Peugeot 208 P21 vs Renault Twingo MK3
Peugeot 208
P21 · 2019 – 2026
The second 208 (P21), on the CMP platform with the electric e-208.
Renault Twingo
MK3 · 2014 – 2026
The third Twingo (MK3), an agile rear-wheel-drive city car.
Peugeot 208
Pick the P21 for the modern 208 with sharp design and the electric e-208.
Renault Twingo
Pick the Twingo for a very agile, compact city car with a unique rear-wheel-drive layout.
Performance
1.2 PureTech 100 · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol
| Peugeot 208 | Renault Twingo | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
100 hp
Winner
|
90 hp
|
| Torque |
205 Nm
Winner
|
135 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,5 s
Winner
|
11,0 s
|
| Top speed |
188 km/h
Winner
|
165 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
90,9 hp/t
|
95,7 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
108 g/km
|
105 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,8 L/100km
|
4,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Peugeot 208 | Renault Twingo | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
309 L
Winner
|
219 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.035 L
Winner
|
980 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,54 m
Winner
|
2,49 m
|
| Length |
4,06 m
|
3,62 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
10,4 m
|
8,6 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.200 kg
|
—
|
Powertrain & tech
| Peugeot 208 | Renault Twingo | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMP | C (rear-engine) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · e-208 (EV) | 1.0 SCe · 0.9 TCe · 0.9 TCe GT · E-Tech Z.E. |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual · EDC6 |
| 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
- 1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt (until ~2022–23)
- 1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
- Infotainment software needs updates
- 0.9 TCe: chain at high mileage
- Electrical gremlins and keycard issues
- EV: 12V battery drain
Pros
- Modern i-Cockpit with digital cluster
- All-electric e-208 (~400 km WLTP)
- Smooth and efficient engines
- Very agile thanks to rear-wheel drive
- Compact and easy to park
- EV version (E-Tech Z.E.) available
Cons
- 1.2 PureTech: wet belt until ~2022–23
- Tight rear seat
- Small boot (188–219 L)
- Tight rear seat
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 Twingo
Agile and easy to manoeuvre in town thanks to the tight turning circle and light steering. The rear-engine layout is largely neutral in normal driving. Ride quality is firmer than some rivals and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps. Steering is light and accurate enough for city use but lacks feel. The 1.0 SCe is quiet and adequate for urban speeds; the 0.9 TCe is more responsive once moving. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, while the EDC dual-clutch can show low-speed hesitation or judder. High-speed refinement is limited, with noticeable wind and road noise above 110 km/h. Overall a competent city car rather than a refined long-distance cruiser.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
