Peugeot dealers are going to offer consumers test drives in the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, alongside the 308, from May 11 until May 25.

The manufacturer believes the ‘head-to-head’ challenge is a clear signal of its confidence in the product and that its car will prove the most popular.

And to give dealers the best chance of winning business, Peugeot is also now coaching sales staff on offering the best test drive experience.

The majority of the 221 dealer network will be taking part, with the competitor cars being rented for the sales initiative from Europcar.

Neil Moscrop, Peugeot UK brand director, said: “Prospects and existing customers will be invited to take the challenge. I’ve test driven each car and I’m confident our sales staff have plenty of reasons to be confident consumers will choose the 308.”

He said Peugeot’s zone sale managers are now being pulled in to support the dealers in maximising their understanding of the benefits of the mid-range 308 against the equivalent Golf and Focus - and therefore sales opportunities.

During the head-to-head challenge the 308 will be offered with three years’ free servicing.