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CUPRA Leon vs Mazda 3 Hatchback comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (35,200 £ vs 24,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or Mazda 3 Hatchback?

CUPRA Leon vs Mazda 3 Hatchback: Key differences

CUPRA Leon

  • clearly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
  • marginally more trunk space
details

Mazda 3 Hatchback

  • clearly cheaper
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Leon

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Mazda 3 Hatchback is clearly cheaper – starting at 24,500 £ , while the CUPRA Leon costs 35,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,637 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.6 L/100km. The difference is about 4.3 L/100km.

3 Hatchback

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Leon offers clearly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 139 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Leon is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback takes 8 s. That’s about 2.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Leon delivers substantially more torque with 420 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 180 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.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, CUPRA Leon is marginally lighter – 1,371 kg compared to 1,419 kg. The difference is around 48 kg.

Looking at boot space, the CUPRA Leon offers marginally more boot space – 380 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 29 L.

When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Leon carries barely more – 493 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 8 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Leon is clearly superior overall 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 £35,200
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
CUPRA Leon
Mazda 3 Hatchback

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.

details

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 hatchback blends elegant design with a surprisingly sporty drive, giving a cabin that feels more upscale than you’d expect for the segment. Practical enough for everyday life yet eager to entertain behind the wheel, it’s a smart, good-humored choice that makes even grocery runs feel like a mini escape.

details
CUPRA Leon
Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption

Price
35,200 - 50,900 £
Price
24,500 - 35,500 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 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
126 - 146 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Curb weight
1,419 - 1,549 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,799 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 493 kg
Payload
470 - 485 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 239 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Mazda
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.