Peugeot 208 P21 vs Volkswagen Polo 6R

Peugeot 208

P21 · 2019 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Polo

6R · 2009 – 2017

The fifth-generation Polo (6R), on the PQ25 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…

Volkswagen Polo

Pick the Polo for a mature, thrifty supermini with low running costs and solid build quality.

Best engine: The 1.2 TSI (90 hp) or 1.4 MPI (85 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 100 · Petrol vs 1.2 TSI 90 · Petrol

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Power	100 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	205 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,5 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	188 km/h Winner	182 km/h
Power-to-weight	90,9 hp/t Winner	84,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	108 g/km Winner	110 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,8 L/100km	4,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Boot	309 L Winner	280 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.035 L Winner	950 L
Wheelbase	2,54 m Winner	2,47 m
Length	4,06 m	3,97 m
Ground clearance	—	14,5 cm
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	10,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg Winner	1.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Platform	CMP	PQ25 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · e-208 (EV)	EA111 1.2/1.4 TSI (pre-facelift) · EA211 1.0/1.2 TSI (facelift) · EA189/EA288 TDI · EA888 1.8 (GTI)
Transmission	6-speed manual	5-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

Peugeot 208

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt (until ~2022–23)
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
Infotainment software needs updates

Volkswagen Polo

Timing chain on EA111 TSI (pre-2014)
Water pump/thermostat module
EGR/DPF on diesels (short trips)

Pros

Peugeot 208

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

Volkswagen Polo

Affordable and cheap to maintain
Facelift (2014+) brought better EA211 engines
Compact and easy to park

Cons

Peugeot 208

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

Volkswagen Polo

EA111 chain (early 1.2/1.4 TSI) can cause trouble
Pre-facelift interior and infotainment dated

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.

Volkswagen Polo

Light, nimble and easy to thread through town. The 6R steers quickly and accurately, rides acceptably for its size, and feels genuinely small and manageable in tight streets. The 1.0 and 1.2 TSI engines are adequate rather than exciting; the 1.4 TSI and GTI add real pace; the 1.6 TDI is the economical choice for distance. The 7-speed DSG is smooth once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. It is a competent, economical supermini, though it trails the AW for refinement and cabin quality.