Cupra Leon vs Honda Jazz
What's the difference?

Cupra Leon

$46,990 - $69,990

2026 price

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Honda Jazz

$9,999 - $19,999

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Summary

2026 Cupra Leon

2018 Honda Jazz

By Stephen Ottley

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

—

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

—

5.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Rare wagon option
Sporty VZx hot hatch
Unique styling

Capped-price servicing
Build quality
Huge interior space for its size

Dislikes

Lack of physical buttons
Clinical driving experience
Limited model range (for now)

No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
VTi-S very pricey
Lack of advanced safety features

2026 Cupra Leon Summary

Cupra is not trying to fit in.

In a car market that is getting more and more crowded the Volkswagen Group-owned Spanish performance brand is looking to stand out. Which is why its refreshed Leon hatchback range has added the most unlikely of new models - a small wagon.

The conventional hatchback is struggling to survive against the onslaught of SUVs, and almost every brand has abandoned the wagon in all its sizes, but not Cupra. It has added the Leon Sportstourer to its facelifted Leon hatchback range, giving buyers looking for something different a new alternative.

This new compact wagon is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain and joins the Leon hatch in a three-pronged line-up initially, with the Leon S mild-hybrid and VZx hot hatch. A red hot VZx version of the Sportstourer and plug-in hybrid hatch are locked in to join the local Cupra range in 2026, but for now we’ll focus on this trio.

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2018 Honda Jazz Summary

Honda's Jazz is like the little engine that could.

It occupies a shrinking part of the market but has seen off a bevy of once-were competitors (most notably the Hyundai i20) and continues to battle gamely with the Mazda2.

Honda gave the range a little tweak in late 2017 to hand us the MY18 Honda Jazz. Some features were lost, and a few gained in an effort to keep up with Mazda's finest.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Leon 2018 Honda Jazz

Verdict

There's a lot to like about the updated Leon line-up, but probably not by lots of people. It won't be a best-seller, Cupra doesn't need or even want it to be. What it will do is offer something different, and in the case of the Sportstourer something very rare.

The S and VZx will face stiffer competition in the hatchback markets, primarily from Volkswagen, Audi and even Skoda, and it's hard to pick an area where they really stand out from the competition, apart from the unique styling. Not that they aren't pleasant cars to drive, it's just a crowded market.

Which is why the Sportstourer, especially with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, has a chance to be something that really sets Cupra apart from its rivals. Dynamic, efficient and different, it won’t fit in - and that’s exactly what the brand is hoping for.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The Honda Jazz is an extremely capable small car, with an ace card of virtually unbeatable interior space. While it's hardly an excitement machine, or the best looking or equipped in its class (it is missing out on some useful safety gear), the Jazz deserves its status as a well-loved hatchback.

The best in the range is probably the VTi. There isn't anything compelling further up the variants unless you're keen on bigger wheels or leather trim. Its entry-level offering is a good-value, sturdy car that is packed with its best qualities, no matter which one you buy.

Cupra Leon vs Honda Jazz What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Leon vs Honda Jazz
What's the difference?