CUPRA Leon vs Peugeot e-208
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 e-208 opens at $63,000. That makes the CUPRA Leon the more affordable entry point by $18,010.
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 $69,300 respectively.
The Peugeot e-208 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The CUPRA Leon, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
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 CUPRA Leon features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Peugeot e-208 gets a 10-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The CUPRA Leon stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Peugeot e-208. The Peugeot e-208 counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and V2L. 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 e-208 responds with a Electric Motor making 115kW and 260Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Peugeot e-208 has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Peugeot e-208 is 0.5s 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, 343mm longer than the Peugeot e-208 at 4,055mm (2,540mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the CUPRA Leon generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 344L in the CUPRA Leon and 311L in the Peugeot e-208, giving the CUPRA Leon a 33L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Leon) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Peugeot e-208). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Leon if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Peugeot e-208 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Peugeot e-208 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the CUPRA Leon 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 e-208?
The CUPRA Leon is the cheapest at $44,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Peugeot e-208 by $18,010.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The CUPRA Leon uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — CUPRA Leon all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The CUPRA Leon has the largest boot at 344L.
Which can tow the most?
The CUPRA Leon has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Peugeot e-208 makes the most power at 115kW. The Peugeot e-208 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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