Peugeot 208 A9 vs Skoda Fabia MK3
Peugeot 208
A9 · 2012 – 2019
The first 208 (A9), a supermini on PF1.
Skoda Fabia
MK3 · 2014 – 2021
The third-generation Fabia (MK3), on the PQ26 platform.
Peugeot 208
Pick the A9 for an affordable, stylish early 208 with a roomy boot for its class.
Skoda Fabia
Pick the MK3 for a roomy, affordable supermini with a sweet 1.0 TSI.
Performance
1.2 PureTech 110 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol
| Peugeot 208 | Skoda Fabia | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
110 hp
|
110 hp
|
| Torque |
205 Nm
Winner
|
200 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
10,5 s
|
9,8 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
190 km/h
|
196 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
104,8 hp/t
Winner
|
100,0 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
105 g/km
|
104 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,8 L/100km
|
4,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Peugeot 208 | Skoda Fabia | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
311 L
|
330 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.152 L
|
1.160 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,54 m
Winner
|
2,47 m
|
| Length |
3,96 m
|
3,99 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
13,5 cm
|
| Turning circle |
10,4 m
Winner
|
10,6 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.150 kg
Winner
|
1.100 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Peugeot 208 | Skoda Fabia | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | PF1 | PQ26 |
| 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 MPI/TSI petrol · 1.4 TDI diesel |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG |
| 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
- 1.0 TSI: timing belt on interval
- Early MPI: oil consumption
- Electrical gremlins
Pros
- Sharp design with i-Cockpit
- Affordable with a large used supply
- Compact and agile
- Roomy boot for its class
- Affordable and economical
- Practical and reliable
Cons
- 1.2 PureTech carries the wet belt
- Small boot
- Sparse base equipment
- Less refined driving feel
- Dated infotainment
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.
Skoda Fabia
Composed and secure for a city hatchback of its era, with light steering that suits urban and motorway driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Petrol engines deliver responsive low-end performance for daily use. It prioritises comfort and ease of use over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
