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Citroen C3 vs Peugeot 208 comparison

Compare performance (113 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (13,700 £ vs 21,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 or Peugeot 208?

Citroen C3 vs Peugeot 208: Key differences

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper

Peugeot 208

4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • moderately more efficient
  • a bit more efficient
  • visibly more electric range
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
  • somewhat more trunk space

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

C3

The small-car showdown

Meet the Citroen C3 and the Peugeot 208: two very French small cars that aim at the same city-savvy crowd but speak with different accents. One is built around comfort and everyday calm, the other around a sharper, more alert driving experience and a bit of street swagger. This is less a gladiator arena and more a personality test for drivers who want a compact companion with character. Expect opinions to be loud; expectations, varied.

208

Soft-hearted vs. sharp-edged

The C3 projects a relaxed, approachable vibe — think soft shapes, a friendly face and an emphasis on coziness over drama. The 208 counters with taut lines, a purposeful stance and details that shout "premium for the small class." That contrast is obvious the moment you park beside one: one invites a slow, contented approach, the other flirts with attention and a quicker pulse. It’s the difference between a sofa you sink into and a chair that keeps you sitting upright.

C3

How they behave in real life

In daily life the C3 plays the role of the forgiving partner: comfortable suspension, seats that favour long errands and a cabin tuned to keep stress levels low. The 208 feels keener and more engaged, with steering that rewards small inputs and a body that resists roll when the road gets twisty. City chores, school runs and long stretches all feel different depending on which temperament you pick — one smooths the day, the other sharpens it. Practicalities like parking and ease of use remain part of the conversation, but in different ways for each car.

208

What choosing one says about you

Picking the C3 signals a preference for understatement, sensible comfort and a pragmatic approach to daily motoring — you value arriving relaxed more than making a scene. Opting for the 208 telegraphs a taste for flair, a desire for a more involving drive and a cabin that feels modern and put-together. Neither choice is shy; they just broadcast different priorities to friends, family and anyone who notices your driveway. It’s personal taste dressed up as transport.

C3

If what matters to you is everyday thrift and practicality

If what matters to you is keeping running costs sensible and having a fuss-free, family-friendly little car, the Citroen C3 slots into that life naturally. It will appeal to commuters who prefer comfort over sport and to parents who prioritise easy access, predictable behaviour and a calm interior. Think of it as a pragmatic companion that gets on with the job without demanding attention.

208

If what matters to you is style and a livelier drive

If what matters to you is sharper handling, a modern cabin vibe and a look that makes a statement on urban streets, the Peugeot 208 answers that brief with enthusiasm. It suits drivers who enjoy engagement behind the wheel and who like their small car to feel like a scaled-down premium model. Check the hard figures that follow to see which of these personalities aligns most closely with your daily routine and priorities.

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

C3

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Citroen C3 is substantially cheaper – starting at 13,700 £ , while the Peugeot 208 costs 21,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,277 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Peugeot 208 uses 4.5 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the Citroen C3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.

In terms of energy consumption, the Peugeot 208 is a bit more efficient: consuming 14.1 kWh/100km compared to 16.7 kWh/100km for the Citroen C3. That’s a difference of about 2.6 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Peugeot 208 offers visibly more range – reaching up to 432 km, about 107 km more than the Citroen C3.

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 Peugeot 208 offers clearly more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 43 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Peugeot 208 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.3 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.9 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Peugeot 208 is noticeably faster – reaching 200 km/h, while the Citroen C3 tops out at 132 km/h. The difference is around 68 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Peugeot 208 delivers noticeably more torque with 270 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 65 Nm more.

C3

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 terms of curb weight, Peugeot 208 is very slightly lighter – 1,165 kg compared to 1,226 kg. The difference is around 61 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Peugeot 208 offers somewhat more boot space – 352 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 42 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Citroen C3 offers very slightly more capacity – up to 1,220 L, about 57 L more than the Peugeot 208.

When it comes to payload, the Peugeot 208 carries marginally more – 430 kg compared to 423 kg. That’s a difference of about 7 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Peugeot 208 is clearly superior 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 £21,000
208

Peugeot 208

  • Engine Type : Electric, Petrol MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 101 - 156 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.5 - 5.1 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.1 - 15.4 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 362 - 432 km
Citroen C3
Peugeot 208

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 is a cheeky little city car that turns heads with its bold, quirky styling and a surprisingly comfy, well-thought-out interior. It’s an ideal companion for urban life — easy to park, friendly to drive and built to make everyday trips feel a bit more fun without breaking the bank.

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.

details
Citroen C3
Peugeot 208

Costs and Consumption

Price
13,700 - 24,600 £
Price
21,000 - 35,200 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 5.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.1 - 15.4 kWh/100km
Electric Range
212 - 325 km
Electric Range
362 - 432 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
46 - 51 kWh
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
0 - 116 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
44 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,226 - 1,518 kg
Curb weight
1,165 - 1,530 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
309 - 352 L
Length
4,015 mm
Length
4,055 mm
Width
1,755 mm
Width
1,745 mm
Height
1,567 mm
Height
1,430 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,220 L
Max trunk capacity
1,118 - 1,163 L
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
380 - 430 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
101 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 10.9 s
Max Speed
132 km/h
Max Speed
150 - 200 km/h
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
205 - 270 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
74 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2,023 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C, D
Brand
Citroen
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.