Battle of the Hatchbacks: Vauxhall Corsa vs Peugeot 208

In the realm of compact hatchbacks, the choices seem endless, but two contenders that consistently rise to the top are the Vauxhall Corsa and the Peugeot 208. Both renowned for their stylish looks, practicality and affordable price points, these hatchbacks have earned a loyal following over the years.

In this comparison, we'll dissect the key aspects of the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 to help you make an informed decision about your next car.

Design

The Vauxhall Corsa boasts a sleek and modern design, with clean lines and a distinctive front grille. On the other hand, the Peugeot 208 flaunts a more curvaceous and dynamic appearance, reflecting Peugeot's daring design philosophy. While both cars stand out in their own right, the 208's unique styling might appeal more to those seeking a touch more flair.

Inside the cabins, the Vauxhall Corsa emphasises a user-friendly layout with logically arranged controls and a comfortable driving position; the cabin materials and build quality are solid, providing a sense of durability. The Peugeot 208, however, takes a step further with its premium interior, boasting higher-quality materials, an intuitive infotainment system, and a slightly more refined ambience.

Performance

Both the Corsa and the 208 offer a range of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. The Corsa leans towards a balanced and comfortable ride, making it a great choice for daily commuting, whereas the Peugeot 208 is known for its engaging driving dynamics and nimble handling.

In terms of fuel efficiency, both models offer competitive options. The Corsa's engines provide a respectable average fuel economy of 42.7mpg across both the petrol and diesel options from 2014 to 2019. The Peugeot 208, with its efficient range of petrol and diesel engines, delivers, on average, 52.9mpg, making it a practical choice for those looking to save on fuel costs.

Practicalities

Both the Corsa and the 208 come equipped with modern safety features, including lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control in some trims. Peugeot, however, has been lauded for its commitment to advanced safety technology, often incorporating more comprehensive driver assistance systems in their vehicles.

In terms of space, the Corsa offers a generous amount of rear passenger legroom and a well-shaped boot. The 208, while not as spacious in the rear, compensates with a more versatile and thoughtfully designed cargo area. If you're choosing between these two popular hatchbacks, your decision may well come down to whether you more often drive additional passengers in the back or hefty loads in the boot. For the Corsa, boot size varies between 280 and 309 litres, depending on the model and age. In comparison, the Peugeot 208 offers 285 and 311 litres, slightly bigger than the Vauxhall.

Verdict

In the contest between the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208, both brands are known for producing reliable vehicles and each hatchback brings its own set of strengths to the table. The Corsa shines with its user-friendly design, practicality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient daily driver. On the other hand, the Peugeot 208 boasts a more stylish and upscale interior, engaging driving dynamics, and a greater emphasis on cutting-edge technology.

Whichever car suits you more, you'll find a range of quality used Corsas and 208s here at Carbase, all of which have been prepped and rigorously checked to RAC Approved Preparation Standards by our expert technicians. Get in touch with our friendly team to book a test drive or buy your next car!