@ Audi AG
@ Peugeot / Stellantis Media
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Audi A3 Sportback vs Peugeot 208 – Differences & prices compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Audi A3 Sportback or Peugeot 208?

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

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 @ Peugeot / Stellantis Media

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 @ Audi AG

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 @ Peugeot / Stellantis Media

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 @ Audi AG

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 @ Peugeot / Stellantis Media

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 @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Peugeot 208 has a clearly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 20700 £, while the Audi A3 Sportback costs 26800 £. That’s a price difference of around 6146 £.

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

208 @ Peugeot / Stellantis Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

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 250 km/h, while the Peugeot 208 tops out at 200 km/h. The difference is around 50 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 @ Audi AG

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 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 Audi A3 Sportback performs minimal better – up to 1200 L, which is about 37 L more than the Peugeot 208.

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?

The Audi A3 Sportback proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Audi A3 Sportback is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £26,800
A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

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

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

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
A3 Sportback @ Audi AG
208 @ Peugeot / Stellantis Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
26800 - 56600 £
Price
20700 - 35200 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 5.2 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 - 117 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 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 - 4381 mm
Length
4055 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1745 mm
Height
1415 - 1470 mm
Height
1430 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 - 1200 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
Petrol, Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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
205 - 250 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 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, C
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 and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.