Hatchback Wars: Peugeot 308 vs Renault Clio

For anyone choosing their next little hatchback, the Peugeot 308 and the Renault Clio will be among the top choices - but which one is best? When it comes to Peugeot 308 vs Renault Clio, you have to examine all the features of both in order to make a fair assessment. This means not only how nice they look, and how fast they are - which if we’re honest, is where our minds immediately go - but also comfort, practicality and safety. This article compares these two new hatchbacks and explains the benefits for both.  

Design

Peugeot 308

The outside design of the Peugeot is pretty appealing, with understated, sleek bodywork. The grille and rear of the car are simple and clean as well. The interior is what really makes this design sing - featuring soft materials on the doors, the high-tech Peugeot i-Cockpit, ergonomic controls, and an overall aesthetically pleasing, minimalist look.  

Renault Clio

There isn’t much that’s new or special about the design of the Renault Clio, except for that vibrant yellow body paint - which works perfectly with the black alloys on the chassis. It has remained a good looking car, with lovely smooth sides and an ergonomic interior, plus many of the imperfections from earlier versions have been fixed up.  

Features

Peugeot 308

This Peugeot hatchback comes with a variety of high-tech features, such as a reversing camera, a 9.7-inch colour touch screen, 3D navigation system, and voice recognition. You can easily pair your smartphone with the car, and you’ll have access to Apple CarPlay, Android Audio and Mirror Link. The more expensive versions also come with extra features like the City Park technology - which helps you park the car - and active blind spot monitoring. Another feature of the car is the gorgeous sunroof which spans the whole cabin.  

Renault Clio

The Renault, on the other hand, has a digital radio and bluetooth, reversing camera, front and back parking sensors, sat nav, and cruise control. Compared to the Peugeot, it only has a 7-inch touch screen, and offers Android Auto as part of an ‘entertainment pack,’ which doesn’t include Apple CarPlay. Also, the keyless entry sounds like a cool idea, but the key itself is a strange keycard model which can feel unreliable at times.  

Practicality

Peugeot 308

The Peugeot 308 is the perfect, practical size - large enough to fit everything you need, while not so big that you can’t drive it around a city. The boot is a massive 625 litres, which becomes 1740 litres with the back seats folded down. This means you can carry furniture, fit suitcases, and still ferry your friends and family around. The front seats have loads of space, and include all the fixtures you need for a comfortable drive, like USB ports and handy cup holders.  

Renault Clio

The Renault Clio is a bit more compact, with 300 litres of boot space, but with the seats down it stretches to 1146 litres. This means it’s a good size for city streets, but doesn’t balance this out with indoor space. Luckily, the passengers in the back can enjoy a decent amount of legroom, but if you’re tall then you may have to duck a bit as the roof slopes down. Unlike the Peugeot, it only has room for bottles in the front doors, and not all of the doors.  

Engine

Peugeot 308

There are two engine options with the Peugeot 308, the first being the three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine, and the second option the BlueHDi turbo diesel engine. The PureTech is extremely fuel efficient, and they both comply with Euro 6 emission standards, so they are pretty eco-friendly choices. The turbocharged diesel engine is a real winner, with a low-down power delivery that suits city driving, and the noise it makes is pretty muffled and non-intrusive when you’re inside the car. With the BlueHDi, the Peugeot easily beats the Renault when it comes to power, torque and acceleration.  

Renault Clio

The Renault Clio engine is pretty similar to the Peugeot 208 GTI, as the 200-equipped RS ponies up 147kW/260Nm and drives through a six-speed EDC twin clutch. However, unlike the 208, the Renault doesn’t have an overboost function. Although perfectly reasonable, the Clio’s engine doesn’t stand up against the Peugeot 308’s offering.  

Safety

Peugeot 308

The Peugeot 308 has achieved a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, which is mostly based on the basic safety needs being met - such as the six airbags, parking sensors and reversing camera. But then, it goes even further to ensure that it reaches the best level of safety, by including innovative technology like the driver fatigue detection system, speed sign recognition, active lane keep distance, and blind spot monitoring.  

Renault Clio

The Renault Clio has also won the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating, so it’s still a comfortingly safe car - it just doesn’t quite reach the level that the Peugeot does. This car offers four airbags, traction and stability controls, three top-tether anchors, and a reversing camera.  

Where Should You Buy Your New Peugeot 308?

In the Peugeot 308 vs Renault Clio showdown, the Peugeot definitely comes out on top in a fair few categories. If you’re sold, and want to invest in your new Peugeot 308, then Perth City Peugeot will be happy to help. We’re the only Peugeot dealership in Perth, and aim to provide reliable and genuine service to every customer. Contact our team today to learn more about our flexible financing options and complimentary roadside assistance. Buy your new peugeot cars today at Perth City Peugeot! We are the No.1 Peugeot dealer in Perth and dedicated to helping you find a car that fits perfectly into your lifestyle. Visit us at 501 Albany Highway, Victoria Park, WA 6100. Contact us with any questions and inquiries. SALES: 08 9468 8404 | SERVICE & PARTS: 08 9468 8404