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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 25 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$46,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$48,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the CUPRA Leon & Peugeot 308
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Price Breakdown
The CUPRA Leon starts from $46,990 before on-road costs, while the Peugeot 308 opens at $48,990. That makes the CUPRA Leon the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $50,990 for the CUPRA Leon and $42,990 for the Peugeot 308.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Peugeot 308 by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The CUPRA Leon holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Peugeot 308. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the CUPRA Leon and 79% for the Peugeot 308.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the CUPRA Leon, against 6 on 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.
Recalls on our record
CUPRA Leon
- REC-006608 · published 12 May 2026Electric power steering software fault can disable assistanceYear range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- REC-005900 · published 19 Feb 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the heat shield between the brake master cylinder and the exhaust may have been incorrectly fitted.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-005610 · published 8 Feb 2023Due to a manufacturing issue, the radiator on some vehicles may not be properly secured.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
Peugeot 308
- REC-006738 · published 29 Sep 2026Due to a software issue, the interior door handles may deactivate unexpectedly while the engine is running.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006716 · published 8 Sep 2026Due to a software issue, the instrument panel cluster may fail to illuminate the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning if the front camera is blocked.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-006403 · published 5 Aug 2025The upper anchorage points for the seatbelts in the second-row left and right-hand seating positions may not meet load specifications.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2018
- 20 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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 and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The CUPRA Leon stands out with heated front seats and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Peugeot 308. The Peugeot 308 counters with panoramic roof, power tailgate and Focal audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the CUPRA Leon gets cloth upholstery while the Peugeot 308 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the CUPRA Leon and 2-zone in the Peugeot 308.
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 107kW 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 107kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), 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. Fold the rears and you get 888L vs 1295L.
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.
10.5m 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 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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.
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
CUPRA Leon: Top CarSorted Score, 77 vs 76
The CUPRA Leon comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (77 vs 76), taking 5 of 7 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (CUPRA Leon ahead by 16), fuel economy (Peugeot 308 ahead by 11), value (Peugeot 308 ahead by 3). 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, CUPRA Leon and Peugeot 308?
The CUPRA Leon is the cheapest at $46,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Peugeot 308 by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Peugeot 308 uses the least fuel at 4.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The CUPRA Leon has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Peugeot 308 has the largest boot at 384L with the seats up (1,295L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The CUPRA Leon has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The CUPRA Leon makes the most power at 110kW. The CUPRA Leon is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
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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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