New CUPRA León: up to 310 CV, and with a plug-in hybrid version

The CUPRA León is here, and it’s flexing its muscle: no fewer than 4 engines, with outputs of up to 310 CV, and a plug-in hybrid version.

CUPRA is presenting the new CUPRA León, which joins the CUPRA Ateca within the CUPRA range as an independent brand. This new model takes over from the SEAT León CUPRA, of which more than 44,000 units have been sold.

Based, logically, on the new SEAT León, the CUPRA León will also be offered in two body styles: 5-door and Sportstourer estate. At the Geneva Motor Show a new member will be presented, the production version of the CUPRA Formentor, which will be the first model with a design specific to the brand.

The CUPRA León will reach dealerships in the last four months of the year.

Engines of the CUPRA León

The engine range for the CUPRA León includes three petrol versions based on the 2.0 TSI 4-cylinder with direct injection and turbocharger, always with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

The entry-level option delivers 245 CV and 370 Nm of maximum torque, followed by a variant with 300 CV of power and 400 Nm of torque. Above that, and exclusive to the Sportstourer body, a third variant with 310 CV and 400 Nm, which is paired with 4Drive all-wheel drive, for which a self-limited top speed of 250 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under 5 seconds are announced.

https://youtu.be/-RNDIfnCYGY

The CUPRA León eHybrid

In addition to the three TSI engines, the CUPRA León will feature an eHybrid version, a plug-in hybrid that combines a 1.4 TSI petrol engine of 150 CV and 250 Nm of torque with an electric motor of 115 CV, for a combined output of 245 CV and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. In this case, the DSG gearbox has six speeds.

With a 13 kWh battery, this version promises a WLTP electric-only range of about 60 km, and a charging time of three and a half hours using a Wallbox at 3.6 kW (six hours from a domestic socket).

Designed to enjoy the bends

As is fitting for all cars bearing the CUPRA badge, the chassis receives specific tuning. The CUPRA León stands out for its progressive steering, adaptive chassis control and driving profile system, which lets you choose between the Comfort, Sport, CUPRA and Individual programmes.

All versions feature McPherson struts at the front axle and multi-link at the rear, with brakes signed by Brembo. Compared with the SEAT León, the body is lowered by 25 mm at the front axle and 20 mm at the rear, which also lowers the centre of gravity for a more dynamic character.

The wheels are 19-inch with a CUPRA-specific design, in copper or diamond finishes, except on the 245 CV 2.0 TSI version, which comes as standard with 18-inch wheels.

CUPRA León image gallery