Hyundai Inster vs Peugeot 308
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Inster starts from $39,000 before on-road costs, while the Peugeot 308 opens at $48,990. That makes the Hyundai Inster the more affordable entry point by $9,990.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,900 and $53,889 respectively.
The Hyundai Inster qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Peugeot 308, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Peugeot 308 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Inster. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 79% for the Peugeot 308.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Peugeot 308 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Hyundai Inster.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Peugeot 308 gets a 10-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L that you will not find on the Peugeot 308. The Peugeot 308 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and Focal audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Inster gets cloth upholstery while the Peugeot 308 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Inster and 2-zone in the Peugeot 308.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 74kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.6 seconds.
The Peugeot 308 responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Peugeot 308 has the clear power advantage at 100kW vs 74kW. In the real-world sprint, the Peugeot 308 is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 540mm shorter than the Peugeot 308 at 4,365mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Peugeot 308 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 384L in the Peugeot 308, giving the Peugeot 308 a 104L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster) vs 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 308). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Peugeot 308 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Peugeot 308 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Peugeot 308 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and Peugeot 308?
The Hyundai Inster is the cheapest at $39,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Peugeot 308 by $9,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Peugeot 308 uses the least fuel at 4.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Peugeot 308 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Peugeot 308 has the largest boot at 384L.
Which can tow the most?
The Peugeot 308 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,150kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Peugeot 308 makes the most power at 100kW. The Peugeot 308 is quickest to 100km/h in 9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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