Peugeot 208 A9 vs Renault Clio MK5

Peugeot 208

A9 · 2012 – 2019

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

Renault Clio

MK5 · 2019 – 2026

The fifth Clio (MK5), on the CMF-B platform with the E-Tech hybrid.

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 MK5 for the modern, efficient Clio with a bigger boot and the E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 110 · Petrol vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Power	110 hp Winner	100 hp
Torque	205 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	10,5 s Winner	11,8 s
Top speed	190 km/h Winner	187 km/h
Power-to-weight	104,8 hp/t Winner	91,7 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	105 g/km Winner	112 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,8 L/100km Winner	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Boot	311 L	391 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.152 L Winner	1.069 L
Wheelbase	2,54 m	2,59 m Winner
Length	3,96 m	4,05 m
Ground clearance	—	—
Turning circle	10,4 m	10,4 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.150 kg Winner	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Platform	PF1	CMF-B
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	1.0 SCe · 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual · X-tronic CVT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
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

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

Pros

Peugeot 208

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

Renault Clio

Modern interior and attractive design
Smooth 1.0 TCe and efficient E-Tech hybrid
Bigger boot than the MK4 (391 L)

Cons

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech carries the wet belt
Small boot

Renault Clio

Rear seat still tight
Infotainment can be slow

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 place in town, with precise-enough steering for the class but little real feedback. Body control is firmer than the previous Clio, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads — the ride is firm rather than plush. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions in most conditions. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy supermini rather than a driver's car.