From the design that sets it apart from the competition to its range of high-performance powertrains, the new CUPRA Leon has been developed to become a new reference point in the segment. CUPRA always aims to deliver the ultimate dynamic performance and maintain the brand’s spirit; the new CUPRA Leon brings new levels of desirability and technology to help it meet the needs of an increasingly demanding market. The new CUPRA Leon is designed, developed and produced in Barcelona at the brand’s Martorell facilities. With two body styles available – five-door and estate – the CUPRA Leon allows customers to choose the vehicle that best fits their lifestyle, without compromising performance, comfort or practicality.
This latest iteration of the high-performance icon offers an outstanding driving experience thanks to its highly advanced range of powertrains, its dynamic chassis technologies, and its elegant mix of sportiness and sophistication in its exterior and interior design. In addition to this impressive offering, the new vehicle also boasts a highly connected, digitalised user experience and the integration of some of the most advanced driver assistance systems available. And with high levels of standard equipment including full LED front and rear lamps, rear coast-to-coast lighting, bucket seats, sports suspension, keyless entry and ambient lighting to name just a few, it’s a vehicle that offers great value in the highly competitive segment.
At the heart of the high-performance plug-in hybrid is a 150PS (110kW), 250Nm 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine; a 115PS (85kW) electric motor; and 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Together these provide 245PS (180kW) of peak power and 400Nm of torque. The new CUPRA Leon offers a range of performance-orientated petrol engines, with electrified options in the form of a plug-in hybrid system, so customers can choose the vehicle that best suits their needs. Available in both the hatchback and estate variants, the CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID gives customers the performance expected from a vehicle carrying the CUPRA badge, as well as the economy required for towns and cities. CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID has an electric-only range (WLTP) of up to 34 miles to silently travel through streets or city centres. When the battery needs recharging, it can be done in as little as 3.5 hours using a 3.6kW AC Wall box (or six hours from 230V domestic socket).
Customers can choose either the 245PS (180kW) and 370Nm or the 300PS (221kW) and 400Nm variant. Both versions are front-wheel drive, available in five-door body style, and integrate an electronic limited slip differential to ensure smooth effortless distribution of power. Thanks to the efficiency of the plug-in hybrid powertrain technology, e-HYBRID emits as little as 30g/km of CO2 and can achieve up to 217.3mpg (WLTP). The new CUPRA Leon is also available in a selection of turbocharged, direct-injection petrol units. The system takes readings from numerous sources: steering angle, wheel speed and yaw, to provide reassurance in dynamic driving scenarios. The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 310PS (228kW)/400Nm 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, found exclusively in estate.
Before you even step into the cabin, the puddle light projects a CUPRA logo down on the floor to mark the CUPRA Leon out as an exclusive vehicle. A sleek, modern look is achieved with a large, central 10-inch infotainment touchscreen that reduces the button count. This look is further accentuated by the vehicle’s compact DSG shifter. Once inside, the cabin further reveals the character of the car, with a sophisticated, sporty design. The driver gets sporty bucket seats as standard and looks forward to a CUPRA steering wheel, which houses the engine start and driver mode selection button, and an interactive digital driver display. Throughout the interior the copper and dark chrome detailing brings a sense of drama, with the dashboard and door mouldings finished in brushed dark aluminium and illuminated CUPRA treadplates in the front doors and colour coded door panels and seats.
