Will the CUPRA Leon be as appealing in e-HYBRID PHEV form? Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised version.

Ten Second Review

The CUPRA Leon is a different sort of hot hatch - very different in the case of this PHEV e-Hybrid version, here usefully improved. This is an unusual confection, but it deserves serious consideration from anyone prioritising performance with efficiency and wanting something just a little different in this segment.

Background

Hot hatches can these days be very socially responsible - and if you doubt that, here's one that sets out to change your mind - the CUPRA Leon e-Hybrid. It first arrived when the CUPRA Leon range was launched back in 2021 but sales have been slow. To try and push things along, as part of the CUPRA Leon update announced in Summer 2024, CUPRA has re-engineered this car's Plug-in Hybrid powertrain, giving it a longer EV range and faster DC charging. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

This CUPRA may have a socially responsible powertrain but it still wants to be a hot hatch. Like other more conventional CUPRA Leons, this one get sports suspension lowered by 25mm at the front and 20mm at the rear. And a set of drive modes - 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'CUPRA', the latter for those red mist moments. These set-ups determine throttle response, gearshift timings from the DSG 7-speed auto, steering feel and the level of artificial engine noise you'll want pumped into the cabin. An extra 'Individual' menu option allows you to set your own parameters if you don't like the pre-set ones. Under the bonnet, it's just as in the latest Golf eHybrid and GTE models, which means there's a choice of 204PS or 272PS outputs; and a 150PS 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine mated to a 6-speed DSG auto gearbox and an 85kW electric motor powered by a now-larger 19.7kWh lithium-ion battery with a WLTP-rated all-electric driving range quoted at 70 miles (up from 34 miles before). Which of course you won't get anywhere near if you explore the quoted all-electric top speed of 80mph or start trying to throw the thing around too much (an extra kerb weight addition of up to 60kgs over a conventionally-engined CUPRA Leon discourages you a bit from doing that anyway). There's 400Nm of torque on tap, which facilitates a 0-62mph time of 6.7s (7.0s for the estate) en route to 140mph flat out. Sensible family motoring was never quite as fun as this.

Design and Build

Apart from an extra charging flap on the offside front wing, there are no significant visual changes differentiating this e-Hybrid variant from other CUPRA Leons. As before, there are two body shapes - hatch or Sportstourer estate. Any Leon that wears a Cupra badge has to dose up the attitude a degree and this CUPRA Leon looks really gym-toned, especially in this updated form. For this mid-term update, CUPRA has added a more aggressive 'shark-nose' front end with a wider mouth and a three-triangle headlight signature. The brand badge has been moved from the front grille to the bonnet. The rear bumper's been revised too (to look like it's lower), while the rear full-width light bar reflects the three-triangle headlight motif and is highlighted by an illuminated CUPRA logo. Redesigned 18 and 19-inch wheels also feature. As before, there are side skirts that visually lower the vehicle and the dark chrome front grille frame, front wings and exterior side mirrors contrast with the various model-specific body colour options. Inside, CUPRA has worked to improve perceived quality, also adding a bigger 12.9-inch central screen with a more intuitive infotainment system featuring customisable widgets and wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. The touch-sensitive sliders for volume and climate have been illuminated and there's now a more powerful 15-watt wireless 'phone charging mat with a cooling fiunction to prevent your 'phone from over-heating. Selected models get bucket seats with 73% recycled vegan microfibre upholstery. And there's now the option of a 12-speaker 425-watt Sennheiser audio system upgrade. As before, you get a compact DSG shifter and a CUPRA steering wheel with shift paddles houses the engine start and driver mode selection button. You also get an interactive digital driver display to replace conventional binnacle dials. Throughout the interior the copper and dark chrome detailing brings a sense of drama, with the dashboard and door mouldings finished in brushed dark aluminium and illuminated CUPRA treadplates in the front doors and colour coded door panels and seats. Otherwise, it's much as in any other Leon. There's comfortable room for a couple of adults in the back. As usual with a PHEV, you'll have to accept a little less boot space, which here falls from 380-litres in a normal CUPRA Leon to just 270-litres.

Market and Model

Six trim levels are on offer - 'V1', 'V2', 'V3', 'VZ1', 'VZ2' and 'VZ3' - and there are two body shapes - hatch or Estate. Prices start from around £39,000. All models get, amongst other things, full-LED headlights, sports suspension, a reversing camera and the SEAT Digital cockpit with an interactive driver display screen and a 12.9-inch central infotainment monitor. Plus there's DCC dynamic chassis control, speed-sensitive steering, larger 19-inch alloy wheels and (on the Estate) roof rails too. The flagship 'VZ3' model adds petrol blue Nappa leather bucket seats, a heated steering wheel and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Depending on the spec level chosen, there's plenty of autonomous driving tech and safety equipment too fitted across the range. Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses feeds from GPS data delivered from the navigation system and input from the front-mounted camera and Traffic Sign Recognition, allowing it to proactively adjust the cruise speed depending on the road layout ahead. When the road becomes more congested Traffic Jam Assist takes the stress out of driving, maintaining a safe distance to the vehicle in front. There's also an 'Emergency Assist' system that can bring the Leon to a controlled stop if you're taken ill at the wheel. And a 'Blind Spot Detection' system that alerts the driver to another vehicle in their blind spot.

Cost of Ownership

This CUPRA Leon e-Hybrid model boasts a WLTP-rated all-electric driving range of up to 70 miles. And there's a 'hold' feature that allows you to save battery charge for urban motoring you might have to do later in any given trip. Of course, in deciding the budgetary case for this PHEV CUPRA, you will of course need to factor in charging costs, but if you get your charging regime right on off-peak electricity that'll hopefully cost pennies rather than pounds to consume, these bills shouldn't be too great. The combined range of the petrol and electric motor is now well over 700 miles, making a plug-in Leon CUPRA of this sort an ideal comfortable car for the really long journeys that would probably defeat full-EV models in this class like, say, a Kia EV6, a Hyundai IONIQ 5 or a BMW i4 - or CUPRA's own Born EV. And the electrified version of this CUPRA will charge much quicker than a full-EV: the car can now DC charge at up to 50kW. At the other extreme, powering a PHEV CUPRA Leon up from a domestic socket would take around five hours, but using a garage wallbox, you'll be able to reduce your charging time period to around three and a half hours. Bear in mind that only a single Mode 3 charging cable is included as standard. We don't yet have the efficiency stats but expect a useful improvement over the pre-facelift car - which in hatch form recorded up to 217.3mpg, 9g/km of CO2 and BiK tax payments rated at 5%. These are pie-in-the-sky figures of course. If you don't charge your CUPRA Leon e-Hybrid much and use a little of throttle, you'll be burning plenty of fuel - and possibly getting through quite a few sets of front tyres too.

Summary

Family folk who've dismissed the idea of a hot hatch on the basis of inefficient running costs might well like what CUPRA is serving up here. Yes, you can have pretty much the same confection offered as a Volkswagen Golf eHybrid or GTE, but that kind of car will be a touch too conservative for the kind of person who'll like this Leon. It's a bit sportier than the Golf to drive too, though obviously not quite as agile as an ordinary CUPRA Leon. The extra weight of the PHEV system has to tell somewhere. That set-up also adds plenty to the bottom line asking price. But if you can justify that, there's plenty to like here. Being able to conduct nearly all your commuting duties under battery motion, then being able to let rip on the back road home under petrol power is an enticing combination of virtues. Particularly when it's packaged up like this. In a Leon like no other.

Body Glass

Rain sensing wipers

Rear wash/wipe

Dark tinted rear windows

Electric front/rear windows

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Brake control system - ESC and brake booster

Hill hold control

Electronic parking brake

Cupra black brake calipers

Rear disc brakes

Communication

E-call

Full link smartphone integration with Mirror Link, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Google Android Auto

Driver Aids

Dynamic road sign display

Front assist with forward collision warning braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists

Front and rear parking sensors

Rear view camera

Adaptive cruise control with follow-to-stop and speed limiter

Intelligent park assist

Side and exit assist

CUPRA drive profile selection with (Comfort/Sport/Individual), throttle response and gearshift mode

Driver Convenience

Start/stop system with regenerative braking

Wireless phone charger

Lockable tailgate

Driver Information

Digital cockpit

Lane change assist with emergency assist

Four x USB Type C ports (2 in front and 2 in rear)

RPM, trip computer, outside temp gauge, instrument light brightness, low fuel warning light, lights on reminder, gearshift indicator

Service interval indicator

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Chrome and copper interior detailing

Entertainment

Auxiliary input socket

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Rear side wing doors

Body coloured bumpers

Cupra sports bumpers

Exterior Lights

Separate daytime running light with automatic headlight control and coming home feature

LED headlights with dynamic turn signals, tail lights, rear fog lights with rear coast to coast lighting

LED rear fog lamp

Welcome light with logo projector in door mirrors

LED front fog lamps with cornering function

High beam assist

Third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Three zone climate control

Interior Features

12v power supply in centre console

Front centre armrest

Leather upholstery

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Cupra sports pedals

Illuminated interior front door sills

CUPRA Supersports, heated steering wheel with satellite buttons

Storage pockets on rear of front seats

Black headlining

Folding boot cover

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting (glovebox, footwell, ambient lighting multicoloured)

Interior wraparound lighting

Front and rear reading lights X 4

Packs

Media system plus with 12.9" display + navigation pack - Leon Cupra

Dynamic and comfort pack - Leon Cupra

Safety

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Tiredness recognition system

Child proof door locks

Seat belt reminder for front and rear seats

Pre-crash front and rear seat belt tensioner, window closure and hazard lights

3 point seatbelts on all rear seats

Driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag de-activation, front side and curtain airbags

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Heated front seats

Electrically adjustable driver seat and lumbar support with memory function + manually adjustable passenger seat

ISOFIX points in outer rear seats with top tether anchorage points

Single front passenger seat

5 headrests

60/40 split rear bench seat with armrest

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring in cab, backup horn and towing protection

KESSY Advanced - Keyless start, keyless entry

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated mirror

Vehicle Charging

16 amp mode 3 charging cable

10 amp mode 2 charging cable

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Breakdown kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 150

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 26

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 5

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 25.8

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 17.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 127

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 133

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 125

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 78

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 78

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 83

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 25.8

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 50

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

NOx: 0.006

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low: 139

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium: 108

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High: 107

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High: 136

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 8

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 8

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 9

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.9

CC: 1498

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 6 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 46.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 60.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 60.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 47.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 52.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 6.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 4.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 4.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 5.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 0.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 706.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 706.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 706.2

General

Coin Series: V3

Coin Description: eHybrid

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 5

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 90000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 27E

Service Interval Mileage: 18600

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Badge Power: 204

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.7

Top Speed: 137

Engine Power - BHP: 204

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 150

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 258

Engine Torque - NM: 350

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - MKG: 35.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/35 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 235/35 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: MISTRAL

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4399

Width: 1799

Wheelbase: 2681

Height: 1467

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1598

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2130

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1700

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 532

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 270

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.8

Entertainment

Immersive by Sennheiser TM - 10 speakers, 1 central speaker, 1 subwoofer

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special metallic paint

Panoramic sunroof

Matte paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Midnight black

Metallic - Magnetic tech grey

Metallic - Glacial white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fiord blue

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Graphene grey

Matte - Magnetic tech grey

Special metallic - Taiga Grey

Trim - Leather

Leather - Moon slate with copper stitching embroidered CUPRA logo in headrest + metallic bucket seats

Wheels - Alloy

19" Mistral machined R black and silver alloy wheel with 91Y tyres