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Audi A3 Sportback vs Peugeot 208 comparison

Compare performance (400 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (27000 £ vs 21000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Peugeot 208?

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.

Audi A3 Sportback vs Peugeot 208: Key differences

Audi A3 Sportback

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • decisively more efficient
  • decisively quicker from 0–100 km/h
  • hardly perceptible more trunk space

Peugeot 208

4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly perceptible cheaper
  • convincingly more electric range
  • somewhat lighter

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

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 has a clearly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 21000 £ , while the Audi A3 Sportback costs 27000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6018 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Peugeot 208 with 4.50 L. The difference is about 3.40 L per 100 km.

As for electric range, the Peugeot 208 performs convincingly better – achieving up to 432 km, about 291 km more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

208

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

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

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the Peugeot 208 takes 8.30 s. That’s about 4.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Audi A3 Sportback performs a bit better – reaching 237 km/h, while the Peugeot 208 tops out at 200 km/h. The difference is around 37 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Audi A3 Sportback pulls decisively stronger with 500 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 230 Nm difference.

A3 Sportback

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Peugeot 208 is somewhat lighter – 1165 kg compared to 1360 kg. The difference is around 195 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Audi A3 Sportback offers hardly perceptible more room – 380 L compared to 352 L. That’s a difference of about 28 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Peugeot 208 performs minimal better – up to 1163 L, which is about 63 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

When it comes to payload, Audi A3 Sportback a bit takes the win – 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 decisively ahead 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.

Audi A3 Sportback
Peugeot 208

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £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
  • Electric Range : 134 - 141 km

Audi A3 Sportback

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate

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.

details

Peugeot 208

4 (2 Reviews)
rate

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.

details
Audi A3 Sportback
Peugeot 208

Costs and Consumption

Price
27000 - 56600 £
Price
21000 - 35200 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 5.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.1 - 15.4 kWh
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
362 - 432 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
46 - 51 kWh
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
0 - 116 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
44 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
Curb weight
1165 - 1530 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
309 - 352 L
Length
4352 - 4353 mm
Length
4055 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1745 mm
Height
1441 - 1470 mm
Height
1430 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 L
Max trunk capacity
1118 - 1163 L
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
380 - 430 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, 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
150 - 200 km/h
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
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2023 - 2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C, D
Brand
Audi
Brand
Peugeot
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.