CUPRA Leon 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 Leon starts from $44,990 before on-road costs, while the Peugeot 308 opens at $48,990. That makes the CUPRA Leon the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $49,489 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Peugeot 308 by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the CUPRA Leon and Peugeot 308 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the CUPRA Leon and 79% for the Peugeot 308.
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 6 in the Peugeot 308.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 10 in the CUPRA Leon and 6 in the Peugeot 308.
Feature Showdown
The CUPRA Leon features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Peugeot 308 gets a 10-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The CUPRA Leon stands out with heated front seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Peugeot 308. The Peugeot 308 counters with panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The CUPRA Leon uses a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol MHEV producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 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 Leon has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Leon is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The CUPRA Leon measures 4,398mm long on a 2,686mm wheelbase, 33mm longer than the Peugeot 308 at 4,365mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the CUPRA Leon generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 344L in the CUPRA Leon and 384L in the Peugeot 308, giving the Peugeot 308 a 40L advantage.
For towing, the CUPRA Leon leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,150kg. That 50kg 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 10.8m
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,539/year for the CUPRA Leon and $1,197/year for the Peugeot 308. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 308.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (CUPRA Leon) vs $1,197 (Peugeot 308). The Peugeot 308 saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Leon) vs 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 308). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Leon if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer CUPRA'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 CUPRA Leon takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Peugeot 308 will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. 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.
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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