The Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 – despite sharing some mechanical and design elements – each offer distinct approaches to the small car formula. The Corsa, launched in its current form in 2020 and facelifted in 2023, has evolved from a reliable but unremarkable runabout into a more stylish and sophisticated proposition. Meanwhile, the 208, which debuted in 2019, has continued Peugeot's tradition of distinctive French design whilst offering a more premium feel than many rivals in the class.
Both cars share the same Stellantis CMP platform and offer similar powertrain choices, including petrol engines, mild hybrid options, and fully electric variants. However, they take different approaches to styling, interior design, and driving dynamics. The Corsa emphasises practicality and value, whilst the 208 focuses on premium appeal and distinctive design.
Vauxhall Corsa vs Peugeot 208
Practicality
When it comes to interior space, both cars offer generous accommodation for front-seat passengers, though each has its own quirks. The Corsa provides plenty of space up front, but storage for odds and ends isn't quite as generous as in some rivals. The 208 also caters well for those sitting up front with good head and legroom, plus the driver benefits from a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustment. However, the 208's distinctive i-Cockpit design, featuring a high-set instrument cluster, can require some drivers to position the steering wheel unusually low to avoid obscuring the display, potentially resulting in an awkward driving position.
Rear passenger space is where both cars show their limitations compared to some rivals like the Skoda Fabia or Seat Ibiza. The Corsa's back seats are particularly tight for head and legroom, with a narrow door opening that makes fitting child seats more challenging. The 208 offers enough space for children and won't leave shorter adults grumbling, though taller passengers may find longer journeys uncomfortable. The 208 offers better storage throughout the cabin with a deep lidded cubby between front seats, a useful tray ahead of the gear lever, and decent door bins.
Boot space is closely matched between the two cars, with the 208 just edging ahead at 311 litres compared to the Corsa's 309 litres for petrol and hybrid models. However, the Corsa Electric's boot shrinks significantly to 267 litres, whilst the 208's electric variant maintains the same 311-litre capacity. For most buyers, the 208 will have a slight edge in practicality, particularly for those considering electric variants.
Driving Impressions
Both cars share similar engine lineups, reflecting their shared platform origins, but deliver distinctly different driving experiences. The Corsa offers a 1.2-litre petrol engine in three power outputs: a naturally aspirated 75bhp version, plus turbocharged variants with 100bhp and 130bhp. The 100bhp turbocharged unit is considered the sweet spot by our reviewers, offering good flexibility and responsiveness. The Corsa also offers mild hybrid versions with 100bhp or 136bhp, featuring a 28bhp electric motor that can drive the car up to 18mph. However, the hybrid system suffers from overly sensitive throttle and brake pedals, combined with a sluggish automatic gearbox that creates a jerky driving experience at low speeds.
The 208's engine range consists of the same 1.2-litre petrol engine with four power outputs, plus a much rarer and now discontinued 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel option. The mid-spec PureTech 100 is highlighted as offering an excellent blend of performance and economy. The 208 comes with a light and precise five-speed manual gearbox as standard, with an automatic option available on more powerful petrol variants. Both cars offer electric versions: the Corsa Electric comes with either 136bhp or 156bhp in the Long Range model, offering official ranges of 222 and 246 miles respectively. The 208's e-208 features a 134bhp electric drivetrain, making it the quickest model in the lineup.
In terms of driving dynamics, the cars take different approaches. The Corsa feels well-controlled in corners with lots of grip and predictable, linear steering that inspires confidence. However, it lacks the feedback and involvement found in rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Mazda2. The ride quality can be quite jiggly on rough surfaces, and there's noticeable tyre noise above 40mph. The 208 offers a more refined driving experience, riding very well and feeling impressively mature at speed, making it less tiring on longer journeys. However, it's not as agile or entertaining as some rivals, lacking the sharp responses and nimble handling of the best in class. Overall, the 208 just about has the edge for comfort and refinement, whilst the Corsa offers slightly more predictable handling characteristics.
Technology and Equipment
The equipment levels and technology offerings differ significantly between these two platform siblings. The Corsa's trim structure has been simplified in recent years, now consisting of Design, GS, and Ultimate grades. All models come well-equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, LED headlights, and rear parking sensors as standard. GS models add wireless smartphone connectivity, smarter styling touches, and digital dials, whilst the range-topping Ultimate includes keyless entry, Matrix LED headlights, and enhanced safety features. Pre-facelift models offered SRi trim with sporty styling and good equipment levels, though the slightly lower-spec SE Nav often represented better value.
The 208 takes a more premium approach with its equipment strategy, offering Active, Allure, Active Premium, Allure Premium, and GT Line trims. Entry-level Active models include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, and an infotainment system with Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. Allure variants add upgraded trim, climate control, and a head-up display, whilst Premium models feature touchscreen navigation, voice control, and a distinctive 3D effect instrument cluster that makes information appear to float above the display. The flagship GT Line includes premium touches like a frameless electrochromic rear-view mirror, 180-degree colour reversing camera, full LED headlights, and customisable interior lighting.
Both cars infotainment systems struggle, though for different reasons. The Corsa's system is hidden behind a darkened screen that creates a seamless appearance when integrated into the glossy black dashboard panel. However, the software can be fiddly, laggy, and occasionally counter-intuitive, though improvements were made in the 2023 facelift. The 208's touchscreen looks impressive and is feature-packed, but responds slowly to inputs and buries frequently used functions in hard-to-reach sub-menus, forcing drivers to take their eyes off the road for longer than necessary. The 208 has a slight edge in standard equipment levels and interior ambience, but both cars offer comprehensive connectivity and safety features across their ranges.
Running Costs
Running costs present interesting contrasts between these platform siblings, particularly when considering different powertrain options. The Corsa's petrol engines offer decent real-world economy, with the recommended 100bhp 1.2-litre turbo achieving close to 50mpg in everyday driving. However, the Corsa suffers from below-average predicted resale values, which means owners may not recover as much money when selling compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Polo. The Corsa Electric, whilst expensive to purchase new, offers very low running costs for those who can charge at home and proves excellent for company car users thanks to favourable BIK rates. Used Corsa Electric models represent much better value for private buyers.
The 208's running costs are competitive across the range, with even the least efficient 1.2-litre PureTech 75 achieving up to 53.6mpg and emitting just 98g/km of CO2. The diesel option offers the best fuel economy among conventional engines but requires high mileage to justify the additional purchase cost over the PureTech 100. The e-208 provides impressive range for a small electric car, though running costs depend heavily on whether or not you can recharge at home. The 208 generally holds its value better than the Corsa, potentially offering better returns when it's time to sell.
Service requirements and maintenance costs favour both cars differently depending on the powertrain chosen. Petrol versions of both cars require annual servicing or every 12,500 miles, whilst diesel models can go up to 20,000 miles between services. Electric versions need less frequent attention - but the Corsa Electric still follows standard service intervals, whilst the e-208 only requires dealer visits every two years or 16,000 miles. Both manufacturers offer affordable service plans. The Corsa has a slight edge in overall running costs for petrol models, whilst the 208 offers better value retention and more efficient servicing for electric models.
Verdict
Both the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 represent significant improvements over their predecessors, offering stylish design, modern technology, and comprehensive powertrain choices including all-electric options. The Corsa has transformed from a forgettable runabout into a more mature and quality-focused proposition, with distinctive styling and improved interior materials. Its strengths lie in predictable handling, decent fuel economy, and competitive pricing, particularly for the well-balanced 100bhp petrol model. However, it's let down by cramped rear seats, and below-average resale values, and the hybrid version is not very smooth to drive.
The 208 takes a more premium approach, offering superior refinement, better equipment levels, and more distinctive styling that harks back to Peugeot's legendary 205. Its electric variant maintains full boot space, and the overall package feels more upmarket than the Corsa. However, the i-Cockpit design won't suit all drivers, and the infotainment system can be frustrating to use. The 208 commands a price premium but generally offers better value retention. For buyers prioritising style, refinement, and premium appeal, the 208 has the edge. Those seeking the lowest prices should consider the Corsa.