Renault Clio vs Peugeot 208

When looking for a supermini to lease, there’s a wide selection of cars to choose from. A supermini is described as a small car, typically sized between a city car and a hatchback. Most commonly, a supermini will have three doors, although some do have five doors. If this is the kind of car you’re considering, then you may have looked at the Renault Clio or the Peugeot 208. These compact yet feature-packed cars have been competing for the top spot in this segment, and choosing between them can be a delightful challenge. But how do these two cars compare in terms of design, features and overall driving experience? In this comprehensive comparison, we'll take you on a journey through the Renault Clio and the Peugeot 208, examining their respective strengths and unique attributes.

A Brief History

The Renault Clio was first launched in 1990 as a limited-edition car to replace the Renault 5. The car was designed by Yves Dubreil and was praised for its stylish design and nimble handling. When it gained mass interest, the decision was made to continue production. The second generation Clio was introduced in 1998 and was praised for its ride comfort and refinement. In 2000, a hot hatch version called the Clio RS was introduced, which featured a 2.0-liter engine producing 169 horsepower. Since then, the Clio has undergone several further updates, with the fifth generation Clio introduced in 2019. The new model features a more modern design and a range of efficient engines, including a hybrid option. 

In 2012, the Peugeot 208 made its debut, offering the choice of either a three or five-door hatchback. The model was intended to take the place of the Peugeot 207 and has since become a popular option. The Peugeot 208 boasted a contemporary design in contrast to its predecessor, the Peugeot 207, and was celebrated for its impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions. A minor facelift with interior enhancements and styling updates was introduced in 2015. The second generation of the Peugeot 208 arrived in 2019 with a more radical design than its predecessor. The 208 also introduced a new platform that allows for the use of electric powertrains, including a fully electric version called the Peugeot e-208.

Design, safety and technology

Externally, the Renault Clio now has a bold look with an enlarged grille, LED signature lighting and sleek lines. Meanwhile, the interior offers improved passenger comfort thanks to the quality finish. In particular, we like the Clio’s EASYLINK touchscreen which is easy to use and good for smartphone integration. Other standard equipment on this Renault car include auto air conditioning, LED daytime lights and heated rear windscreen. Plus, there’s plenty standard driving and safety features such as traffic sign recognition, emergency brake assist, cruise control and rear parking sensors. This is a big improvement on previous models.

Whereas, the latest Peugeot 208 has a combination of style and distinctive design. We feel the Peugeot is a little sportier looking than the Renault. Inside the Peugeot 208, standard features include push button start, a 6-speaker radio, voice recognition and mirror screen. The interior looks modern as the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit ® features a smaller steering wheel and easy to use functions. Furthermore, this Peugeot offers a comfortable drive and is slightly more fun to drive than the Renault Clio. However, nowadays the Peugeot 208 is considered fairly compact for its class and has a 311-litre boot capacity. This may not be an issue for some customers, although the Renault Clio does offer that extra space that others may prefer such as a boot capacity up to 391 litres.

As well, the Renault Clio has an excellent reputation for being a safe car to drive. During independent crash-testing in 2019, this Renault model achieved a full Euro NCAP Safety Rating of five stars, which included an impressive score of 96 per cent in its adult occupancy NCAP assessment. Compared to the Clio, the Peugeot 208 achieved a Euro NCAP Safety Rating of four stars. While this is still good, the Renault Clio scored higher, especially during the ‘Vulnerable Road Users’ NCAP assessment.

Engine size and performance

The latest Renault Clio has a reduced engine range; however, you can choose either a petrol or a E-Tech hybrid option. Currently, there’s one petrol engine, the three-cylinder 1.0 TCe petrol with 90bhp. With a six-speed gearbox, this has a 0-62mph time of 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. However, with improved performance, the 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid takes 9.9 seconds to achieve 0-62mph. Rivalling the likes of the Toyota Yaris hybrid, this hybrid has two electric motors and a 1.2kWh lithium-ion battery. Unlike the Peugeot 208, the Clio no longer has a diesel engine option. Previously, there has been a 1.5-litre Blue dCi engine which wasn’t particularly popular as the acceleration was slow.

The Peugeot 208 has petrol, diesel and pure electric options. Starting with the petrol versions, these are all 1.2-litres and turbocharged. However, you can choose between 75, 100 and 130hp options. As expected, the 130hp version is slightly quicker with a 0-62mph time of around 8.7 seconds. Alternatively, there’s a diesel 1.5 BlueHDi with a fuel economy rating of up to 73.6mpg. This is an attractive option for those who often travel long distances or do motorway driving. If you’d prefer an all-electric version, take a look at the Peugeot e-208. As a rival to the Renault Zoe, this electric car offers a smooth and comfortable drive whilst emitting 0 g/km CO2 emissions in driving phase. Plus, the Peugeot e-208 has an electric range of up to 225 miles.

In terms of driving experience, both the Renault Clio and the Peugeot 208 are acknowledged for their nimble handling and comfortable ride, but there are some distinctions between the two models. The Renault Clio's overall driving experience has been commended for its balance between ride comfort and sportiness. Its sporty character is further enhanced by its robust brakes and well-tuned suspension. In contrast, the Peugeot 208 is regarded as a more sophisticated and comfortable car with a focus on providing a comfortable ride, rather than sportiness. Its suspension is optimised for a smoother ride, resulting in a more comfortable experience on rough roads. However, some reviewers have criticised the Peugeot 208's steering. 

Warranty and Price

As with all new Renault passenger cars UK, the Clio comes with a warranty for up to 5 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). This is above the industry standard, which is typically a three-year warranty, like with the Peugeot 208. This Peugeot car warranty contains 2 years with unlimited mileage and a third year up to the 60,000-mile limit.

As for pricing of these cars, the Clio is a slightly cheaper option but not by much. The Renault Clio is priced from £18,995 whereas the Peugeot 208 starts from £20,340. This makes them similarly priced to alternatives like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. For a high spec Clio R.S. Line, pricing increases to just over £21,000, which is comparable to the 208 GT version from £24,690. These sportier versions are very popular, specifically the Peugeot 208 GT with bigger wheels, front parking sensors and ambient interior lighting. Electric options of the Peugeot are noticeably more expensive with pricing starting from £31,345 and rising to over £34,000.

Reliability

Reliability is another key factor to look at when deciding between the Renault Clio and the Peugeot 208. While both brands have made strides to improve the dependability of their cars, there are some differences worth considering.

The Renault Clio has a longstanding presence in the automotive market and is well-known for its practicality and affordability. Nevertheless, its reputation for reliability has varied over the years. In recent years, Renault has placed a strong focus on enhancing the quality and reliability of its vehicles, including the Clio. Newer Clio models have seen advancements in technology and engineering, which can positively impact overall dependability.

Similarly, the Peugeot 208 is a well-established name in this car segment. Peugeot, as a brand, has undergone a transformation in recent years, focusing on design, technology, and quality. The Peugeot 208 has received praise for its stylish design and updated interior, which contributes to a more upscale feel compared to its predecessors. The brand's commitment to improving quality and dependability is reflected in the 208's design and engineering. Peugeot's new platform architecture, which underpins the 208, has been developed with an emphasis on structural rigidity and safety, which can indirectly contribute to long-term reliability.

Our Verdict

Both of these supermini cars are great options and it’s easy to see why you would choose one of them. However, considering all we know about these cars, we feel a Renault Clio lease comes out on top. A Renault Clio offers you an excellent all-rounder car with generous boot space. This could be ideal as a cost-effective option for families wanting a supermini. Also, this Renault car is recognised a safe and reliable little run-around. Although, if you’re specifically looking for a small electric car, then the Peugeot e-208 is definitely worth considering. If you liked reading this blog, click here for more of our latest news and reviews. Also, get in touch today for more information about our latest car lease deals.