Audi A3 8V vs Peugeot 308 T9

Audi A3

8V · 2012 – 2020

The third-generation A3 (8V), on the MQB platform.

Peugeot 308

T9 · 2013 – 2021

The second 308 (T9), 2014 European Car of the Year on EMP2.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the 8V for the proven 1.5 TFSI and optional quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with the newer MMI.

Best engine: The 1.5 TFSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 308

Pick the T9 for the best-balanced 308: light, refined and cheap to run — with the right engine.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech (petrol) or 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2017.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 1.5 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Power	150 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	230 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,2 s Winner	9,6 s
Top speed	220 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,7 hp/t Winner	112,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	116 g/km	105 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,1 L/100km	4,7 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Boot	380 L	420 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.220 L	1.270 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,64 m Winner	2,62 m
Length	4,31 m	4,25 m
Ground clearance	13,5 cm	—
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Platform	MQB (transverse)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 THP/PureTech petrol · 1.5/1.6/2.0 BlueHDi diesel
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual · EAT6
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

DQ200 DSG service (1.4 TFSI / 1.6 TDI)
Timing-chain tensioner on early EA888 1.8/2.0
Water pump/Haldex (quattro) needs checking

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
BlueHDi: AdBlue/SCR and DPF
1.5 BlueHDi: timing chain on early units

Pros

Audi A3

Optional quattro drive
1.5 TFSI (150 hp) and 2.0 TDI (150 hp) are the proven picks
Interior materials that wear well

Peugeot 308

Light thanks to EMP2: agile and efficient
Refined interior with i-Cockpit
Strong BlueHDi diesels and smooth EAT6/EAT8

Cons

Audi A3

S line suspension rides firmly
Pre-facelift cars lack Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt needs strict intervals
Rear seat tight for the class

Driving experience

Audi A3

Quiet, precise and easy to drive quickly. The A3 steers accurately with a light, consistent weighting, rides well on its standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. Front-drive versions are neat and predictable; quattro adds strong traction out of corners and on poor surfaces, particularly on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is the pick — smooth, economical and quick enough; the 2.0 TFSI adds real pace; the 2.0 TDI is the sensible high-mileage choice. The S tronic is sharp; the manual is light and precise. Body control is good, though the A3 is tuned more for comfort than for entertainment.

Peugeot 308

The T9's party trick is its weight: EMP2 made it roughly 140 kg lighter than the old 308, and you feel it through the steering and damping. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials need a short adjustment period, then the front axle feels quick and accurate while the body stays flat and settled. Most versions run a comfort-tuned torsion-beam rear, so the car rolls absorbently over Belgian cobbles and resists roll in bends without turning harsh. The 1.2 PureTech is eager, the 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi pull strongly and quietly, and the EAT6/EAT8 automatic shifts without fuss. A composed, everyday compact; only the 225 GT and GTi sharpen it into something more urgent.