Cupra reveals high-performance Leon siblings

Tuesday, 25 February 2020

Come for a spin in the Leon Cupra R with Seat racing driver Jordi Gene.

Cupra, Seat's performance sub-brand, has revealed its hotter take on the new generation of Leon, coming in both hatchback and wagon forms. This time around, both body styles will get a plug-in hybrid option, like the more pedestrian Seat Leon.

The PHEV powertrain will offer 180kW and 400Nm thanks to a 1.4-litre petrol engine mated with an electric motor. Cupra reckons you'll be able to squeeze 60km of range out of the 13kWh battery. Fully charging the battery from a standard outlet will take around six hours but a 22kW Wallbox will drop that to around three and a half hours. Given it's the green option, those interested will be happy to hear CO2 emissions are rated at 'below 50g/100km.'

If you're not interested in the plug-in powertrain, Cupra will also offer a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in three different states of tune.

The Cupra Leon Sportstourer is the flagship here, offering 228kW/400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as well as all-wheel drive.

The first is a 180kW/370Nm option, connected to the front wheels through a dual-clutch transmission with an unspecified amount of cogs. Cupra doesn't mention performance stats but expect this and the PHEV to be comparable, given the increased torque of the electrified version will be offset by the added weight of the battery.

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The hottest Cupra Leon hatchback so far will be the 221kW/400Nm petrol version, although we wouldn't be surprised if a special R version surfaces in a year or two.

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A plug-in hybrid powertrain option will be offered this time around, available for both the hatchback and wagon.

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Cupra will also sell a 221kW/400Nm hatchback or wagon, again routing power to the front wheels. The front drivers get an electronic limited slip differential to improve control and precision in the vehicle's power delivery. It works by taking readings from the steering angle, wheel speed and yaw and 'provides reassurance in dynamic driving scenarios.'

However, those wanting even more performance will be looking out for the Leon Sportstourer.

Only coming as a wagon, the ST pushes power to 228kW while torque stays at 400Nm. Paired with 4Drive all-wheel drive, the Sportstourer will hit 100kmh in less than five seconds before topping out at an electronically limited 250kmh. The same dual-clutch gearbox is present here, too.

Compared to the Seat Leon models, Cupra's hatchback is 3mm shorter (now 1456mm tall), while the the wheelbase has increased by 50mm to 2686mm offering more room for the rear passengers as well as greater stability. The overall length of the Cupra Leon is 4368mm (+86mm).

Meanwhile, the Sportstourer is 4,642mm long (+93mm), 1,800mm wide (-16mm) and 1,448mm high (-3mm). The wheelbase stands at 2,686mm, which is 50mm more than the previous generation. Boot space is a claimed1500L.

Finally, Cupra's Leon sits lower than the standard Seat model, by 25mm at the front axle and 20mm at the rear.

The 180kW version will get 18-inch wheels while all other models get 19s. The 370mm Brembo brakes have a snazzy copper finish and come with all six wheel design options.

As for local information, Seat NZ has confirmed the Cupra Leon range will make it here, although final specs and prices are yet to be confirmed.