Peugeot 208 A9 vs Volkswagen Polo AW

Peugeot 208

A9 · 2012 – 2019

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

Volkswagen Polo

AW · 2017 – 2026

The sixth-generation Polo (AW), on the MQB A0 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 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 110 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Power	110 hp	110 hp
Torque	205 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	10,5 s	10,0 s Winner
Top speed	190 km/h	196 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	104,8 hp/t Winner	97,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	105 g/km Winner	113 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,8 L/100km Winner	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Boot	311 L	351 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.152 L Winner	1.125 L
Wheelbase	2,54 m	2,56 m Winner
Length	3,96 m	4,05 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	MQB A0 (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	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (GTI) · EA288 1.6 TDI (pre-facelift)
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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

Volkswagen Polo

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

Pros

Peugeot 208

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

Volkswagen Polo

Roomier and more mature than the Polo V
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2
Mature road manners and good finish

Cons

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech carries the wet belt
Small boot

Volkswagen Polo

DQ200 DSG service (dry clutch)
GTI and higher trims get pricey

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

Bigger, more comfortable and closer to a Golf in feel. The AW rides with noticeably better isolation and body control than the 6R, steers accurately with decent weighting, and stays quiet at speed for a supermini. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and economical — the GTI adds real pace, and the 1.6 TDI is the long-distance choice. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light and precise. It is a more grown-up, more premium-feeling small car than the 6R, with a maturity close to the Golf in a smaller package.