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CUPRA Leon vs Lotus Emira comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 406 HP), boot space and price (35,700 £ vs 83,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or Lotus Emira?

CUPRA Leon vs Lotus Emira: Key differences

CUPRA Leon

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • slightly lighter
  • significantly more trunk space
details

Lotus Emira

  • somewhat more power
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Leon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

CUPRA Leon is considerably cheaper – starting at 35,700 £ , while the Lotus Emira costs 83,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 47,893 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Lotus Emira with 9.2 L/100km. The difference is about 7.9 L/100km.

Emira

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Lotus Emira offers somewhat more power – delivering 406 HP compared to 325 HP. That’s roughly 81 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Lotus Emira is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the CUPRA Leon takes 5.4 s. That’s about 1.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Lotus Emira delivers a bit more torque with 480 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 60 Nm more.

Leon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: CUPRA Leon offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, CUPRA Leon is slightly lighter – 1,371 kg compared to 1,521 kg. The difference is around 150 kg.

Looking at boot space, the CUPRA Leon offers significantly more boot space – 380 L compared to 151 L. That’s a difference of about 229 L.

When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Leon carries significantly more – 493 kg compared to 230 kg. That’s a difference of about 263 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Leon stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £35,700
Leon

CUPRA Leon

  • Engine Type Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 131 km
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Lotus Emira

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

CUPRA Leon

The Cupra Leon blends sporting intent with everyday practicality, serving up sharp handling and a cabin that feels more premium than its hatchback looks might suggest. It's a driver's car in commuter clothing — lively, distinctive, and clever enough to make daily driving feel a little less routine without screaming for attention.

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CUPRA-Leon_09_HQ
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CUPRA-Leon_88_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_91_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_96_HQ

Reviews CUPRA Leon

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Coutand
2 Jul 2026, 16:43:43

It's a very good sporty and comfortable car, light and powerful with very good handling. The vehicle is very comfortable and pleasant; I tried it — it's the one I recommend. It's reasonably priced depending on the engine.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Lotus Emira

The Lotus Emira is a supremely alive sports coupe that blends razor‑sharp handling with enough everyday comfort to make it usable beyond the track. It looks gorgeous, sounds eager and delivers a focused, smile-inducing drive that will seduce enthusiasts and tempt sensible buyers alike.

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Reviews Lotus Emira

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
35,700 - 50,900 £
Price
83,600 - 107,600 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9.2 - 11.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
124 - 131 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
28 - 172 g/km
co2
208 - 245 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Coupe
Seats
5
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Curb weight
1,521 - 1,533 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
151 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,799 mm
Width
1,895 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 493 kg
Payload
213 - 230 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Power HP
365 - 406 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 4.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Torque
420 - 480 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
110 - 239 kW
Power kW
268 - 298 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,456 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,023 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Lotus
Is the CUPRA Leon offered with different drivetrains?

The CUPRA Leon is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.