Abarth 695 vs CUPRA Leon
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 Abarth 695 starts from $48,369 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Leon opens at $44,990. That makes the CUPRA Leon the more affordable entry point by $3,379.
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 $53,206 and $49,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Abarth 695 and CUPRA Leon hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Leon packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Abarth 695.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Abarth 695 and 10 in the CUPRA Leon.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 695 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the CUPRA Leon gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 695 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the CUPRA Leon. The CUPRA Leon counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Abarth 695 gets fabric upholstery while the CUPRA Leon offers leather-appointed. Climate control is 1-zone in the Abarth 695 and 3-zone in the CUPRA Leon.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 695 uses a Turbo T-Jet producing 132kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The CUPRA Leon responds with a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol MHEV making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Abarth 695 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 695 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 695 measures 3,657mm long on a 2,300mm wheelbase, 741mm shorter than the CUPRA Leon at 4,398mm (2,686mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the CUPRA Leon generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 695 and 344L in the CUPRA Leon, giving the CUPRA Leon a 159L advantage. The CUPRA Leon seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.8m
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,710/year for the Abarth 695 and $1,539/year for the CUPRA Leon. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the CUPRA Leon.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Abarth 695) vs $1,539 (CUPRA Leon). The CUPRA Leon saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 695) vs 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Leon). The CUPRA Leon has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 695 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the CUPRA Leon if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CUPRA Leon takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The CUPRA Leon will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the CUPRA Leon has a clear edge. The CUPRA Leon adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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