CUPRA Born 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 CUPRA Born starts from $59,990 before on-road costs, while the Peugeot 308 opens at $48,990. That makes the Peugeot 308 the more affordable entry point by $11,000.
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 $65,989 and $53,889 respectively.
The CUPRA Born 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
Both the CUPRA Born and Peugeot 308 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the CUPRA Born and 79% for the Peugeot 308.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Born packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Peugeot 308.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the CUPRA Born and 6 in the Peugeot 308.
Feature Showdown
The CUPRA Born features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 5.3-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 CUPRA Born stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Peugeot 308. The Peugeot 308 counters with 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 CUPRA Born gets cloth upholstery while the Peugeot 308 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The CUPRA Born uses a Electric Motor producing 170kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 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 CUPRA Born has the clear power advantage at 170kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Born is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The CUPRA Born measures 4,322mm long on a 2,766mm wheelbase, 43mm shorter than the Peugeot 308 at 4,365mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the CUPRA Born generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 385L in the CUPRA Born and 384L in the Peugeot 308, giving the CUPRA Born a 1L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.6m
Based on 10.2m 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 (CUPRA Born) vs 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 308). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Born if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Peugeot 308 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CUPRA Born takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, CUPRA Born and Peugeot 308?
The Peugeot 308 is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the CUPRA Born by $11,000.
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 — CUPRA Born 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 CUPRA Born has the largest boot at 385L.
Which can tow the most?
The Peugeot 308 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,150kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The CUPRA Born makes the most power at 170kW. The CUPRA Born is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
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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