Peugeot 308 vs SEAT Leon: Which Compact Car is better?

Peugeot 308 or SEAT Leon? Pro and Cons so you can choose.

A Little History: The Peugeot 308, now in its third generation, has a long history of being a practical and stylish family hatchback. The SEAT Leon, also in its fourth generation, is known for its sporty handling and value-for-money proposition. Both cars cater to a similar target audience: young professionals, families, and anyone looking for a versatile and well-equipped compact car.

Exterior Design and Style

Let’s be honest, aesthetics are subjective. The Peugeot 308 boasts a more dramatic and modern design, with its distinctive vertical LED daytime running lights. The SEAT Leon, on the other hand, offers a more athletic and understated look. Personally, I prefer the Peugeot’s bolder style, but that’s just my opinion. Build quality on both cars is excellent; you’re getting robust vehicles that should last.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Peugeot 308 stands out with its innovative i-Cockpit, featuring a small steering wheel and a high-mounted digital instrument cluster. This is polarizing—some love it, some don’t. The SEAT Leon’s interior is more conventional but still nicely designed and well-built. Material quality is comparable in both.

In terms of space, both offer adequate room for four adults. Taller individuals might find slightly more headroom in the SEAT Leon, but the difference is marginal. Legroom in the rear is similar in both vehicles.

Performance

Both the Peugeot 308 and SEAT Leon offer a range of petrol and diesel engines, as well as hybrid options. Let’s look at some example specifications:

Note: These are example specifications and can vary depending on the trim level and engine choice. Real-world fuel economy can also vary based on driving style and conditions. I’ve seen real-world fuel consumption closer to 6-7 l/100km in both cars under typical Italian driving conditions.

The driving experience differs slightly. The SEAT Leon generally feels sportier and more agile, with a slightly firmer suspension. The Peugeot 308 prioritizes comfort, offering a smoother ride.

Features and Technology

Both cars are packed with technology. Infotainment systems are intuitive and feature large touchscreens with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Safety features are comprehensive, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Peugeot 308 might have a slight edge in some advanced driver-assistance systems, but both offer a very safe and well-equipped package.

Value for Money

Pricing varies across Europe, but generally, the SEAT Leon often undercuts the Peugeot 308 slightly in terms of initial purchase price. However, this doesn’t necessarily translate to better value. Both cars offer excellent equipment levels, and the long-term ownership cost, including maintenance and insurance, should be comparable.

Resale value is generally good for both models, with the SEAT Leon perhaps holding its value slightly better in some markets. This is heavily influenced by local market demand and overall condition.

Pros and Cons Summary

Peugeot 308

• Pros: Stylish exterior, innovative i-Cockpit, comfortable ride, good safety features.
• Cons: i-Cockpit can be polarizing, potentially slightly higher purchase price than Leon.

SEAT Leon

• Pros: Sporty handling, potentially lower purchase price, good resale value.
• Cons: Interior might feel slightly less sophisticated than Peugeot’s, slightly less comfortable ride for some.

Maintenance Cost

As a mechanic, I can tell you that both cars are relatively reliable. However, routine maintenance costs will be similar. Typical service intervals are every 15,000-20,000 km.

Here are some example costs (in Euros, approximate and will vary based on location and specific parts):

• Service: €150-€250
• Windshield Replacement: €300-€500
• Front Bumper Replacement: €400-€700
• Rear Bumper Replacement: €350-€600

Common Problems (Based on my experience):

Peugeot 308:

1. Some early models experienced issues with the infotainment system.
2. Minor electrical glitches are occasionally reported.
3. Suspension components can wear out quicker than expected in some cases.
4. Fuel injectors occasionally require attention.
5. Some reported issues with the automatic gearbox.

SEAT Leon:

1. Some early models had issues with the DSG gearbox (if equipped).
2. Turbocharger problems can arise, but this is more engine-specific.
3. Electrical faults can occur, but are generally infrequent.
4. Suspension bushings can wear out prematurely.
5. Minor issues with the infotainment system.

Remember, these are just common issues; proper maintenance goes a long way in preventing problems.

Popularity and Sales Data

Both the Peugeot 308 and SEAT Leon are popular choices in Europe, consistently ranking highly in sales charts. Precise sales figures vary year to year and by country, but both manufacturers consistently sell a significant number of these models.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Peugeot 308 and SEAT Leon depends on your priorities. Do you prefer style and comfort, or sporty handling and a potentially lower purchase price? Consider your budget, driving style, and what features are most important to you. Test drive both cars if possible.

Buona fortuna!