Peugeot 208 P21 vs Skoda Fabia MK3
Peugeot 208
P21 · 2019 – 2026
The second 208 (P21), on the CMP platform with the electric e-208.
Skoda Fabia
MK3 · 2014 – 2021
The third-generation Fabia (MK3), on the PQ26 platform.
Peugeot 208
Pick the P21 for the modern 208 with sharp design and the electric e-208.
Skoda Fabia
Pick the MK3 for a roomy, affordable supermini with a sweet 1.0 TSI.
Performance
1.2 PureTech 100 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol
| Peugeot 208 | Skoda Fabia | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
100 hp
|
110 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
205 Nm
Winner
|
200 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,5 s
Winner
|
9,8 s
|
| Top speed |
188 km/h
|
196 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
90,9 hp/t
|
100,0 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
108 g/km
|
104 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,8 L/100km
|
4,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Peugeot 208 | Skoda Fabia | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
309 L
|
330 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.035 L
|
1.160 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,54 m
Winner
|
2,47 m
|
| Length |
4,06 m
|
3,99 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
13,5 cm
|
| Turning circle |
10,4 m
Winner
|
10,6 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.200 kg
Winner
|
1.100 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Peugeot 208 | Skoda Fabia | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMP | PQ26 |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · e-208 (EV) | 1.0 MPI/TSI petrol · 1.4 TDI diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG |
| 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
- 1.0 TSI: timing belt on interval
- Early MPI: oil consumption
- Electrical gremlins
Pros
- Modern i-Cockpit with digital cluster
- All-electric e-208 (~400 km WLTP)
- Smooth and efficient engines
- Roomy boot for its class
- Affordable and economical
- Practical and reliable
Cons
- 1.2 PureTech: wet belt until ~2022–23
- Tight rear seat
- Sparse base equipment
- Less refined driving feel
- Dated infotainment
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.
Skoda Fabia
Composed and secure for a city hatchback of its era, with light steering that suits urban and motorway driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Petrol engines deliver responsive low-end performance for daily use. It prioritises comfort and ease of use over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
