PEUGEOT 208

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AUDI A3

Brands can be a hindrance

Before comparing the Peugeot 208 and the Audi A3, we need to consider their brands. Peugeot is a French mass-market car brand, while Audi is positioned as a luxury brand within the Volkswagen Group. This means that the 208 has relatively free rein to its design, while the A3 is constrained by the requirement to look like a luxury car.

This concept is clearly reflected in the body design. The A3 gives off a simple, sturdy, and formal impression, typical of German Audi cars. In contrast, the 208 gives off a free and challenging impression.

In terms of body size, the C-segment A3 looks larger than the B-segment 208, and its overall length and width are actually larger numerically. However, its overall height is also designed to be low. This low overall height may also be a factor in why the A3 looks more formal.

Peugeot 208 GT

Body size = Length 4115mm x Width 1745mm x Height 1465mm

Wheelbase = 2540mm

Vehicle weight = 1160kg

Tire size = 205/45R17

Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI advanced

Body size = Total length 4355mm x Total width 1815mm x Total height 1450mm

Wheelbase = 2635mm

Vehicle weight = 1360kg

Tire size = 205/55R16

The sporty 208 and the gentle A3

The 208’s engine is a 1.2-liter inline-3 turbo, while the A3’s is a 1.5-liter inline-4 turbo, so the A3 has higher power and torque. However, the 208’s maximum torque is generated at a lower speed, so you can expect both cars to accelerate well. In addition, the 208 is 200 kg lighter than the A3. This means the 208 may be more agile to drive.

Peugeot 208 GT

Engine type = Inline 3-cylinder DOHC Gasoline

Displacement = 1199cc

Maximum output = 100PS/5500rpm

Maximum torque = 205Nm/1750rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = FWD

Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI advanced

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder DOHC intercooler turbocharger

Displacement = 1497cc

Maximum output = 116PS / 5000-6000rpm

Maximum torque = 220Nm / 1500-3000rpm

Transmission = 7-speed S tronic transmission (DCT)

Drive system = FWD

Considering the position of both cars, the price is reasonable.

The 208 is a mass-market car, while the A3 is a luxury car, and they differ in both class and engine displacement. However, the prices are surprisingly close. When compared, the A3 seems like a better deal, but we must not forget that the 208 is designed with sportiness in mind. The A3 is finished with a gentleness that is typical of Audi. This is not a question of which is better or worse, but rather a question of the buyer’s tastes and preferences. If you think about it that way, the price difference is not a concern. In fact, when you consider that premium cars from overseas can be purchased for around 3 million yen, don’t you think that both cars are great value?