Audi A1 GB vs Peugeot 208 A9

Audi A1

GB · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation A1 (GB), on the MQB A0 platform.

Peugeot 208

A9 · 2012 – 2019

The first 208 (A9), a supermini on PF1.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A1

Pick the GB for a modern premium supermini with Virtual Cockpit and efficient TFSI engines — ideally a well-kept 35 TFSI.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 208

Pick the A9 for an affordable, stylish early 208 with a roomy boot for its class.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech (petrol) or 1.6 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2015 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 110 · Petrol

	Audi A1	Peugeot 208
Power	150 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	205 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	190 km/h
Power-to-weight	122,0 hp/t Winner	104,8 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	127 g/km	105 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	4,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A1	Peugeot 208
Boot	335 L Winner	311 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.090 L	1.152 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,56 m Winner	2,54 m
Length	4,03 m	3,96 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	—
Turning circle	10,6 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.100 kg	1.150 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A1	Peugeot 208
Platform	MQB A0 (transverse)	PF1
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI (40)	1.0/1.2 PureTech · 1.4/1.6 VTi · 1.6 THP petrol · 1.4/1.5/1.6 HDi/BlueHDi diesel
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A1

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
1.5 TFSI (EA211 evo): cold-start “kangarooing” on early units
2.0 TFSI (40, EA888): water-pump/thermostat housing can leak

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR at high mileage

Pros

Audi A1

MQB A0 platform: lighter and stiffer than the old 8X
Virtual Cockpit (fully digital dials), a class first
More interior and boot space than the 8X

Peugeot 208

Sharp design with i-Cockpit
Affordable with a large used supply
Compact and agile

Cons

Audi A1

DQ200 automatic needs care on early cars
Firm ride on larger wheels
Options quickly push the price up

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech carries the wet belt
Small boot

Driving experience

Audi A1

Light, easy and more premium than most superminis. The A1 steers quickly and lightly, rides firmly but acceptably, and is effortless to place in tight city streets. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its urban role. The 1.0 TFSI is smooth and economical, the 1.5 TFSI adds useful pace, and the 2.0 TFSI in the 40 is genuinely brisk. The S tronic is quick; the manual is light and precise. It is a polished, techy small hatch that trades a little boot and rear space for a more premium feel than its Polo sibling.

Peugeot 208

The A9 is the 208 that made Peugeot fun again. Built on the ageing PF1 platform, it stays small and light, so the front axle darts into corners and the car feels keen without ever being nervous. The tiny steering wheel (an early i-Cockpit cue on higher trims) and low-set dials take a moment to get used to, then the steering feels quick and the body stays tidy through bends. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that copes well with city tarmac, though bigger wheels firm things up. The 1.2 PureTech is lively, the 1.6 BlueHDi is frugal and relaxed, and the GTi is genuinely quick. It is a nimble, easy supermini, not a hot hatch in most trims.