Audi A3 8Y vs Peugeot 308 T7

Audi A3

8Y · 2020 – 2026

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

Peugeot 308

T7 · 2007 – 2013

The first-generation 308 (T7), on the PF2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the 8Y for the MIB3 cockpit and the 48V 1.5 TFSI — ideally a 35 TFSI.

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 T7 for an affordable, comfortable early 308 with a roomy SW — ideally a well-kept 2.0 HDi.

Best engine: The 2.0 HDi (diesel) or 1.6 THP (petrol), preferably post-2011 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 evo 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.6 VTi 120 · Petrol

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Power	150 hp Winner	120 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,4 s Winner	10,4 s
Top speed	224 km/h Winner	190 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,3 hp/t Winner	88,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	126 g/km Winner	149 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km Winner	6,4 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Boot	380 L Winner	348 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.200 L
Wheelbase	2,64 m Winner	2,61 m
Length	4,34 m	4,28 m
Ground clearance	14,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,0 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Platform	MQB Evo (transverse)	PF2
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	1.4/1.6 VTi · 1.6 THP petrol · 1.6/2.0 HDi diesel
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 5
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

MIB3 infotainment: software bugs and reboots on early 8Y cars
1.5 TFSI (EA211 evo, 48V): cold-start “kangarooing” on early units
48V mild-hybrid (BSG): belt-starter-generator needs checking on early cars

Peugeot 308

1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
Early electrical gremlins and suspension wear

Pros

Audi A3

MIB3 cockpit with large touchscreen
1.5 TFSI has 48V mild-hybrid and cylinder-on-demand
MQB Evo body is stiffer and lighter than the 8V

Peugeot 308

Comfortable with a long wheelbase
Roomy SW estate version
Plentiful and affordable used

Cons

Audi A3

Touchscreen-heavy MIB3 controls take getting used to
Manual gearbox only on lower-output versions

Peugeot 308

AL4 automatic can shift jerkily
1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk

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 T7 is the 308 that swapped the 307's softness for a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF2 platform, it stays reasonably light, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the car tracks calmly through corners, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 VTi is adequate, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the manual shifts cleanly — though the old 4-speed AL4 automatic can feel jerky. It is a comfortable, easy hatchback, not a sporty one.