Peugeot 308 T9 vs Skoda Octavia MK3

Peugeot 308

T9 · 2013 – 2021

The second 308 (T9), 2014 European Car of the Year on EMP2.

Skoda Octavia

MK3 · 2013 – 2020

The third-generation Octavia (MK3), on the MQB platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 308

Pick the T9 for the best-balanced 308: light, refined and cheap to run — with the right engine.

Best engine: The 1.2 PureTech (petrol) or 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2017.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Skoda Octavia

Pick the MK3 for an exceptionally roomy, practical and reliable family car with a sweet 1.5 TSI.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI 150 — or the 2.0 TDI for high mileage.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Peugeot 308	Skoda Octavia
Power	130 hp	150 hp Winner
Torque	230 Nm	250 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,6 s	8,2 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	219 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	112,1 hp/t	123,0 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	105 g/km Winner	118 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,7 L/100km Winner	5,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 308	Skoda Octavia
Boot	420 L	590 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.270 L	1.580 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,62 m	2,69 m Winner
Length	4,25 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	—	13,9 cm
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	11,1 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.800 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 308	Skoda Octavia
Platform	EMP2 (modular)	MQB
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 THP/PureTech petrol · 1.5/1.6/2.0 BlueHDi diesel	1.0 TSI · 1.5 TSI · 2.0 TSI petrol · 1.6/2.0 TDI diesel
Transmission	6-speed manual · EAT6	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 308

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
BlueHDi: AdBlue/SCR and DPF
1.5 BlueHDi: timing chain on early units

Skoda Octavia

1.5 TSI: kangarooing on early cars
DSG: jerkiness at low speed
2.0 TDI: DPF/AdBlue

Pros

Peugeot 308

Light thanks to EMP2: agile and efficient
Refined interior with i-Cockpit
Strong BlueHDi diesels and smooth EAT6/EAT8

Skoda Octavia

Very roomy boot (590 litres)
Practical and reliable
Broad engine range

Cons

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt needs strict intervals
Rear seat tight for the class

Skoda Octavia

Sparse base equipment
Interior with hard plastics
Less refined driving feel

Driving experience

Peugeot 308

The T9's party trick is its weight: EMP2 made it roughly 140 kg lighter than the old 308, and you feel it through the steering and damping. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials need a short adjustment period, then the front axle feels quick and accurate while the body stays flat and settled. Most versions run a comfort-tuned torsion-beam rear, so the car rolls absorbently over Belgian cobbles and resists roll in bends without turning harsh. The 1.2 PureTech is eager, the 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi pull strongly and quietly, and the EAT6/EAT8 automatic shifts without fuss. A composed, everyday compact; only the 225 GT and GTi sharpen it into something more urgent.

Skoda Octavia

Composed and secure for a family car of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and practicality over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.