Peugeot 208 P21 vs Renault Clio MK4

Peugeot 208

P21 · 2019 – 2026

The second 208 (P21), on the CMP platform with the electric e-208.

Renault Clio

MK4 · 2012 – 2019

The fourth Clio (MK4), on a modified B platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 208

Pick the P21 for the modern 208 with sharp design and the electric e-208.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech/Hybrid (petrol) or 1.5 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2023.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Clio

Pick the MK4 for an affordable, reliable early Clio with a large used supply.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 100 · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Power	100 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	205 Nm Winner	135 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,5 s Winner	12,2 s
Top speed	188 km/h Winner	182 km/h
Power-to-weight	90,9 hp/t Winner	87,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	108 g/km	99 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	4,8 L/100km	4,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Boot	309 L Winner	300 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.035 L	1.146 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,54 m	2,59 m Winner
Length	4,06 m	4,06 m
Ground clearance	—	—
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	10,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg Winner	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Platform	CMP	B (modified)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · e-208 (EV)	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.6 RS · 1.5 dCi
Transmission	6-speed manual	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	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 (until ~2022–23)
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
Infotainment software needs updates

Renault Clio

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC (2013–2015): jerky shifts
Electrical gremlins and MediaNav/R-Link freezes

Pros

Peugeot 208

Modern i-Cockpit with digital cluster
All-electric e-208 (~400 km WLTP)
Smooth and efficient engines

Renault Clio

Compact, agile and cheap to run
Reliable 0.9 TCe and efficient 1.5 dCi
Large, affordable used supply

Cons

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech: wet belt until ~2022–23
Tight rear seat

Renault Clio

Tight boot and rear seat
1.2 TCe carries chain risk

Driving experience

Peugeot 208

The P21's trick is how light and eager it feels. Built on the CMP platform shared with the 2008 and Corsa, it keeps mass down, so the front axle changes direction keenly and the car shrinks around you in town. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised digital dials take a short acclimatisation, then the steering feels fast and accurate while body roll stays tidy. Most versions run a comfort-tuned rear that copes well with broken city tarmac, and the ride stays settled for such a small car. The 1.2 PureTech 100 is lively, the e-208 is near-silent and instantly responsive, and the EAT8 automatic shuffles smoothly. It is an easy, stylish supermini, not a hot hatch.

Renault Clio

Light and easy to manoeuvre in town with a small turning circle, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than the previous generation, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent supermini of its era rather than a driver's car.