# The Resilience of Family Hatchbacks: A Review of the Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308, and Toyota Corolla
## Introduction
In a world dominated by SUVs and electric vehicles, it’s easy to overlook the enduring popularity and practicality of family hatchbacks. While smaller cars and crossovers have gained traction among Toyota and Peugeot buyers, the Volkswagen Golf remains a top-seller in the UK. In this article, we will explore the latest generation of these traditional hatchbacks and compare the Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308, and Toyota Corolla. Despite their unassuming nature, these cars offer a compelling blend of space and driving manners that make them fit for any purpose.
## The Facelifted Volkswagen Golf: A Return to Form
The Volkswagen Golf has long been considered a benchmark in the family hatchback segment. However, the eighth generation faced criticism for its glitchy multimedia system and perceived loss of quality in the interior. In response to feedback, Volkswagen has addressed these issues in the facelifted version. The old screen and software have been replaced, the touch bar now lights up for night use, and the interior has regained a sense of perceived quality. While it may not be a class leader in isolation, the Golf retains its strong reputation for a reason.
## The Peugeot 308: French Cuisine with a Plush Fluidity
The Peugeot 308 stands out for its plush fluidity and exceptional driving experience. While it shares similarities with its stablemates, the 308 manages to feel lighter and less complex, offering a sense of agility and ease on the road. The latest update introduces a new mild hybrid powertrain, which combines a 28bhp electric motor with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Although it may not offer the same electric-only range as a full hybrid, the mild hybrid system provides benefits in terms of fuel economy and smoothness.
## The Toyota Corolla: Reliability and No-Nonsense Approach
The Toyota Corolla has a reputation for reliability and a no-nonsense approach. Despite being the oldest car among the trio, the Corolla’s timeless design and straightforward interior have aged well. It features physical knobs and buttons for climate control, making it easy to operate even for those accustomed to older technology. The Corolla also boasts a chunky gear selector lever and heavy-duty rocker switches for the heated seats. While it may lack some of the fancy details found in the other cars, the Corolla’s functionality and build quality make it a solid choice.
## Interior Ambience: Style, Ergonomics, and Materials
When it comes to interior ambience, the Peugeot 308 excels in style-forward design and material choices. The metal-effect center console, darker fabrics, leather-like materials, and neat 3D gauge cluster create an inviting and visually stimulating environment. However, the ergonomics of the i-Cockpit, which places the gauge cluster high above the small steering wheel, may not suit everyone. The Golf strikes a balance between visual stimulation and practicality. While its dash layout is less visually stimulating than the 308’s, the materials and build quality are solid. The Corolla, on the other hand, focuses on functionality and ease of operation. It may lack novel materials or standout design features, but it offers physical knobs and buttons for climate control and a user-friendly interface.
## Hybrid Options: Convenience Without the Need for Plug-in Charging
All three cars in this review offer hybrid powertrains that do not require plug-in charging. This feature makes them significantly more convenient for those without access to overnight charging. The Golf utilizes a 48V mild hybrid system, which shuts the engine down when decelerating and provides efficiency benefits compared to the standard manual versions. The Corolla features a full hybrid drivetrain, with a larger battery, electric motor, and e-CVT transmission. This setup allows the Corolla to switch off the engine and run on electric power frequently, resulting in impressive fuel economy in urban settings. The Peugeot 308 combines a mild hybrid system with a three-cylinder engine, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and a lively driving experience.
## Driving Experience: A Blend of Comfort and Agility
While none of the three hatchbacks can be considered true driver’s cars, they all offer a balance of comfort and agility. The Corolla stands out for its natural and harmonious driving experience, with light yet substantial controls that require little thought or effort. The delicate steering gains weight as the car is loaded in corners, providing a confident and enjoyable driving experience. The Peugeot 308, despite its small steering wheel, handles well but lacks feedback due to the power steering system. The Golf, with its optional adaptive dampers, offers versatility in its driving experience. It can be plush and comfortable in the most comfortable setting, or precise and direct in sport mode.
## Verdict: A Winner in Every Hatchback
In the end, each of these family hatchbacks has its strengths and appeals to different preferences. The Peugeot 308 falls behind in terms of ergonomics and pricing, making it the first to drop off. The Golf and Corolla offer a tougher decision. The Golf impresses with its upmarket interior, practicality, and quietness, while the Corolla excels in natural driving dynamics and fuel economy. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. However, in terms of long-term ownership and reliability, the Toyota Corolla’s unmatched track record makes it a safer bet. Regardless of the choice, all three hatchbacks offer excellent performance, comfort, and value for money.
## About the Author
Illya Verpraet is a road tester for Autocar, specializing in driving and reviewing a wide range of vehicles. With extensive experience in gathering data for rigorous road tests, Verpraet provides independent performance, fuel consumption, and noise figures. His insights and expertise contribute to Autocar’s comprehensive and trusted reviews.
[Image Source: Autocar](https://www.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/illya-verpraet-mug-1.jpg)
