Peugeot 208 vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?

Peugeot 208

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2019 price

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Audi RS3

$104,727 - $107,727

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2019 Peugeot 208

2026 Audi RS3

By Tom White

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

4.5L/100km (combined)

8.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Unique styling
Sporty drive
Spacious and comfortable

Dynamic and engaging to drive
Iconic five-cylinder soundtrack
Luxuriously equipped

Dislikes

Pricey
Missing advanced safety
Barely any cabin storage

Options dollars add up quickly
Tight rear headroom in sedan
Engine note could be louder

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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2026 Audi RS3 Summary

Five-cylinder fury is still kicking!

Audi has just launched the mid-life updated version of its RS3 hatch and sedan in Australia.

With new looks inside and out, the German carmaker has also made a number of subtle tweaks under the skin via software updates. Thankfully, however, the five-cylinder beast lurking under the bonnet remains untouched.

As the viability of pure internal combustion engines in the hot hatch segment dwindles in the age of ever-tightening emissions regulations, will this be the last hurrah for the five-banger RS3?

Read along to see how this latest version stacks up.

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Deep dive comparison

2019 Peugeot 208 2026 Audi RS3

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.

Verdict

The Audi RS3 is a special hot hatch and sedan I’m so glad I experienced before its five-cylinder engine is inevitably retired due to emissions regulations. Full of character and charisma, this car is far from a rational purchase, pitched at boy racers who don’t want to grow up just yet.

From a value perspective, too, while the asking price has crossed the six-figure threshold and the option prices add thousands, it’s still much cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. Make of that what you will.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Peugeot 208 vs Audi RS3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Peugeot 208 vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?