New Peugeot 208 vs Audi A1 vs Mini hatchback: verdict
Peugeot’s new 208 aspires to go toe-to-toe with posh small hatches such as the Audi A1 and Mini 5dr. Let’s give them a good workout...
Our verdict
One thing’s for sure: the Mini finishes last. It still has some real merits – namely the quality of its interior and the excellent infotainment systems you can add as optional extras – but with every year that passes, its uncomfortable ride, poky boot and poor safety provisions become harder to overlook. It’s also the costliest option no matter how you’re buying.
And don’t be hoodwinked by the advertising campaigns; if you’re looking for something fun to drive, you’d actually be better off with the Audi A1. That car is a demonstrably better all-rounder with few real weaknesses, and its slow depreciation makes it the cheapest long-term option for those buying outright.
The Peugeot 208 just edges the win, though. It’s cheaper than the A1 if you’re signing up to a finance agreement or you’re a company car driver, comes better equipped and, at least in terms of the quality of the materials, has the more upmarket interior. Just make sure the driving position works for you before buying.
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1st – Peugeot 208
For Eye-catching, plush-feeling interior; lots of standard kit; comfortable ride; cheapest on PCP finance; quietest
Against Not much fun to drive; flawed driving position; so-so infotainment
Recommended options Metallic paint (£545)
What Car? rating 4 stars
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2nd – Audi A1
For Comfortable ride; most agile and enjoyable to drive; good crash protection; slowest depreciation
Against Interior not that special for the price; average infotainment
Recommended options Contrasting roof (£425), metallic paint (£575)
What Car? rating 4 stars
Read our full Audi A1 review >>
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2nd – Mini hatchback
For Best for interior quality; punchy engine; excellent infotainment upgrades
Against Bumpy ride; poor safety provisions; pricey to own; noisiest; poor gearshift; thirstiest
Recommended options Driving Assistant Pack (£800), Navigation Pack (£900)
What Car? rating 3 stars
Read our full Mini hatchback review >>
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Specifications: Audi A1
- Engine - 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
- List price - £21,335
- Target Price - £20,207
- Power - 114bhp @ 5000-5500rpm
- Torque - 146Ib ft @ 2000-3500rpm
- Gearbox - 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph - 9.1sec
- Top speed - 126mph
- Official fuel economy - 48.7mpg (WLTP)
- Test MPG - 46.5mpg
- CO2 emissions - 131g/km (WLTP)
Specifications: Mini hatchback
- Engine - 3cyl, 1499cc, turbo, petrol
- List price - £21,835
- Target Price - £20,464
- Power - 134bhp @ 6500rpm
- Torque - 162Ib ft @ 1480-4200rpm
- Gearbox - 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph - 8.5sec
- Top speed - 129mph
- Official fuel economy - 44.1mpg (WLTP)
- Test MPG - 38.9mpg
- CO2 emissions - 144g/km (WLTP)
Specifications: Peugeot 208
- Engine - 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrol
- List price - £20,700
- Target Price - £19,257
- Power - 99bhp @ 5500rpm
- Torque - 151Ib ft @ 1750rpm
- Gearbox - 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph - 10.3sec
- Top speed - 117mph
- Official fuel economy - 53.0mpg (WLTP)
- Test MPG - 44.7mpg
- CO2 emissions - 126g/km (WLTP)
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