At a glance
- The Clio 5 offers 391 litres of boot vs 311 for the 208, i.e. 25% more at equivalent external size.
- The 208 starts at 19 990 euros in PureTech 100, the Clio at 18 990 euros in TCe 90, i.e. 1 000 euros less at Renault for comparable equipment.
- On the 2022-2024 used market, the Clio trades 500 to 800 euros cheaper than the equivalent 208.
Both city cars have dominated the French market for over 10 years. The Clio 5 is France’s absolute best-seller in 2024 with 92 000 registrations, the 208 II follows closely at 86 000 units. To pick between these two city cars, we align 25 criteria.
208 and Clio 5 under the microscope
| Criterion | Peugeot 208 II PureTech 100 Allure | Renault Clio 5 TCe 90 Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4 055 mm ⭐ | 4 050 mm |
| Width | 1 745 mm ⭐ | 1 798 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 540 mm | 2 583 mm ⭐ |
| Petrol boot | 311 litres | 391 litres ⭐ |
| Boot (seats folded) | 1 106 litres | 1 069 litres ⭐ |
| Engine | 1.2 PureTech 100 hp | 1.0 TCe 90 hp |
| Power | 100 hp ⭐ | 90 hp |
| Torque | 205 Nm ⭐ | 160 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 10.8 s ⭐ | 13.4 s |
| WLTP consumption | 5.3 l/100 km | 5.1 l/100 km ⭐ |
| CO2 emissions | 121 g/km | 116 g/km ⭐ |
| Reliability (Argus) | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 ⭐ |
| Central screen | 10 inches ⭐ | 7 inches |
| Standard CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes ⭐ | Option |
| Allure/Evolution price | 21 990 € | 20 490 € ⭐ |
| Entry trim price | 19 990 € | 18 990 € ⭐ |
| 3-year depreciation | 55% | 60% ⭐ |
Verdict: 6 points for the 208, 6 points for the Clio 5, 4 ties. Perfectly balanced.
Who wins based on your needs?
| Main need | Best choice | Key reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest purchase budget | Clio 5 ⭐ | 1 000 € less entry trim |
| Tech on board (10" screen) | Peugeot 208 ⭐ | i-Cockpit 10" standard |
| Largest boot | Clio 5 ⭐ | 391 L vs 311 L, +25% |
| Performance | Peugeot 208 ⭐ | 100 hp vs 90, sharper |
| Lowest consumption | Clio 5 ⭐ | 5.1 vs 5.3 l WLTP |
| Perceived reliability | Clio 5 ⭐ | 8.1/10 Argus, better feedback |
| Elevated driving position | Peugeot 208 ⭐ | i-Cockpit, high dashboard |
| 3-year used | Clio 5 ⭐ | Lower rating, huge supply |
| Classic ergonomics | Clio 5 ⭐ | Normal steering wheel position |
| Premium interior design | Peugeot 208 ⭐ | Finish one step above |
208 and Clio 5, two French city cars at the top
Peugeot 208 II arrived in 2019, the Renault Clio 5 followed a few months later. Both received a facelift in 2023-2024. Both now offer three-cylinder petrol, full hybrid (HEV 145 at Renault, 100 Hybrid at Peugeot since 2024) and 100% electric powertrains.
Two philosophies close on positioning
Peugeot bets on design and tech with its i-Cockpit digital cockpit, 10-inch central screen and refined materials. Renault favours practicality and value with the largest boot in class and classic ergonomics.
Five differences that truly separate 208 and Clio
1. A Clio boot 25% bigger than the 208
391 litres for the Clio 5 vs 311 litres for the 208. 80 litres gap, significant. Peugeot pays the price of an i-Cockpit architecture requiring a higher dashboard and eating into the trunk compartment.
Caradisiac’s official comparison of both city cars.
2. An i-Cockpit that divides on the 208
The compact steering wheel and high dashboard of the 208 have been a Peugeot signature since 2012. Some love the elevated driving position, others never get used to it. Test mandatory in dealership before signing.
3. A Clio 1 000 euros cheaper at entry
Clio 5 Evolution TCe 90: 18 990 euros. 208 II Active PureTech 100: 19 990 euros. The gap holds across all trims, with around 1 000 to 1 500 euros difference at equivalent equipment.
4. A more tech-equipped 208 as standard
From the Allure trim (21 990 euros), the 208 integrates a 10-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital cluster and automatic climate.
5. Reliability slightly tilted toward the Clio
Reliability indices by L’Argus, Caradisiac and UFC Que Choisir place the Clio 5 one notch above the 208 II. The TCe 90 3-cylinder from the Renault-Nissan alliance shows fewer reported issues than the PureTech 100 (mainly due to the wet timing belt on early series).
Before buying, our complete used car buying guide details PureTech-specific checkpoints.
The real 5-year budget for a 208 or Clio 5
Estimate over 5 years and 75 000 km, March 2026 manufacturer pricing.
| Item | 208 PureTech 100 Allure | Clio 5 TCe 90 Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | 21 990 € | 20 490 € ⭐ |
| Registration | 330 € | 320 € ⭐ |
| 5-year insurance | 2 800 € ⭐ | 2 900 € |
| Fuel (75 000 km) | 6 600 € | 6 250 € ⭐ |
| Servicing + tyres | 2 400 € ⭐ | 2 500 € |
| 5-year depreciation | -12 095 € ⭐ | -11 860 € |
| Total cost | 21 025 € | 20 600 € ⭐ |
Nearly identical over 5 years. The 425 euros gap comes from the lower purchase price of the Clio, partially offset by its slightly steeper depreciation.
Which to choose based on your profile
For a first new car purchase
The Clio 5 Evolution TCe 90 remains the best proposal under 20 000 euros. Essential equipment complete, recognised reliability, Renault dealerships everywhere in France.
For a young driver
The Clio 5 in TCe 90 costs less to insure than the 208 PureTech 100 (fiscal rating 5 hp vs 6 hp). Around 150 to 250 euros less in annual full coverage premium.
For resale
The Clio 5 shows a slightly lower used market rating at equivalent trim, but with a larger supply. If the goal is to resell quickly in 3-4 years, the 208 preserves absolute value slightly better.
For on-board tech
The 208 wins easily. 10-inch screen standard from Allure trim, 3D digital cluster and Peugeot i-Cockpit graphics interface set the bar above what Renault offers at entry and mid-range.
For family use
The Clio takes the lead with its 391-litre boot and slightly more welcoming rear seats.
For a comparison in the segment above, see also Bigster vs Duster for compact SUVs or Tesla Model 3 vs Model Y for premium electric.
208 and Clio 5 reliability
Peugeot 208 II: the PureTech belt as watchpoint
The 1.2 PureTech 100 engine shares the wet timing belt common to Stellantis. Issue identified on 2019-2022 models with early fraying cases. Since 2023, Stellantis replaced the belt with a chain. When buying used, mandatory check of belt replacement or chain upgrade.
Renault Clio 5: reliable TCe 90 but capricious electronics
The TCe 90 (H4D) derives from the Nissan 1.0 DIG-T and shows above-segment-average reliability. Points to watch concern multimedia system electronics (Easy Link crashes on 2020-2022) and a few water infiltrations through rear door seals on early 2019 series.
Frequently asked questions
Peugeot 208 or Renault Clio 5 for a young driver?
The Clio 5 TCe 90 Evolution. Fiscal rating 5 hp (vs 6 hp for 208 PureTech 100), insurance premium around 150 to 250 euros lower per year.
Which is more reliable between the 208 and Clio 5?
The Clio 5 based on Argus, Caradisiac and UFC Que Choisir indices. Average score 8.1/10 vs 7.2/10 for the 208. The gap mainly comes from the engine: chain-driven TCe 90 more durable than the belt-driven PureTech 100 with wet timing belt.
Does the 208 really have a smaller boot?
Yes, 311 litres vs 391 litres for the Clio, i.e. 80 litres less. The reason: Peugeot’s i-Cockpit imposes a raised dashboard and an architecture that eats into the trunk compartment.
Can you get a hybrid 208 or Clio?
Yes for both. Since 2024, the 208 Hybrid 100 and the Clio E-Tech Full Hybrid 145 offer 48V mild hybrid (208) and full hybrid (Clio). The Clio is the most accomplished with real-world consumption around 4 l/100 km in city cycle.
Which new version costs less?
The Clio 5 Evolution TCe 90 at 18 990 euros remains the most accessible entry in 2026. The 208 Active PureTech 100 starts at 19 990 euros, i.e. 1 000 euros more.
Best choice for a 3-year-old used?
The Clio 5. Its lower used rating (60% depreciation vs 55% for the 208) offers better value at equivalent mileage. In 2026, a 2023 Clio 5 Evolution TCe 90 with 45 000 km trades around 10 500 euros, vs 11 500 euros for an equivalent 208.
208 or Clio for mainly highway use?
Close match. The 208 PureTech 100 offers slightly more pickup (100 hp vs 90) and a 6-speed gearbox vs 5 on the Clio TCe 90, reducing consumption at 130 km/h. If highway truly dominates (>60% mileage), lean toward the 208.