Audi A3 8Y vs Peugeot 308 T9

Audi A3

8Y · 2020 – 2026

The fourth-generation A3 (8Y), on the MQB Evo 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 8Y for the most modern A3, with the digital MIB3 cockpit and efficient 48V mild-hybrid petrols — 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 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 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	9,6 s
Top speed	224 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,3 hp/t Winner	112,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	126 g/km	105 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km	4,7 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Peugeot 308
Boot	380 L	420 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.270 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,64 m Winner	2,62 m
Length	4,34 m	4,25 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 · 1.6 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 6d	Euro 6d
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

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

Pros

Audi A3

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

Peugeot 308

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

Cons

Audi A3

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

Peugeot 308

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

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 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.