If this competition was about finding the hatchback with the most dynamic handling, the Opel Astra Turbo would have been declared the winner. It also scores points with its flexible storage options, but these traits are overshadowed by the relatively snug cabin and less user-friendly infotainment compared to its rivals here. Had Opel worked on these two shortcomings and improved the engine’s power delivery, the Astra might have been the one to beat.
The Peugeot 308 Turbo has the perkiest powertrain of the three hatches, but despite the facelift, its cabin still looks dated and continues to lag behind its rivals when it comes to overall refinement. However, the Pug is an excellent choice for families thanks to its spacious and airy interior, which also offers extra safety thanks to its superb all-round visibility.
Emerging ahead of its rivals in this shoot-out is the Citroen DS4. Although its drivetrain is clumsier than the others’ and its practicality (in terms of rear seat and boot space) is worse than its competitors’, the DS4 makes up for these flaws with its distinctive crossover bodystyle, well-appointed cabin, quiet ride and intuitive infotainment system. These positive traits endow the DS4 with the most style and substance of the test group.
Peugeot 308 Turbo 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.5mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 156bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 240Nm at 1400-3500rpm
Power to weight 116.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.1 seconds
Top Speed 212km/h
Consumption 13.5km/L (combined)
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 SportContact 3
Size 225/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4276mm
Width 1821mm
Height 1591mm
Wheelbase 2608mm
Kerb Weight 1340kg
Turning Circle 11.1m
BUYING IT
Price $133,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Airy cabin, willing turbo engine, fantastic all-round visibility, keen pricing
– Some oversights in ergonomics, leather upholstery is optional, weak air-con
Opel Astra Turbo 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 9 seconds
Top Speed 211km/h
Consumption 13.9km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
Size 235/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4419mm
Width 1814mm
Height 1510mm
Wheelbase 2685mm
Kerb Weight 1415kg
Turning Circle 11.5m
BUYING IT
Price $145,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000 km
+ Accurate steering, welcoming seats, flexible cargo area
– Strangely sedate performance, no Bluetooth audio, limited driving vision
Citroen DS4 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio 11.1:1
Max Power 156bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 240Nm at 1400-4000rpm
Power to weight 122.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automated manual
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.9 seconds
Top Speed 214km/h
Consumption 15.4km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Pilot Sport 3
Size 225/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4275mm
Width 1810mm
Height 1533mm
Wheelbase 2612mm
Kerb Weight 1270kg
Turning Circle 11.3m
BUYING IT
Price $147,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Cool design details, great driving position, creamy powerplant
– Sleepy gearbox, cramped back seat, comparatively small boot
