2023 Cupra Leon evaluation | CarExpert

It’s onerous to go far with out tripping over a Volkswagen Golf GTI or Golf R in 2022. The Cupra Leon is right here to supply another.

Underneath the pores and skin, the Cupra Leon is a hotted-up model of the Seat Leon – itself a Spanish tackle the Volkswagen Golf.

It shares its powertrains with components of the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf ranges, and the cabin options the newest expertise the Volkswagen Group has to supply.

It’s removed from a carbon copy, although. Exterior, the Leon is clothed in a pointy Spanish go well with that’s eye-catching in particular person, particularly within the hero matte blue with copper accents, and the automotive is being bought on-line or by means of retail-style Cupra Storage places as an alternative of standard sellers.

There’s no correct entry-level mannequin, both. Even the least highly effective Leon packs 30kW greater than a base Golf, and the plug-in hybrid VZe packs a powertrain not provided elsewhere within the Volkswagen, Skoda, or Audi stables regionally.

Cupra is pitching itself as a “tribe” to Australians, and the Leon is aimed squarely at individuals who need the efficiency and polish of a Volkswagen sizzling hatch, however don’t to be part of the Golf membership.

How a lot does the Cupra Leon VZx price?

The Leon has already been given a value tweak for 2023. Any inventory that’s on the bottom may have the worth and gear outlined here, any new orders can be on the pricing listed beneath and have the gear outlined here.

The Leon VZx we examined has a sticker of $65,490 drive-away, placing it above the Hyundai i30 N Premium DCT with sunroof (~$58,500 D/A) and roughly consistent with a fully-optioned Volkswagen Golf GTI (~$65,500 D/A).

It undercuts the Golf R ($65,990) and Audi S3 ($70,700) with which it shares an engine.

2023 Cupra Leon pricing:

• Cupra Leon V: $43,990 (D/A TBC)
• Cupra Leon VZ: $52,990 ($57,490 D/A)
• Cupra Leon VZe: $60,490 (D/A costs range, full list here)
• Cupra Leon VZx: $61,490 ($65,490 D/A)

All costs exclude on-road prices until specified

What’s the Cupra Leon VZx like on the within?

The Leon is actually a Spanish cousin to the Golf, and it feels it behind the wheel. That’s to not say it’s a carbon copy, although.

With distinctive bronze highlights and gorgeous petrol blue leather-based trim, to not point out the wheel and its supercar-style begin button, the Leon VZx appears to be like and feels a bit extra particular than its demure German relative.

Even the bottom Leon V on present on the Cupra launch occasion appeared and felt particular inside, albeit with out a few of the posher supplies you get within the VZx.

The basics are glorious. Driver and passenger sit in sporty seats with loads of bolstering, and tall drivers received’t have hassle getting comfy.

It’d be good if the seats dropped decrease to essentially ship a sporty really feel, however in any other case there isn’t a lot to complain about.

As you’d anticipate of a contemporary Volkswagen Group cabin, screens are the showpiece right here.

The touchscreen is a 12-inch unit operating Cupra’s tackle the software program rolled out throughout the Golf and Octavia ranges, together with the identical contact sliders beneath for quantity and temperature management.

Factors to Cupra for permitting homeowners to drop a widget on the house display to manage fan pace for the air-con, and for making shortcut buttons outstanding – it’s simpler to leap across the system than within the Golf – nevertheless it’s fiddly at occasions.

The digital cockpit is good-looking, and options distinctive graphics in step with Cupra’s sportier remit. The steering wheel itself feels nice in your fingers, and has correct buttons as an alternative of the contact controls rolling out elsewhere.

Choosing the VZx will get you a begin/cease button and drive mode controller on the wheel; different fashions bury their drive modes within the touchscreen. The very fact it’s essential to dive by means of a display for Sport mode in most variations is tough to know.

Rear seat area is about par for the category. The chunky seats with their one-piece backrests block ahead visibility, however youngsters will be capable of get comfy again there with out an excessive amount of stress.

Common-sized adults will be capable of slot again there as nicely, though the larger Formentor or Ateca are higher choices for those who’re lugging individuals round repeatedly.

Twin ISOFIX factors and three top-tether factors for youngster seats characteristic again there, together with a fold-down central armrest, air vents, and twin USB-C factors.

Boot area varies primarily based on which mannequin you select. The VZe has simply 270 litres due to the PHEV battery {hardware}, whereas the VZ and VZx up that to 380L.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

Every of the 4 Cupra Leon variants has a unique powertrain. We drove the VZx, and element its outputs beneath – for a breakdown of the broader vary, take a look at our full price and specs.

The VZx is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 221kW of energy and 400Nm of torque, despatched completely to the entrance wheels by means of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The identical tune is utilized to the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Europe, and sits between the Golf GTI (180kW) and R (235kW) in Australia.

Claimed gas financial system is 6.8 litres per 100km on the mixed cycle. The Leon VZx calls for 98 RON premium unleaded.

How does the Cupra Leon VZx drive?

The Leon VZx places a twist on a formulation that’s received the Volkswagen Golf GTI and R so many followers.

Each these vehicles characteristic variations of the identical engine, so we all know efficiency isn’t an issue, however the Leon is front-wheel moderately than all-wheel drive.

On dry roads it places its energy down nicely, given you’re channeling 221kW and 400Nm to on the entrance axle, however it’s going to spin its wheels for those who’re grasping with the throttle within the decrease gears, and there’s a little bit of tug from the steering wheel on roads with some camber.

The two.0-litre EA888 engine is a identified amount by now. There’s only a trace of lag down low, earlier than it squeezes you again in your seat and drop kicks you down the street. The 100km/h dash takes a claimed 5.7 seconds, however the quickest Leon feels quicker than that in-gear.

In fact if that’s not sufficient, the Audi RS3 or Mercedes-AMG A45 S is likely to be extra your pace. Be ready to dig deeper into your piggybank for the privilege, although.

The engine is louder and extra aggressive within the Leon than different purposes, with a loud consumption whoosh and onerous bark that feels genuine in a method the pretend sound piped into another Volkswagen Group efficiency vehicles isn’t.

Serving to maintain issues in verify is an electrically-controlled limited-slip differential, which you’ll really feel dragging you out of corners while you dive into the throttle’s journey.

I’d have an interest to see the way it works within the moist, however on dry roads the differential is spectacular, and actually performs into the automotive’s billing as a extra aggressive various to the Golf R.

The seven-speed DSG is lightning fast by means of the gears, though it’d be good if Cupra fitted larger, metallic shift paddles instead of the cheap-feeling ones you get right here.

The entrance finish feels properly dialled in, and the automotive feels rock strong when you’re right into a nook. It’s onerous to know if it’s extra adjustable than one thing like a Golf GTI primarily based on our first drive; a correct hot-hatch shootout with Chris Atkinson behind the wheel beckons.

Even within the raciest Cupra mode the Leon received’t shake your fillings free. Mid-corner bumps don’t deflect it, though sharper bumps thump into the cabin such as you’d anticipate of a small automotive on huge wheels.

Just like the Golf R, the Leon rides on dampers that may be flicked by means of 15 completely different settings. You’re in a position to make them extra relaxed than even the usual Consolation setting, or firmer than Cupra mode, so there’s no scarcity of choices for drivers eager to customize precisely how the automotive rides.

The power to play two roles – relaxed on the commute, participating on the weekend – is a core a part of the Volkswagen Group’s pitch to consumers with its sizzling hatches, and our launch drive suggests it’s current within the Leon as nicely.

There’s a wholesome serving of tyre roar on nation highways, however a full suite of lively driver assists is readily available to maintain a spot to the automobile in entrance, maintain you between the white traces, and warn of hidden obstacles in your blind-spot.

What do you get?

Leon V highlights:

• 18-inch black-and-silver alloy wheels
• 18-inch space-saver spare wheel
• Heated, energy folding aspect mirrors
• LED headlights
• LED daytime operating lights
• Fog lights with cornering perform
• LED tail lights with static indicators
• Automated headlights
• Automated high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear tinted home windows
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment show
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• 4 USB-C ports
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Inside ambient lighting
• Black headliner
• Fabric sports activities bucket seats
• Driver profile choice
• Dynamic Chassis Management
• Progressive steering
• Keyless entry and begin
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Three-zone local weather management
• Illuminated sill panels
• Aluminium pedals
• Semi-autonomous parking help

Leon VZ provides:

• 19-inch black-and-silver alloy wheels

Leon VZe provides:

• Tyre restore equipment (in lieu of space-saver spare wheel)

Leon VZx provides:

• 19-inch black-and-copper alloy wheels
• Aspect skirts
• Quad-tipped exhaust
• Heated ‘supersports’ leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Petrol Blue dashboard
• Petrol Blue leather-based entrance bucket seats
• Heated entrance seats
• Energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
• Reminiscence mirrors
• 9-speaker Beats sound system

Obtainable choices embody:

• Energy sunroof: $1800 (all fashions)
• Brembo brake bundle: $3600 (VZx)
• Leather-based and Sound bundle: $2450 (V, VZ)
  • Leather-based upholstery
  • Heated entrance seats
  • Energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
  • Mirror reminiscence
  • Dashboard with copper-coloured stitching
  • 9-speaker Beats sound system
• Leather-based bundle: $2050 (VZe)
  • Leather-based upholstery
  • Heated entrance seats
  • Energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
  • Mirror reminiscence
  • Dashboard with copper-coloured stitching

Is the Cupra Leon VZx secure?

The Cupra Leon wears a five-star ANCAP security score, which relies on Euro NCAP testing carried out in 2020 on the associated Seat Leon.

It obtained an grownup occupant safety score of 91 per cent, a baby occupant safety score of 88 per cent, a weak street person safety score of 71 per cent, and a security help score of 80 per cent.

Commonplace security gear consists of:

• 10 airbags
• AEB with pedestrian and bike owner detection
• Adaptive cruise management
• Lane-keep help with freeway lane-centring
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Protected exit warning
• Driver fatigue monitoring
• Reversing digicam

How a lot does the Cupra Leon VZx price to run?

The Cupra Leon is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Cupra additionally consists of three years of free servicing.

CarExpert’s Take on the Cupra Leon VZx

There’s plenty of variety in the Leon range.

At the bottom end of the range, the upcoming Leon V shapes as a well-specced alternative to a VW Golf R Line or even a base Audi A3, while the Leon VZe plug-in hybrid fills one of the very few empty niches elsewhere in the Volkswagen Group Australia world.

The real excitement for enthusiasts lies in the VZx, though. It possesses almost all the polish of a Golf R or Audi S3, but features an extra dose of mongrel thanks to its front-wheel drive setup.

We’ll know more when we spend more time with the car, but based on our first road drive it’s going to be an interesting addition to the already crowded hot hatch market in Australia.

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