April 29 The world premiere of the new CUPRA Leon took place in Madrid, marking a new milestone for the Spanish manufacturer. During the spectacular event, both the five-door hatchback and the Sportstourer station wagon were presented. With its new design language DNA, integrated next-generation eHybrid technology, greater digitization and sustainability features, it will take the brand to a new segment level.
Last year, CUPRA crossed an important bar: for the first time since the debut of the independent brand in 2018, it delivered half a million cars to customers. The new CUPRA Leon has been refined to continue this success story.
Design
The aim was to make the new CUPRA Leon hatchbacks and wagons look so good that you won’t feel the “wow” coming out of your mouth when you see them. Both body types match the DNA of the brand. The completely new appearance emphasizes the stronger character of this model and even greater sportiness. LED lighting technology has been maximized, following the same triangular design philosophy as the front of the car.
The CUPRA logo integrated in the center between the rear lights gives the new model additional sophistication. The triangular rear reflectors also extend the brand’s design philosophy.
The proportions of the new Leon are accentuated by the new rim design. The desired wheels can be selected from nine different 18- or 19-inch diameter models.
The infotainment system has improved the app bar, controls and climate control bar for a more user-friendly interface. Climate control is now seamlessly integrated into the main display unit, allowing all vehicle functions and assistants to be accessed at the touch of a button, using both digital and physical interactions.
The new model can be fitted with a new optional high-quality 12-speaker 425-watt audio system developed in collaboration with the audio experts at Sennheiser Mobility. This sound system is equipped with Sennheiser AMBEO Concerto software, which can refine the main components of music, including various instruments. The system also assesses the situation in the cabin and evenly distributes sounds throughout the car.
This software reproduces exceptional sound: Sennheiser’s long history of artists and music professionals has provided reliable sound solutions.
Power systems
Conventional internal combustion engines remain the basis of the new CUPRA Leon’s powertrains, including new variants. The car is equipped with turbocharged engines and a plug-in hybrid PHEV system. Their output ranging from 150 hp (110 kW) to 333 hp (245 kW) ensures high performance and dynamism.
Both the hatchback and station wagon can be equipped with a 1.5-liter 150 hp (110 kW) four-cylinder gasoline engine. It is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
For more power, the Leon hatchback can be optioned with a 2-liter unit producing 300 hp (221 kW). This version of the front-wheel drive model is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission and a locking differential on the front axle, which allows more precise control of the power delivery to the wheels. The electronic system evaluates a wide range of data: steering wheel angle, wheel rotation speed and yaw to provide more assurance during dynamic driving.
The new CUPRA Leon Sportstourer station wagon is equipped with two engines that are only offered in this version. This is a 2-liter 204 hp (150 kW) TSI engine combined with a two-clutch DSG transmission and an all-wheel drive system (4Drive).
Also on offer is the most powerful powerplant in the range – a 2-liter direct-injection 333 hp (245 kW) turbocharged gasoline engine, paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and debuting a new drive mode, which features characteristics selected specifically for the race track by CUPRA engineers.
This version also features torque distribution technology, and Akebono brakes can be ordered as an option. This is the most powerful version of the CUPRA Leon ever.
The chassis system of the CUPRA Leon Sportstourer VZ version allowed the engineers to include a sideslip mode that can be activated on the race track. When this option is activated, the traction control works in sport mode, and with torque distribution technology, all the power can be directed to one rear wheel. This will help push the car around the corner as if it were sliding.
Both versions of the plug-in hybrid PHEV use the new 1.5-liter TSI engine, an electric motor and a larger 19.7 kWh battery. This system allows the new model to add driving excitement and serve the environment, as it can travel more than 100 km in electric mode alone. Now the hybrid battery can be charged at a rate of up to 50 kW (at direct current stations) in public places or using a wall charger with a power of up to 11 kW at home (the previous version supported a rate of up to 3.6 kW).
Chassis
In the new CUPRA Leon model, power is transferred to the wheels with absolute precision in all its versions. However, in higher-powered models, precise power distribution is always ensured by the 4Drive all-wheel drive system. A state-of-the-art electro-hydraulic multi-disc traction system controls the power sent to each wheel for maximum traction and performance.
4Drive technology analyzes road conditions and data such as vehicle speed, wheel speed, steering wheel position and driving style or selected mode in real time to deliver power to the right wheels quickly and consistently. Torque can be controlled even between the wheels on both sides of the car.
This possibility is provided by the EDS electronic differential control system, which locks the spinning wheel in relation to the opposite side, which means that transverse torque is not lost. The rear axle integrated system is mounted at the end of the drive shaft, in front of the rear differential. It improves weight distribution, reduces inertia and reaction time.
Different driver profiles allow different dynamic parameters of the Leon to be stored in the memory if more than one person is using the car. Selectable profiles allow you to change the character of the car, from everyday driving to performance-oriented hot hatch mode. They give the new Leon a wealth of possibilities: so many can be found in only a few other models in this segment.
Driver assistants and safety systems
The new model is equipped with numerous safety and convenience features that will help travelers in any situation. A set of technologies is integrated into the car, the purpose of which is to help, but not to hinder. This makes the Leon one of the safest and most comfortable models in its segment.
The latest safety and convenience systems include Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Trip Assist, Emergency Assist and more.
The range of advanced driver assistance systems is complemented by seven airbags, including a standard front-centre airbag. The combination of technologies creates an incredible level of safety without disturbing the driver.
In addition, the new Leon stands out for comfort and convenience, with a keyless virtual pedal (only in the Sportstourer version), a three-zone climate control system, heated seats and steering wheel, an electrically operated driver’s seat with memory function and a 230 V charger in the trunk.
CUPRA is an unusual and challenging brand that combines emotion, electrification, speed and power, inspiring the whole world from Barcelona. Launched in 2018, CUPRA has become the fastest growing brand in Europe and now has showrooms all over the world.
CUPRA proves the perfect combination of electric powertrain and sporty driving, and in 2023 the brand’s sales exceeded an impressive figure of 230,000. Each new model, characterized by a complex and original design, reveals the increasingly better qualities of the CUPRA brand: “CUPRA Ateca” – a unique model in its segment; CUPRA Leon, the first plug-in hybrid; “CUPRA Formentor” is the first model created specifically for this manufacturer’s brand and the company’s best-selling car to date; CUPRA Born is the brand’s first purely electric car.
CUPRA is the official automotive and mobility partner of the football club FC Barcelona, the main padel tennis sponsor of the World Padel Tour and the official sponsor of the eSports Club Finetwork KOI. CUPRA is so proud to support Formula E racing. The CUPRA Tribe clan is made up of ambassadors who want to be a driving force for change. Its members include Oscar-nominated film director JA Bayona, Formula E driver Lucas Di Grassi, street artist TvBoy, Olympic gold medalists Adam Peaty and Saul Craviotto, German soccer goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen, and two-time Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year winners. award-winning Alexia Putella.
