Mazda 3 vs Peugeot 208
What's the difference?

Mazda 3

$19,950 - $42,998

2024 price

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Peugeot 208

—

2019 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Summary

2024 Mazda 3

2019 Peugeot 208

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.6L/100km (combined)

4.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Stunning design
Superb cabin presentation
Athletic handling and control

Unique styling
Sporty drive
Spacious and comfortable

Dislikes

Small boot
Gloomy rear seat
No more manual

Pricey
Missing advanced safety
Barely any cabin storage

2024 Mazda 3 Summary

Half a decade on, the current-generation Mazda 3 has weathered a world of change.

Cheap cars have vanished. Electric vehicles are commonplace and the small car class it belongs to has been decimated by SUVs. Big names like the Ford Focus, Holden Astra and Mitsubishi Lancer are history.

But while it looks identical to the car unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show, today’s Mazda 3 has also evolved, albeit gently.

Let’s see how competitive the latest and improved (as well as more expensive) version is.

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2019 Peugeot 208 Summary

In a world of cheap, popular and well-specified Japanese and Korean small hatchbacks, it’s easy to forget the humble French cars that once helped define the segment.

They’re still around, though. You’ve probably seen a few Renault Clios, you might not have seen the tragically underrated new Citroen C3, and there’s at least a chance you’ve seen one of these – the Peugeot 208.

This iteration of the 208 has been around in one form or another since 2012 and is due to be replaced by a second-generation model in the near future.

So, should you consider the aging 208 in a busy market segment? I spent a week behind the wheel of the second-from-the-top GT-Line to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Mazda 3 2019 Peugeot 208

Verdict

Given how effortlessly it traverses the mainstream and premium small car classes, the Mazda 3 might be the best value small car on the planet.

With racy styling, sports car handling, classy interior presentation and impressive, intelligent efficiency, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here.

Poor rear vision, a dark back-seat area and smallish boot aside, it doesn’t have any glaring faults.

In a world overrun with SUVs, props to Mazda for evolving the small car so brilliantly to mask a half-decade of existence. Continuous improvements have made the 2024 G25 Evolve SP Vision an essential small car shortlist proposition, regardless of price.

Verdict

The 208 GT-Line is hardly a car purchased on its value offering; it’s an emotional purchase. Fans of the brand know it, even Peugeot knows it.

Here’s the thing, though, the GT-Line looks the part, is true-to-its-roots in how fun it is to drive, and will surprise most with its spacious dimensions and decent spec level. So, while it might be an emotional buy, it’s not necessarily a bad one.

Mazda 3 vs Peugeot 208 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda 3 vs Peugeot 208
What's the difference?