Peugeot 308 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
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 Peugeot 308 starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class opens at $48,900. 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 $53,889 and $53,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Peugeot 308 by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Peugeot 308 features a 10-inch touchscreen paired with a 10-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Peugeot 308 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and Focal audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Peugeot 308 uses a Hybrid producing 100kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class responds with a Petrol making 100kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 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 Peugeot 308 measures 4,365mm long on a 2,675mm wheelbase, 54mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class at 4,419mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 384L in the Peugeot 308 and 370L in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, 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 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,197/year for the Peugeot 308 and $1,625/year for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 308.
Estimated annual total: $1,197 (Peugeot 308) vs $1,625 (Mercedes-Benz A-Class). 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 / 200,000km (Peugeot 308) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz A-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Peugeot 308 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
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, Peugeot 308 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
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 — 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.
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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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