Peugeot 208 A9 vs Renault Clio MK4

Peugeot 208

A9 · 2012 – 2019

The first 208 (A9), a supermini on PF1.

Renault Clio

MK4 · 2012 – 2019

The fourth Clio (MK4), on a modified B platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 208

Pick the A9 for an affordable, stylish early 208 with a roomy boot for its class.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech (petrol) or 1.6 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2015 facelift.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Clio

Pick the MK4 for an affordable, reliable early Clio with a large used supply.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 110 · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Power	110 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	205 Nm Winner	135 Nm
0–100 km/h	10,5 s Winner	12,2 s
Top speed	190 km/h Winner	182 km/h
Power-to-weight	104,8 hp/t Winner	87,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	105 g/km	99 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	4,8 L/100km	4,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Boot	311 L Winner	300 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.152 L Winner	1.146 L
Wheelbase	2,54 m	2,59 m Winner
Length	3,96 m	4,06 m
Ground clearance	—	—
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	10,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.150 kg Winner	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Platform	PF1	B (modified)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.0/1.2 PureTech · 1.4/1.6 VTi · 1.6 THP petrol · 1.4/1.5/1.6 HDi/BlueHDi diesel	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.6 RS · 1.5 dCi
Transmission	5-speed manual	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR at high mileage

Renault Clio

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC (2013–2015): jerky shifts
Electrical gremlins and MediaNav/R-Link freezes

Pros

Peugeot 208

Sharp design with i-Cockpit
Affordable with a large used supply
Compact and agile

Renault Clio

Compact, agile and cheap to run
Reliable 0.9 TCe and efficient 1.5 dCi
Large, affordable used supply

Cons

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech carries the wet belt
Small boot

Renault Clio

Tight boot and rear seat
1.2 TCe carries chain risk

Driving experience

Peugeot 208

The A9 is the 208 that made Peugeot fun again. Built on the ageing PF1 platform, it stays small and light, so the front axle darts into corners and the car feels keen without ever being nervous. The tiny steering wheel (an early i-Cockpit cue on higher trims) and low-set dials take a moment to get used to, then the steering feels quick and the body stays tidy through bends. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that copes well with city tarmac, though bigger wheels firm things up. The 1.2 PureTech is lively, the 1.6 BlueHDi is frugal and relaxed, and the GTi is genuinely quick. It is a nimble, easy supermini, not a hot hatch in most trims.

Renault Clio

Light and easy to manoeuvre in town with a small turning circle, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than the previous generation, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent supermini of its era rather than a driver's car.