The 4th generation Seat Leon has got the Cupra siblings for the first time. Also, the SEAT branding is proudly replaced with the Cupra badges. The Cupra Leon is available in 5-door hatchback and Sportstourer (estate) body styles, and as with its SEAT-badged normal siblings, the powertrains for these performance variants include a plug-in hybrid too.
The styling changes are pretty obvious and understandable. New grille patterns, black inserts, Cupra-specific 19-inch wheels, copper-colored Brembo brakes, a rear spoiler, a diffuser insert flanked by Copper-ish dual exhaust tips, all complement really well with the Graphene Grey finish on this example. The wing mirrors project Cupra logo onto the ground as the vehicle gets unlocked.
The interior follows an all-black theme with contrast copper inserts on the air vents and on the flat-bottom steering wheel. The Digital Cockpit gets an additional Sport View (with information including RPM, torque, power, turbo pressure and G-acceleration) while the sporty pedals add to the drama. Other features include a 10-inch infotainment system with Retina display, 3D online navigation, Apple CarPlay (wireless) & Android Auto, and safety technologies including Side and Exit Assist.
As for the juicy bits, there’s an e-hybrid PHEV variant, available in both the hatchback and Sportstourer variants. It combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine (150 hp, 250 Nm) and 85 kW (115 hp) electric motor with 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The total system output is claimed to be 180 kW (245 hp) and 400 Nm of torque.
It can also cruise in all-electric mode for up to 60 km (WLTP). When the battery needs recharging, it can be done in as little as 3.5 hours using a Wallbox (or 6 hours from a 230-volt domestic plug), the company said.
The Cupra Leon will also be available in three 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TSI petrol units. The line-up includes a 180 kW (245 hp) + 370 Nm and a 221 kW (300 hp) + 400 Nm variants. These two variants are front-wheel drive, available in both hatchback and Sportstourer body styles, and integrate an electronic limited-slip differential. The system takes readings from steering angle, wheel speed and yaw for a reassuring dynamic driving experience.
The most powerful tune is the 228 kW (310 hp) + 400 Nm found exclusively in Sportstourer guise and with 4Drive. The wagon is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. There are no manual transmissions, the power is transferred via DSG dual-clutch automatic.
The Cupra Leon also gets chassis technologies such as Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC).
The Leon Competición and Cupra e-Racer were also showcased at the event. In addition, the Cupra brand inaugurated a new €5.3 million headquarters.
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