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CUPRA Leon vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (31,800 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or VW Polo?

CUPRA Leon vs VW Polo: Key differences

CUPRA Leon

  • clearly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • slightly lighter

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

Leon

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Polo is substantially cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the CUPRA Leon costs 31,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,499 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.8 L/100km.

Polo

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Leon offers clearly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 118 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Leon is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the VW Polo takes 6.5 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Leon delivers visibly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 100 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, VW Polo is slightly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,371 kg. The difference is around 228 kg.

Looking at boot space, the CUPRA Leon offers barely 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 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 36 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Leon holds a decisive overall lead 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 £31,800
Leon

CUPRA Leon

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

Frequently compared as well

VW Polo
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The VW Polo is a nimble, wallet-friendly hatch that makes city driving and tight parking effortless, while the VW T-Cross trades the Polo’s sprightliness for SUV practicality — higher seating, a roomier boot and a more commanding road presence. Pick the Polo if you want cheap, lively motoring; …
VW Polo
VW Taigo
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CUPRA Leon
VW Polo

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
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CUPRA-Leon_09_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_38_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_88_HQ
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CUPRA-Leon_96_HQ

Reviews CUPRA Leon

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

VW Polo

The Polo is a small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.

details
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Reviews VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate

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

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CUPRA Leon
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
31,800 - 50,900 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
124 - 131 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
28 - 172 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 45 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4,398 - 4,399 mm
Length
-
Width
1,799 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
1,444 - 1,467 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,191 - 1,301 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 493 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
215 - 229 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
110 - 239 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
VW
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.