Peugeot 208 P21 vs Volkswagen Polo AW

Peugeot 208

P21 · 2019 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Polo

AW · 2017 – 2026

The sixth-generation Polo (AW), on the MQB A0 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 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 100 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Power	100 hp	110 hp Winner
Torque	205 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,5 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	188 km/h	196 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	90,9 hp/t	97,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	108 g/km Winner	113 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,8 L/100km Winner	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 208	Volkswagen Polo
Boot	309 L	351 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.035 L	1.125 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,54 m	2,56 m Winner
Length	4,06 m	4,05 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	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · e-208 (EV)	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (GTI) · EA288 1.6 TDI (pre-facelift)
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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

Volkswagen Polo

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

Pros

Peugeot 208

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

Volkswagen Polo

Roomier and more mature than the Polo V
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2
Mature road manners and good finish

Cons

Peugeot 208

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

Volkswagen Polo

DQ200 DSG service (dry clutch)
GTI and higher trims get pricey

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

Bigger, more comfortable and closer to a Golf in feel. The AW rides with noticeably better isolation and body control than the 6R, steers accurately with decent weighting, and stays quiet at speed for a supermini. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and economical — the GTI adds real pace, and the 1.6 TDI is the long-distance choice. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light and precise. It is a more grown-up, more premium-feeling small car than the 6R, with a maturity close to the Golf in a smaller package.