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Car Wars Wednesdays: Peugeot 208 vs Renault Clio

July 8, 2015

Hump day is here, which means we’re back with another edition of Car Wars – and today it’s Peugeot vs Renault as these two superminis go head to head. We’re getting up close and personal with both hatchbacks, going inside the cabin and under the bonnet to find out what makes them so popular and decide which model has the edge – and if you want to explore your hot hatch finance options, we can help you there too.

Peugeot 208 vs Renault Clio: which car will take the crown? Let’s find out.

Design

When it comes to design, these French manufacturers rarely let us down. However, the Clio may come with attractive bodywork, but it’s let down by the interior – and some Renault Clio reviews make the claim that it’s a matter of style over substance. The 208’s maximum boot capacity is one of the most generous in the class, boasting 1,152 litres – a fraction more spacious than the Renault Clio – making it the more practical supermini of the two. But there’s no getting away from the aesthetic appeal of the Clio, so this round goes to Renault.

Features

The new Clio comes kitted with a 7 inch touchscreen display – with the MediaNav system coming as standard on all models from the Dynamique trim. Trim levels on the 208 can be confusing, but the basic Access A/C comes with stacks of equipment – including electric front windows, cruise control, LED rear lights, remote central locking and air conditioning. For its dedication to tech, the Peugeot 208 scoops this one.

Performance and Handling

In terms of performance, the Renault Clio is available with a choice of very efficient engines. The 1.2 litre petrol kicks off the lineup – and while the 1.5 litre diesel comes with the same 89bhp, it’s faster to accelerate and provides a more relaxing drive overall. With most of the lineup featuring stop-start technology, the diesel engines are among the most efficient in the class. When fitted with the ECO pack, CO2 emissions are as low as 83g/km, while fuel economy comes in at an impressive 88.3mpg.

That’s a tough act to follow, but the Peugeot 208 is cheap to run, with decent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The basic 67bhp 1.0 litre version is ideal for city driving, getting from 0-62mph in 14 seconds – but the 113bhp diesel is the way to go if you spend more time on the motorway. The 1.6 litre e-HDi diesel model is the pick of the range, thanks to CO2 emissions of just 99g/km (making it tax-free) and a fantastic fuel economy figure of 74.3mpg. The 208 is a strong contender – but for overall efficiency and performance, the Renault Clio takes it.

Price

If you’re looking to keep costs under 12k, both cars are well within your budget. The Peugeot 208 rolls in at £11,695 while the Clio undercuts it, costing just £11,145 – meaning this round is all Renault.

The verdict: the Peugeot 208 makes for stiff competition but, securing 3 out of 4 rounds, the Renault Clio is today’s worthy winner.

In the battle of Peugeot vs Renault, Renault wins – but wherever your loyalties lie, we can help you find the finance you need. At the Car Loan Warehouse, we’re experts in providing Renault Clio finance and Peugeot 208 finance to suit any budget – with sensible payments that you can afford. If you’re on the hunt for a deal that suits you, check out our online car finance calculator for a quick quote today.

About The Author

Jon Le Roux is co-founder and company director of The Car Loan Warehouse. Being a mad engineering and motorsport enthusiast, I spend more hours than is healthy, watching, reading or talking about cars, boats, motorbikes…..basically anything with an engine.