Peugeot 208 A9 vs Volkswagen Polo 6R

Peugeot 208

A9 · 2012 – 2019

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

Volkswagen Polo

6R · 2009 – 2017

The fifth-generation Polo (6R), on the PQ25 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…

Volkswagen Polo

Pick the Polo for a mature, thrifty supermini with low running costs and solid build quality.

Best engine: The 1.2 TSI (90 hp) or 1.4 MPI (85 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 110 · Petrol vs 1.2 TSI 90 · Petrol

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Power	110 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	205 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	10,5 s	10,5 s
Top speed	190 km/h Winner	182 km/h
Power-to-weight	104,8 hp/t Winner	84,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	105 g/km Winner	110 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,8 L/100km	4,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Boot	311 L Winner	280 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.152 L Winner	950 L
Wheelbase	2,54 m Winner	2,47 m
Length	3,96 m	3,97 m
Ground clearance	—	14,5 cm
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	10,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.150 kg Winner	1.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Platform	PF1	PQ25 (transverse)
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	EA111 1.2/1.4 TSI (pre-facelift) · EA211 1.0/1.2 TSI (facelift) · EA189/EA288 TDI · EA888 1.8 (GTI)
Transmission	5-speed manual	5-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

Peugeot 208

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

Volkswagen Polo

Timing chain on EA111 TSI (pre-2014)
Water pump/thermostat module
EGR/DPF on diesels (short trips)

Pros

Peugeot 208

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

Volkswagen Polo

Affordable and cheap to maintain
Facelift (2014+) brought better EA211 engines
Compact and easy to park

Cons

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech carries the wet belt
Small boot

Volkswagen Polo

EA111 chain (early 1.2/1.4 TSI) can cause trouble
Pre-facelift interior and infotainment dated

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.

Volkswagen Polo

Light, nimble and easy to thread through town. The 6R steers quickly and accurately, rides acceptably for its size, and feels genuinely small and manageable in tight streets. The 1.0 and 1.2 TSI engines are adequate rather than exciting; the 1.4 TSI and GTI add real pace; the 1.6 TDI is the economical choice for distance. The 7-speed DSG is smooth once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. It is a competent, economical supermini, though it trails the AW for refinement and cabin quality.