Peugeot 208 P21 vs Renault Clio MK5

Peugeot 208

P21 · 2019 – 2026

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

Renault Clio

MK5 · 2019 – 2026

The fifth Clio (MK5), on the CMF-B platform with the E-Tech hybrid.

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 MK5 for the modern, efficient Clio with a bigger boot and the E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 100 · Petrol vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Power	100 hp	100 hp
Torque	205 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,5 s Winner	11,8 s
Top speed	188 km/h Winner	187 km/h
Power-to-weight	90,9 hp/t	91,7 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	108 g/km Winner	112 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,8 L/100km Winner	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Boot	309 L	391 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.035 L	1.069 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,54 m	2,59 m Winner
Length	4,06 m	4,05 m
Ground clearance	—	—
Turning circle	10,4 m	10,4 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg Winner	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 208	Renault Clio
Platform	CMP	CMF-B
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · e-208 (EV)	1.0 SCe · 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed manual · X-tronic CVT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	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 (until ~2022–23)
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
Infotainment software needs updates

Renault Clio

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

Pros

Peugeot 208

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

Renault Clio

Modern interior and attractive design
Smooth 1.0 TCe and efficient E-Tech hybrid
Bigger boot than the MK4 (391 L)

Cons

Peugeot 208

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

Renault Clio

Rear seat still tight
Infotainment can be slow

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 place in town, with precise-enough steering for the class but little real feedback. Body control is firmer than the previous Clio, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads — the ride is firm rather than plush. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions in most conditions. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy supermini rather than a driver's car.