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Audi A3 Sportback vs Peugeot 208 comparison

Compare performance (400 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (27,000 £ vs 21,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Peugeot 208?

Audi A3 Sportback vs Peugeot 208: Key differences

Audi A3 Sportback

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Peugeot 208

4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • considerably more electric range
  • slightly lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

A3 Sportback

Design and Dimensions

The Audi A3 Sportback and Peugeot 208 both showcase unique design philosophies in the compact hatchback segment, appealing to different automotive tastes. The Audi A3 Sportback is designed with a more aggressive stance and sharp lines, reflecting its premium heritage. With a length of 4,353 mm, a width of 1,816 mm, and a height of 1,470 mm, it offers a robust presence on the road.

Conversely, the Peugeot 208 boasts a sleek and modern design, characterized by its bold front grille and aerodynamic shape. Measuring 4,055 mm in length, 1,745 mm in width, and 1,430 mm in height, the 208 is compact yet stylish, making it suitable for urban environments. Both models have a five-door configuration, making them practical options for drivers seeking versatility.

208

Engine Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Audi A3 Sportback provides a wide range of engine options, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants, giving buyers the flexibility to choose a powertrain that suits their driving style. With power outputs ranging from 116 HP to 400 HP, the A3 can cater to both everyday commuters and performance enthusiasts. It also offers impressive fuel consumption figures, from 4.8 L/100km to 9.3 L/100km, depending on the engine.

On the other hand, the Peugeot 208 focuses on efficiency and offers petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains. With a top power output of 156 HP, it aims to strike a balance between performance and economy. Fuel consumption ranges from 4.7 L/100km for petrol variants to an impressive electric efficiency of just 14 kWh/100km for its electric drivetrain. The electric version delivers a substantial range of up to 410 km, appealing to environmentally conscious drivers.

A3 Sportback

Transmission Options

Transmission options also set these two hatchbacks apart. The A3 Sportback features a choice between a manual gearbox and a dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and enhanced driving pleasure. The addition of all-wheel drive in select models promises better grip and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

The Peugeot 208, albeit less powerful, offers a dual-clutch automatic or manual gearbox across its line-up. While it doesn't provide an all-wheel drive option, its efficient front-wheel drive system works well with the car’s lightweight architecture for nimble handling.

208

Interior and Technology Innovations

Inside the cabin, both cars showcase modernity and comfort. The Audi A3 Sportback delivers a premium experience, with high-quality materials and an intuitive MMI infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with smartphones. It boasts an impressive digital cockpit along with features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist.

Meanwhile, the Peugeot 208 puts a strong emphasis on driver engagement with its innovative i-Cockpit. This design includes a compact steering wheel and a digital display positioned above it, offering a unique driving perspective. The infotainment system is user-friendly, integrating connectivity features to enhance the driving experience and keep passengers entertained.

A3 Sportback

Space and Practicality

In terms of practicality, the Audi A3 Sportback excels with a trunk capacity ranging up to 380 liters, making it suitable for family outings or road trips. The spacious interior comfortably accommodates five passengers, ensuring comfort for both driver and passengers during longer journeys.

The Peugeot 208, while slightly smaller, still provides reasonable trunk space of 309 liters, sufficient for daily needs. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving, while still managing to feel roomy inside, with clever storage solutions for personal belongings.

208

Conclusion

Choosing between the Audi A3 Sportback and the Peugeot 208 largely depends on individual preferences regarding performance, design, and function. The A3 Sportback excels in luxury and performance, with a variety of powertrains and a richer set of features. Meanwhile, the Peugeot 208 offers an exciting blend of style, efficiency, and technology at a more accessible price point.

Ultimately, both models stand strong in the highly competitive hatchback segment, catering to a diverse range of buyers looking for comfort, innovation, and driving pleasure.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A3 Sportback

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Peugeot 208 is noticeably cheaper – starting at 21,000 £ , while the Audi A3 Sportback costs 27,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,018 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A3 Sportback uses 1.1 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Peugeot 208 with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 3.4 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Peugeot 208 offers considerably more range – reaching up to 432 km, about 291 km more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

208

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Sportback offers significantly more power – delivering 400 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 244 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Peugeot 208 takes 8.3 s. That’s about 4.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi A3 Sportback delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 230 Nm more.

A3 Sportback

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Peugeot 208 is slightly lighter – 1,165 kg compared to 1,360 kg. The difference is around 195 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Audi A3 Sportback carries moderately more – 480 kg compared to 430 kg. That’s a difference of about 50 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A3 Sportback is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £27,000
A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 134 - 141 km
Audi A3 Sportback
Peugeot 208

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

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Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 feels like a city-savvy fox: compact, stylish and surprisingly grown-up, with a cabin that punches above its weight and enough personality to make daily commutes a little less boring. It’s a smart pick for buyers who want chic practicality without the showroom bluster — easy to park, thrifty to run and oddly fun when the road tightens up.

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Audi A3 Sportback
Peugeot 208

Costs and Consumption

Price
27,000 - 92,900 £
Price
21,000 - 33,200 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 5.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.1 - 15.4 kWh/100km
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
363 - 432 km
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
0 - 116 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
Curb weight
1,165 - 1,530 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
4,352 - 4,353 mm
Length
-
Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
Width
1,745 mm
Height
1,441 - 1,470 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,100 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
380 - 430 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
101 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 10.9 s
Max Speed
225 - 237 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
205 - 270 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
74 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A, D
Brand
Audi
Brand
Peugeot
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.