Mercedes-Benz A-Class 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 Mercedes-Benz A-Class starts from $48,900 before on-road costs, while the Peugeot 308 opens at $48,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz A-Class the more affordable entry point by $90.
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 $53,790 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Peugeot 308 by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Peugeot 308 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 79% for the Peugeot 308.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 6 in the Peugeot 308.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Peugeot 308 gets a 10-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class stands out with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Peugeot 308. The Peugeot 308 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class uses a Petrol producing 100kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 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.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Peugeot 308 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class measures 4,419mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 54mm longer than the Peugeot 308 at 4,365mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 370L in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 384L in the Peugeot 308, giving the Peugeot 308 a 14L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,150kg. That 650kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and $1,197/year for the Peugeot 308. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 308.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Mercedes-Benz A-Class) vs $1,197 (Peugeot 308). The Peugeot 308 saves you roughly $428 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz A-Class) vs 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 308). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz A-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Peugeot 308 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Peugeot 308 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Peugeot 308 will save you roughly $428 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Peugeot 308?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the cheapest at $48,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Peugeot 308 by $90.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Peugeot 308 uses the least fuel at 4.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Peugeot 308 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Peugeot 308 has the largest boot at 384L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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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