Cupra releases local specs for Leon

CUPRA Australia has released specifications for its Leon small hatchback, which will go on sale in July with a plug-in petrol-electric version arriving alongside more conventionally-powered variants.

The Leon, which is the cousin to the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Scala, will be available in four grades – V, VZ, VZe and VZx – and will be part of the brand’s launch line-up, sharing the Cupra showroom with the Ateca and Formentor models.

Cupra Australia's Head of Product and Planning, Jeff Shafer, said the VW Group subsidiary had “equipped all Leons with such a level of standard equipment that no-one will feel short changed” and "there is no entry level variant as such."

"With outputs ranging from 140kW/320Nm to 221kW/400Nm, each Leon has the power and torque to match its design… a combination that, in only four years, has seen Cupra become a byword for performance and style," he added.

The Leon V will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that develops 140kW and 320Nm, mated to a 7-speed wet-clutch automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG) exclusively. Distinguished by 18-inch alloys finished in black and silver (with an 18-inch temporary spare), the Leon will also boast heated and power-folding side mirrors covered in dark-chrome caps, full LED headlamps (with DRLs), LED tail lamps, fog lights (with cornering function), tinted rear windows and a roof spoiler.

The Leon V will also receive cloth-trimmed sports seats and a leather-rimmed (and heated) multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters. Aluminium pedals, floor mats, illuminated scuff plates, ambient interior light and a black headliner are other highlights for the V grade.

Conveniences include driving profile selection (in conjunction with dynamic chassis control), keyless entry and start, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, three-zone climate control aircon, auto high beam), dusk-sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, wireless phone charging, plus two front and two rear USB-C ports.

Apart from a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, the Leon V’s touchscreen infotainment array incorporates a navigation system, wired and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility and a rear camera view.

Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, a tyre pressure warning system, adaptive cruise control, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, parking assist, as well as a driver fatigue monitor.

The newcomer will be available with a choice of Nevada White, Magnetic Tech, Urban Silver, Midnight Black and Asphalt Blue metallic exterior finishes.

Optional extras for the V grade include a leather and sound package, leather bucket seats, heated front seats, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat (with memory function, which also works with the side mirrors), copper stitching on the dashboard, a Beats premium audio system (with 9 speakers and a sub-woofer), electric sunroof and Desire Red and Graphene Grey exterior finishes.

The Leon VZ will have the same equipment list as the V, but will be powered by a punchier (180kW/370Nm) 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine connected to a 7-speed wet clutch DSG. It comes fitted with 19-inch black and silver alloy wheels.

On the next rung up the range ladder will be the Leon VZx, the most potent of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol trio with peak outputs of 221 kW and 400 Nm, and is distinguished by 19-inch Performance Sport black and copper alloy wheels, sporty side skirts and a quad-tipped exhaust.

Inside, Cupra has fitted a Supersports leather-rimmed heated steering wheel with shift paddles for the dual-clutch auto, along with a Petrol Blue dashboard and leather-trimmed bucket seats, heated front seats with electric adjustment and memory for the driver, memory function for the side mirrors and a nine-speaker Beats audio system with a subwoofer as standard.

Options for the VZx will include a Brembo brake package (with tyre repair kit), electric sunroof and Petrol Blue Matte, Magnetic Tech Matte, or Graphene Grey exterior finishes.

Finally, the range-topping VZe resembles its VZx sibling, but will be powered by a 110kW/250Nmin 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in combination with an 85kW/300Nm electric motor. This plug-in petrol/electric power unit comes with a 6-speed wet-clutch automatic DSG and has a combined system output of 180kW/400Nm.

Options for the VZe include a leather package, front sports seats with electric adjustment for the drivers’ seat (with memory function, also for the side mirrors), copper stitching on the dashboard and an electric sunroof.

The VZ, VZx and ZVe will be available from July, but the entry-level V derivative will only arrive in the local market early in 2023.

Pricing will be confirmed during the second quarter of 2022.