Peugeot 208 A9 vs Renault Twingo MK3
Peugeot 208
A9 · 2012 – 2019
The first 208 (A9), a supermini on PF1.
Renault Twingo
MK3 · 2014 – 2026
The third Twingo (MK3), an agile rear-wheel-drive city car.
Peugeot 208
Pick the A9 for an affordable, stylish early 208 with a roomy boot for its class.
Renault Twingo
Pick the Twingo for a very agile, compact city car with a unique rear-wheel-drive layout.
Performance
1.2 PureTech 110 · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol
| Peugeot 208 | Renault Twingo | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
110 hp
Winner
|
90 hp
|
| Torque |
205 Nm
Winner
|
135 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
10,5 s
Winner
|
11,0 s
|
| Top speed |
190 km/h
Winner
|
165 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
104,8 hp/t
Winner
|
95,7 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
105 g/km
|
105 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,8 L/100km
|
4,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Peugeot 208 | Renault Twingo | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
311 L
Winner
|
219 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.152 L
Winner
|
980 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,54 m
Winner
|
2,49 m
|
| Length |
3,96 m
|
3,62 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
10,4 m
|
8,6 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.150 kg
|
—
|
Powertrain & tech
| Peugeot 208 | Renault Twingo | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | PF1 | C (rear-engine) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Rear-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 · 0.9 TCe · 0.9 TCe GT · E-Tech Z.E. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual · EDC6 |
| 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
- 1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
- 1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
- HDi: DPF/EGR at high mileage
- 0.9 TCe: chain at high mileage
- Electrical gremlins and keycard issues
- EV: 12V battery drain
Pros
- Sharp design with i-Cockpit
- Affordable with a large used supply
- Compact and agile
- Very agile thanks to rear-wheel drive
- Compact and easy to park
- EV version (E-Tech Z.E.) available
Cons
- 1.2 PureTech carries the wet belt
- Small boot
- Small boot (188–219 L)
- Tight rear seat
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 Twingo
Agile and easy to manoeuvre in town thanks to the tight turning circle and light steering. The rear-engine layout is largely neutral in normal driving. Ride quality is firmer than some rivals and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps. Steering is light and accurate enough for city use but lacks feel. The 1.0 SCe is quiet and adequate for urban speeds; the 0.9 TCe is more responsive once moving. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, while the EDC dual-clutch can show low-speed hesitation or judder. High-speed refinement is limited, with noticeable wind and road noise above 110 km/h. Overall a competent city car rather than a refined long-distance cruiser.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
