Audi A3 8Y vs Peugeot 308 P51

Audi A3

8Y · 2020 – 2026

The fourth-generation A3 (8Y), on the MQB Evo platform.

Peugeot 308

P51 · 2021 – 2026

The third-generation 308 (P51), with i-Cockpit, hybrids and the all-electric e-308.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the A3 for a premium, digital interior and efficient engines in a compact hatch.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (1.5, 150 hp, 48V) or 35 TDI (2.0, 150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 308

Pick the P51 for the most modern 308 with the widest powertrain range, from efficient hybrids to the electric e-308.

Best engine: The chain-driven 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or 1.5 BlueHDi — or the e-308 for the city.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 evo 35 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	8,4 s Winner	9,4 s
Top speed	224 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,3 hp/t Winner	104,8 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	126 g/km	118 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km	5,0 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Boot	380 L	412 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.270 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,34 m	4,37 m
Ground clearance	14,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,0 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Platform	MQB Evo (transverse)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI 48V · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 evo 2.0 TDI · 40 TFSI e PHEV	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · Hybrid PHEV · e-308 (EV)
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual · EAT8
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 A3

Infotainment software (early cars)
S tronic service (DQ200/DQ381)
48V system needs checking

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet belt on early cars
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain
Infotainment software needs updates

Pros

Audi A3

Premium, digital interior
Efficient 48V mild-hybrid
Stiff, light MQB Evo body

Peugeot 308

Modern design and i-Cockpit with a big screen
Widest powertrain range: from diesel to electric
All-electric e-308 (~400+ km WLTP)

Cons

Audi A3

Pricier than the VW Golf on the same platform
Rear seats tighter than some rivals

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech (early cars) carries the wet belt
Boot smaller than class leaders

Driving experience

Audi A3

Precise, polished and genuinely premium for a compact hatch. Steering is quick and accurate, body control taut, and the A3 feels agile and planted through bends. Front-drive keeps it light and easy, while quattro adds tenacious grip and a more sure-footed feel on the faster versions. The ride is firm but composed, and the cabin stays impressively quiet for the class. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and eager, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 40 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and slick, the manual precise. Overall a refined, tech-rich compact that drives with real poise.

Peugeot 308

The P51 leans on the same EMP2 bones as the old 308 but wears a sharper suit. It stays light and low, so the front axle turns in keenly and the car flows through corners without fuss, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials are even more pronounced here and take a real acclimatisation; once settled, the steering feels quick and accurate and body roll stays well held. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that shrugs off broken tarmac, though big wheels firm things up. The 1.2 PureTech 130 is eager, the e-308 is near-silent and instant, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without drama. It is a composed, easy compact, not a hot hatch.