeot 308. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Peugeot 308 and 88% for the Volkswagen Golf.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Peugeot 308, against 4 on the Volkswagen Golf.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Peugeot 308 and 9 in the Volkswagen Golf.
Recalls on our record
Peugeot 308
- REC-006738 · published 29 Sep 2026Due to a software issue, the interior door handles may deactivate unexpectedly while the engine is running.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006716 · published 8 Sep 2026Due to a software issue, the instrument panel cluster may fail to illuminate the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning if the front camera is blocked.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-006403 · published 5 Aug 2025The upper anchorage points for the seatbelts in the second-row left and right-hand seating positions may not meet load specifications.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2018
- 20 more on the model page.
Volkswagen Golf
- REC-006602 · published 28 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, under certain driving conditions the power steering motor system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006592 · published 23 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the electric power steering system under certain driving conditions may become temporarily inoperable.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005873 · published 24 Jan 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the heat shield between the brake master cylinder and the exhaust may have been incorrectly fitted.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- 16 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Peugeot 308 features a 10-inch touchscreen paired with a 10-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Golf gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Peugeot 308 stands out with panoramic roof, power tailgate and Focal audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Golf. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Peugeot 308 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Golf offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Peugeot 308 and 1-zone in the Volkswagen Golf.
Drivetrain
The Peugeot 308 uses a Hybrid producing 107kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Golf responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Golf has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 107kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Peugeot 308 measures 4,365mm long on a 2,675mm wheelbase, 83mm longer than the Volkswagen Golf at 4,282mm (2,631mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Peugeot 308 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 384L in the Peugeot 308 and 374L in the Volkswagen Golf, giving the Peugeot 308 a 10L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1295L vs 1230L.
For towing, the Volkswagen Golf leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,150kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.5m to 11.1m
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,197/year for the Peugeot 308 and $1,796/year for the Volkswagen Golf. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 308.
Warranty: 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 308) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Golf). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Peugeot 308 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Golf if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (76 vs 76). The Peugeot 308 and Volkswagen Golf trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Peugeot 308 will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Peugeot 308 and Volkswagen Golf?
The Volkswagen Golf is the cheapest at $38,690 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Peugeot 308 by $10,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Peugeot 308 uses the least fuel at 4.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Volkswagen Golf has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Peugeot 308 has the largest boot at 384L with the seats up (1,295L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Golf has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Golf makes the most power at 110kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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