engines for all tastes, including PHEV and diesel

The restyling for the Cupra Leon arrives, also in Sportstourer version. The update of this model offers a series of tweaks to the design, better technological equipment and some new engine features including a new Plug-in version with over 100 km of electric range.

For Cupra, the Leon is a very important model as over half a million have been delivered since its launch. Designed, developed and produced in Barcelona, ​​at the brand’s headquarters in Martorell, the new Cupra Leon will be launched in the third quarter of 2024. At the time of writing there is still no information on Italian prices. We remind you that the current model starts from 32,700 euros.

The design innovations of the restyling are concentrated mainly in frontwhere we find the front”shark nose” and LED headlights with a new light signature. The car manufacturer has revised the bumper and grille, while the Cupra logo has been integrated directly onto the bonnet. Among the optional matrix LED headlights are present with triangular light signature. At the rear, some tweaks to the bumper and extractor as well as the illuminated Cupra logo.

The LED lighting technology is optimized with the same triangular design philosophy as the front. The rear reflectors are also triangular. Available on the new Cupra Leon are 18 and 19 inch wheels characterized by a renewed design. The car can be had in nine different colours, including the new Century Bronze Matt and Enceladus Gray Matt. You can also choose the colors Fiord Blue, Midnight Black, Glacial White, Magnetic Tech, Graphene Grey, Taiga Gray and Magnetic Tech Matt.

Cupra did not share a complete technical sheet of the new model. The length should still remain just under 4.4 meters, with a width of approximately 1.8 meters.

As regards the passenger compartment, Cupra has made new coverings available which improve the perceived quality. Particular attention was given to sustainability. For example, the sports seats are covered in 73% recycled microfibre or eco-leather. The infotainment system is new and is characterized by having a 12.9-inch screen and is equipped with a new interface to make it easier to use. Obviously there is no lack of support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The New Cupra Leon also offers a pad for wireless charging of smartphones. Behind the steering wheel we find the digital instrumentation.

Optionally it will be possible to have an audio system with 12 speakers developed in collaboration with Sennheiser Mobility. With the My Cupra App you can remotely manage a series of car functions.

Following the restyling, Cupra Leon will be offered with multiple engines: TSI (petrol), Hybrid (mild hybrid), TDI (diesel) it’s a new generation of e-HYBRID (plug-in hybrid) engines. Powertrain options range from 150 hp to 333 hp.

Let’s start with the petrol range which includes the engine 1.5 liter 4-cylinder 150 HP (110 kW), combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox and available in both the Leon hatchback and Sportstourer. New Cupra Leon, in the hatchback version, also offers a 2.0-liter unit with 300 HP (221kW). This front-wheel drive version combines a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox with an electronically controlled self-locking front differential (VAQ).

Two new engines are reserved for the Cupra Leon Sportstourer: a 2.0-liter TSI 4-cylinder unit with 204 hp (150 kW) with all-wheel drive (4Drive) and 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox as well as a 2-liter direct injection turbo petrol engine with 333 HP (245 kW), also combined with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and all-wheel drive (4Drive) . This model, Cupra Leon Sportstourer VZ, is equipped with torque splitter technology.

New Cupra Leon, both hatchback and Sportstourer, is also offered with a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder Mild Hybrid engine with 150 HP (110 kW), exclusively in combination with the DSG gearbox. We have then a 4-cylinder 2.0 TDI unit combined with a 7-speed DSG gearbox capable of deliver 150 hp (110 kW).

Let’s move on to the new Plug-in engine available in two power levels: 204 hp (150 kW) and 272 hp (200 kW). Both feature the new 1.5 TSI engine, an electric motor and a larger battery pack that now offers 19.7 kWh (net). This allows the car to offer an all-electric range of over 100 km.

The battery can now be recharged in direct current up to 50 kW while traveling, or in alternating current up to 11 kW. The Cupra Leon VZ e-HYBRID (200 kW / 272 hp) can be equipped with four-piston Brembo calipers which combine with larger drilled disc brakes compared to the standard options (370×32 mm), offering greater braking performance.

The car rests on the MQB Evo platform. The car manufacturer has worked hard to improve driving dynamics by intervening on the chassis and set-up. The driving dynamics can be modified through different driving profiles: Comfort, Performance, CUPRA, Drift (only on Sportstourer 2.0 TSI 333 HP) and Individual. For Leon VZ we find the sound actor.

It is an active system that reinforces the natural sound of the engine (based on the selected driving profile), showing an evolution based on a new sound curve, linked to the natural sound, as well as an “Adrenaline” concept (proportional volume to the load and number of revolutions).

On the driver assistance systems front, there are ADAS systems such as Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Travel Assist, Side and Exit Assist and Emergency Assist.

Cupra Leon 2024 will be available starting from €35,500 (first price indication referring to the German market) and bookings will open online on May 6th with the configurator. Deliveries are expected in June.