The Peugeot 308, despite last year’s update, is outmatched by its more modern rivals in this shoot-out. But hatchback buyers, especially those with small families, shouldn’t discount the 308’s key strengths – everyday practicality, a big boot, and a little dash of French flair.
Buyers who are single or married without children, on the other hand, should consider the Citroen C4. Of the four contenders, it’s the prettiest and it also offers the sweetest ride, but the clumsy drivetrain and cosy cabin cannot be overlooked.
The Opel Astra has a laid-back powertrain and a lack of luggage space, but it also has a well-balanced chassis and a sporty disposition. If Opel overhauls the Astra’s engine and interior packaging, it could give the Golf the fight of its life.
By being equally competent in the areas of performance, practicality and efficiency, the Golf is once again the European hatchback to beat. The “establishment” has survived another onslaught by capable competitors.
Citroen C4 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio 11:1
Max Power 156bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 240Nm at 1600rpm
Power to weight 122.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automated manual
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.7 seconds
Top Speed 214km/h
Consumption 15.6km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 148g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Pilot Sport 3
Size 225/40 ZR18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4329mm
Width 1789mm
Height 1523mm
Wheelbase 2608mm
Kerb Weight 1275kg
Turning Circle 10.7m
BUYING IT
Price $142,988 incl. COE (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Freshest design, creamiest power delivery, comfiest front seats
– Least spacious, slowest gearbox, numerous ergonomic issues
Peugeot 308 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 156bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 240Nm at 1600rpm
Power to weight 113bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.8 seconds
Top Speed 212km/h
Consumption 13km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 176g/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 Continental ContiSportContact 3
Size 225/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4276mm
Width 1821mm
Height 1591mm
Wheelbase 2608mm
Kerb Weight 1382kg
Turning Circle 11.1m
BUYING IT
Price $138,800 incl. COE (no CEVS rebate)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Roomiest boot, best all-round visibility, coldest air-conditioning
– Average build quality, thirstiest motor, rather basic hi-fi system
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1395cc
Bore x stroke 74.5mm x 80mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 140bhp at 4500rpm
Max Torque 250Nm at 1500-3500rpm
Power to weight 108.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.4 seconds
Top Speed 212km/h
Consumption 20km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 116g/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 Michelin Primacy HP
Size 225/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4255mm
Width 1790mm
Height 1452mm
Wheelbase 2637mm
Kerb Weight 1290kg
Turning Circle 10.9m
BUYING IT
Price $144,800 incl. COE (after $15k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most solid construction, best drive, excellent ergonomics
– So-so styling, overly light steering, a common sight on the roads
Opel Astra 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 79mm x 81.5mm
Compression ratio 8.8:1
Max Power 180bhp at 5500rpm
Max Torque 230Nm at 2200-5400rpm
Power to weight 127.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.5 seconds
Top Speed 211km/h
Consumption 13.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 174g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Potenza
Size 235/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4419mm
Width 1814mm
Height 1485mm
Wheelbase 2685mm
Kerb Weight 1415kg
Turning Circle 11.5m
BUYING IT
Price $149,999 incl. COE (no CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Best steering feel, well-sorted chassis, most supportive seats
– Worst cabin practicality, laziest power delivery, highest cost
