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CUPRA Leon vs Mazda 3 Sedan comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (35,200 £ vs 25,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or Mazda 3 Sedan?

CUPRA Leon vs Mazda 3 Sedan: Key differences

CUPRA Leon

  • clearly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
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Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • somewhat more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Leon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Mazda 3 Sedan is significantly cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the CUPRA Leon costs 35,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,208 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mazda 3 Sedan with 5.5 L/100km. The difference is about 4.2 L/100km.

3 Sedan

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 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 Sedan takes 8.1 s. That’s about 2.7 s quicker.

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

Leon

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, CUPRA Leon is very slightly lighter – 1,371 kg compared to 1,420 kg. The difference is around 49 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers somewhat more boot space – 450 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.

When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Leon carries marginally more – 493 kg compared to 481 kg. That’s a difference of about 12 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
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Frequently compared as well

CUPRA Formentor
CUPRA Leon
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Choose the CUPRA Formentor if you want SUV presence, extra boot space and a comfy ride that still hides a spicy engine under the hood; pick the CUPRA Leon if you crave a lower, sharper hot-hatch feel with crisper handling and more driver-focused thrills. In short: the Formentor impresses with …
CUPRA Leon
SEAT Leon
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CUPRA Leon
Mazda 3 Sedan

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
CUPRA-Leon_38_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_88_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_91_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_96_HQ

Reviews CUPRA Leon

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Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan dresses like a compact premium car, with sculpted lines and an interior that punches well above its class. It rewards drivers with eager handling and a composed, comfortable ride that turns routine runs into something a bit more enjoyable — proof that style and substance can share the same key.

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Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

Frequently compared as well

CUPRA Leon
Jeep Avenger
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Choosing between the Cupra Leon and the Jeep Avenger comes down to whether you want a sporty, driver-focused compact hatchback or a practical, upright small SUV. The Cupra Leon prioritises performance, sharp handling and advanced tech, while the Jeep Avenger offers city-friendly ride height, …
Audi A3 Sportback
CUPRA Leon
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The Audi A3 Sportback and CUPRA Leon are two compact premium hatchbacks that blend everyday practicality with strong performance and upscale interiors. Choose the A3 for a measured, refined ride and classy cabin, or the CUPRA Leon if you want sharper handling, bolder styling and performance-focused …
Mazda 2
Mazda 3 Sedan
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Choosing between the city‑savvy Mazda2 and the more grown-up Mazda3 Sedan comes down to whether you prioritize low running costs and easy urban manoeuvrability or a roomier cabin, stronger performance and extra tech. I’ll compare the key points — size, engines, economy, equipment and driving feel — …
CUPRA Leon
VW Golf
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The CUPRA Leon and the Golf are closely related compact hatchbacks: the CUPRA packs sharper handling, stronger engines and a sportier image, while the Golf prioritizes refinement, everyday comfort and broad usability. This comparison cuts through specs, driving feel, interior quality and running …
BMW 1 Series
CUPRA Leon
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Choosing between the BMW 1 Series and the Cupra Leon comes down to what you value most: the 1 Series delivers traditional BMW driving balance, a refined interior and composed handling, while the Cupra Leon brings sharper, more aggressive dynamics, bolder styling and strong performance for the …
CUPRA Leon
Skoda Octavia Combi
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In a compelling comparison of the CUPRA León and the Skoda Octavia Combi, both vehicles impress with their own unique strengths. The CUPRA León, with its sporty design and dynamic performance, caters to those seeking a thrilling drive with its turbocharged engine prowess and agile handling. On the …
CUPRA Leon
Ford Focus
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Unsure whether the CUPRA Leon or the Ford Focus is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
CUPRA Leon
Toyota C-HR
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CUPRA Leon and Toyota C-HR go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
CUPRA Leon
Mazda 3 Sedan

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,200 - 50,900 £
Price
25,000 - 34,200 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.1 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
123 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,492 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
450 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,799 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 493 kg
Payload
467 - 481 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
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 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
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Mazda
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.