Audi A1 GB vs Peugeot 208 P21

Audi A1

GB · 2018 – 2026

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

Peugeot 208

P21 · 2019 – 2026

The second 208 (P21), on the CMP platform with the electric e-208.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A1

Pick the A1 for a compact, agile premium city car with efficient engines.

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

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 208

Pick the P21 for the modern 208 with sharp design and the electric e-208.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech/Hybrid (petrol) or 1.5 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2023.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 100 · Petrol

	Audi A1	Peugeot 208
Power	150 hp Winner	100 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	205 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	9,5 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	188 km/h
Power-to-weight	122,0 hp/t Winner	90,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	127 g/km	108 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	4,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A1	Peugeot 208
Boot	335 L Winner	309 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.090 L Winner	1.035 L
Wheelbase	2,56 m Winner	2,54 m
Length	4,03 m	4,06 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	—
Turning circle	10,6 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.100 kg	1.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A1	Peugeot 208
Platform	MQB A0 (transverse)	CMP
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI (S1)	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · e-208 (EV)
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A1

DQ200 service (automatic)
Cooling system needs checking
Carbon buildup on short trips

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt (until ~2022–23)
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
Infotainment software needs updates

Pros

Audi A1

Compact and agile
Efficient TFSI engines
Premium feel in a small package

Peugeot 208

Modern i-Cockpit with digital cluster
All-electric e-208 (~400 km WLTP)
Smooth and efficient engines

Cons

Audi A1

Relatively small boot
Tight rear seats, typical for the class

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech: wet belt until ~2022–23
Tight rear seat

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 P21's trick is how light and eager it feels. Built on the CMP platform shared with the 2008 and Corsa, it keeps mass down, so the front axle changes direction keenly and the car shrinks around you in town. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised digital dials take a short acclimatisation, then the steering feels fast and accurate while body roll stays tidy. Most versions run a comfort-tuned rear that copes well with broken city tarmac, and the ride stays settled for such a small car. The 1.2 PureTech 100 is lively, the e-208 is near-silent and instantly responsive, and the EAT8 automatic shuffles smoothly. It is an easy, stylish supermini, not a hot hatch.