Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Peugeot 308

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The fourth-generation A-Class on the MFA2 platform.

Peugeot 308

Peugeot’s comfortable, low-running-cost compact hatchback.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Pick the A-Class for MBUX technology, a refined platform and efficient engines in a premium compact hatchback.

Best engine: The A 200 (petrol) or A 200 d / A 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 308

Pick the 308 for a comfortable, efficient, sharply priced compact with a large used supply.

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

Read the full guide

Performance

M282 A 200 · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz A-Class	Peugeot 308
Power	163 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	230 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,0 s Winner	9,4 s
Top speed	230 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	112,8 hp/t Winner	104,8 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	138 g/km	118 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,0 L/100km	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz A-Class	Peugeot 308
Boot	370 L	412 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.210 L	1.270 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,73 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,42 m	4,37 m
Width	1,80 m	1,85 m
Height	1,44 m	1,44 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz A-Class	Peugeot 308
Platform	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the B-Class W247, CLA C118 and GLA H247)	PF2 (T7) · EMP2 (T9/P51, modular)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 THP · 1.5/1.6/2.0 BlueHDi · Hybrid · e-308
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid · Electric
Transmission	7G-DCT / 8G-DCT dual-clutch (no manual)	5/6-speed manual · 4/6/8-speed automatic
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 4 (T7 early) · Euro 5 (T7 later) · Euro 6/6d (T9/P51)
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6/6d petrol/diesel and the e-308 allowed in the LEZ

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

M282: thermostat/cooling issues and elevated oil consumption reported
M260 (A 250): cylinder-head valve seat wear reported
Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
DCT fluid service recommended early; MBUX software updates

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt needs strict intervals
BlueHDi: AdBlue/SCR and DPF need monitoring
1.6 THP (early T7/T9): timing chain

Pros

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

MBUX dual-screen infotainment
Efficient OM654 diesels
Refined MFA2 platform

Peugeot 308

Comfortable and quiet for the class
Efficient, wide engine range (including e-308)
Sharply priced with a large used supply

Cons

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Rear torsion beam on base models
Smaller boot than a typical C-segment hatchback
PHEV shrinks boot space

Peugeot 308

Cabin and rear seat tighter than some rivals
i-Cockpit needs adjustment (small wheel, high dials)

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Refined, techy and effortlessly easy to live with. Steering is light and accurate, the ride composed and hushed, and the A-Class feels grown-up and planted on the move. Front-drive is safe and predictable; 4MATIC adds all-weather security on the faster versions. The M282/M260 petrols are smooth and eager, the OM654 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the A 250 e plug-in glides on electric power. The dual-clutch shifts quickly and smoothly. Overall a calm, tech-rich hatch that majors on comfort and connectivity.

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.