Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 vs Peugeot 308 T7

Mercedes-Benz A-Class
W177 · 2018 – 2026
The fourth-generation A-Class on the MFA2 platform.

Peugeot 308
T7 · 2007 – 2013
The first-generation 308 (T7), on the PF2 platform.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Pick the A-Class for MBUX technology, a refined platform and efficient engines in a premium compact hatchback.
Peugeot 308
Pick the T7 for an affordable, comfortable early 308 with a roomy SW — ideally a well-kept 2.0 HDi.
Performance
M282 A 200 · Petrol vs 1.6 VTi 120 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Peugeot 308 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
163 hp
Winner
|
120 hp
|
| Torque |
250 Nm
Winner
|
160 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,0 s
Winner
|
10,4 s
|
| Top speed |
230 km/h
Winner
|
190 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
112,8 hp/t
Winner
|
88,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
138 g/km
Winner
|
149 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
6,4 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Peugeot 308 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
370 L
Winner
|
348 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.210 L
Winner
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,73 m
Winner
|
2,61 m
|
| Length |
4,42 m
|
4,28 m
|
| Ground clearance |
10,4 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,0 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.500 kg
|
1.500 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Peugeot 308 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base) | PF2 |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.4/1.6 VTi · 1.6 THP petrol · 1.6/2.0 HDi diesel |
| Transmission | 7-speed 7G-DCT | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 5 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 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
- 1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
- HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
- Early electrical gremlins and suspension wear
Pros
- MBUX dual-screen infotainment with voice control
- Efficient OM654 diesels (A 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.2 L/100 km)
- Refined MFA2 platform with optional 4MATIC
- Comfortable with a long wheelbase
- Roomy SW estate version
- Plentiful and affordable used
Cons
- Rear torsion beam on base models (multi-link on higher versions)
- Smaller boot than a typical C-segment hatchback
- PHEV shrinks boot space
- AL4 automatic can shift jerkily
- 1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk
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 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.
Belgian taxes & LEZ