Peugeot 308 vs rivals
The new Peugeot 308 hatch takes on the SEAT Leon and Mazda 3
Downsizing in the name of efficiency is all the rage, but it’s taken Peugeot until now to launch a small-capacity turbo engine for its recently launched 308. The new e-THP unit is available with 108bhp or 128bhp, as tested here. Both versions emit less than 110g/km of CO2 and promise to return more than 60mpg.
Mazda, meanwhile, has added a new 1.5-litre SkyActiv engine to its superb 3 hatch. It’s not as powerful as its turbocharged rivals, but it promises strong throttle response, driveability and low running costs.
Setting the benchmark for our two newcomers is our reigning car of the year: the SEAT Leon. Fitted with a 1.2-litre TSI unit, it delivers performance, economy, sharp driving dynamics and value for money.
Click the links below for the full verdict on each car...
Now read our head-to-head group test results below...
Head-to-head
Under the bonnet
Peugeot’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine is given a boost courtesy of a turbo and stop-start. As a result, it’s 15 per cent more powerful and 25 per cent more efficient than the 1.6-litre unit it replaces.
The SEAT has a more traditional four-cylinder with less power, but the Leon’s lower kerbweight means strong performance. However, the Mazda avoids turbocharging with its “right-sized” 1.5-litre, which is smooth but lacks punch.
Light fantastic
Both Peugeot and SEAT have adopted the latest LED headlamp tech. Yet while this is available on Leon SE models and above, you’ll have to fork out for the 308 Allure if you want the brighter lights.
Used - available now
Mazda uses traditional halogens in the entry-level SE, but SE-L and Sport get standard-fit xenons.
Business costs
Our trio will be on most company car lists, but the SEAT rates well here. It’s CO2 emissions are higher than the 308’s, yet a lower price means there’s little to separate the two on BIK. The Leon’s 46.4 per cent residuals are strongest.
Verdict
1st place: SEAT Leon
The SEAT Leon’s reign at the top of the family car class continues. In 1.2-litre TSI guise, it offers a compelling blend of performance, quality and refinement. Factor in sharp handling, plenty of kit and strong residuals, and it’s a package that’s hard to beat.
2nd place: Peugeot 308
The runner-up spot goes to the Peugeot 308. It’s not as fun to drive as its rivals, but it’s hard to ignore the French model’s punchy engine, low CO2 emissions and long kit list. It’s attractively styled, inside and out, and better built than previous Peugeots.
3rd place: Mazda 3
Third place will be a bitter pill for Mazda to swallow. While the 3 is neatly styled, well built and enormous fun to drive, it’s undermined by sluggish performance and higher running costs. Space and practicality are also a letdown.
| SEAT Leon 1.2 TSI SE | Peugeot 308 1.2 e-THP Active | Mazda 3 1.5 SE Nav | |
| On the road price/total as tested | £16,970/£17,410 | £17,945/£17,945 | £17,295/£17,835 |
| Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000) | £7,849/46.4% | £6,945/38.7% | £7,401/42.8% |
| Depreciation | £9,066 | £11,000 | £9,894 |
| Annual tax liability std/higher rate | £507/£1,015 | £501/£1,002 | £552/£1,103 |
| Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) | £1,732/£2,886 | £1,844/£3,074 | £2,120/£3,533 |
| Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost | 13/£330/C/£30 | 14/£341/B/£20 | 13/£339/C/£30 |
| Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service | £169/£199/£169 | £16.99pm (3yrs/30k) | £109/£219/£249 |
| Length/wheelbase | 4,263/2,636mm | 4,253/2,620mm | 4,465/2,700mm |
| Height/width | 1,459/1,816mm | 1,457/1,804mm | 1,465/1,795mm |
| Engine | 4cyl in-line/1,197cc | 3cyl in-line/1,199cc | 4cyl in-line/1,496cc |
| Peak power/revs | 104/4,500bhp/rpm | 128/5,500bhp/rpm | 99/6,000bhp/rpm |
| Peak torque/revs | 175/1,400Nm/rpm | 230/1,750Nm/rpm | 150/4,000Nm/rpm |
| Transmission | 6-spd man/fwd | 6-spd man/fwd | 6-spd man/fwd |
| Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel | 50 litres/foam | 53 litres/space-saver | 51 litres/space saver |
| Boot capacity (seats up/down) | 380/1,210 litres | 470/1,309 litres | 364/1,263 litres |
| Kerbweight/payload/towing weight | 1,198/502/1,300kg | 1,370/380/1,300kg | 1,276/524/950kg |
| Turning circle | 10.2metres | 10.4metres | 10.6metres |
| Basic warranty/recovery | 3yrs (60k)/1yr | 3yrs (unltd)/3yrs | 3yrs (60k)/3yrs |
| Service intervals/UK dealers | Variable/128 | 12.5k (1yr)/300 | 12.5k miles (1yr)/170 |
| Driver Power manufacturer/dealer position | 24th/31st* | 14th/26th* | 8th/17th* |
| Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars | 94/92/70/71/5 | 92/79/64/81/5 | 91/86/65/81/5 |
| 0-60/30-70mph | 9.4/9.6 secs | 9.0/9.0 secs | 10.4/10.2 secs |
| 30-50mph in 3rd/4th | 2.9/6.0 secs | 4.2/6.2 secs | 6.3/8.3 secs |
| 50-70mph in 5th/6th | 9.1/11.8 secs | 8.6/11.4 secs | 11.9/18.5 secs |
| Top speed/rpm at 70mph | 119mph/2,400rpm | 127mph/2,300rpm | 113mph/2,500rpm |
| Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph | 50.3/35.0/9.0m | 47.9/35.2/8.7m | 51.9/36.8/9.4m |
| Noise outside/idle/30/70mph | 61/39/59/69dB | 63/43/65/70dB | 58/42/63/72dB |
| Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range | 41.0/9.0/451 miles | 38.5/8.5/449 miles | 33.5/7.3/376 miles |
| Govt urban/extra-urban/combined | 47.9/65.7/57.6mpg | 48.7/72.4/61.4mpg | 43.5/65.7/55.4mpg |
| Govt urban/extra-urban/combined | 10.5/14.5/12.7mpl | 10.7/15.9/13.5mpl | 9.6/14.5/12.2mpl |
| Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket | 159/114g/km/15% | 170/107g/km/14% | 195/119g/km/16% |
| Airbags/Isofix/parking sensors/camera | Seven/yes/£265/no | Six/yes/yes/no | Six/yes/£158/no |
| Auto/stability/cruise control | £1,250/yes/yes | £1,000/yes/yes | No/yes/no |
| Climate control/leather/heated seats | £350/£1,370/£350^ | Yes/no/no | No/no/no |
| Metallic paint/xenon lights/keyless go | £495/£995**/no | £525/no/no | £540/no/no |
| Sat-nav/USB/DAB/Bluetooth | £745/yes/£175/yes | Yes/yes/yes/yes | Yes/yes/yes/yes |
