Cupra teases new Leon hot hatch
We saw it under camo last year, now it's here in a shady teaser...
The new Cupra Leon has been in the works for some time, having been spied testing in seemingly near-production form way back in June. Its arrival will mark the first time that the hot hatch has slotted neatly into the new sub-brand’s line-up, the model having remained a SEAT in its previous generation guise.
Set to be part of a seven-strong model range, the new Leon’s styling looks to have been heavily influenced by the upcoming Formentor SUV; a pair of chiselled cheekbones and Cupra’s customarily angular appearance evident even from the shadowy teaser picture released by the manufacturer. As for what’s beyond that, little has been confirmed so far, but we have a few ideas.
Much like Skoda’s upcoming Octavia vRS, a hybrid model will pair a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and single electric motor powered by a 13kWh battery. This will put out around 240hp, a 40hp increase over the Skoda setup, maintaining the Leon’s sportier billing. The model will be released in both hatchback and estate versions, although it will be available with five doors only.
Further iterations, such as a 300hp+ R, will likely follow in due course, but for now our sights are set on February 20th when the Cupra Leon will be revealed at a dedicated event, ahead of its first public display at the Geneva motor show.
Original story: 07.06.2019
For whatever reason, the current Leon Cupra doesn't seem to have captured the public's imagination like its predecessors. It has followed the same template - proven VW mechanicals, lots of power and not much money - yet seemingly without the success of its forebears. That this one was really good to drive, as well as being a handsome hot hatch, should have sealed the deal. But when did you last see one?
With SEAT Cupra products bowing out with the current Leon Cupra R estate, the replacement will come under the new Cupra umbrella - currently offering the Ateca, and with the Formentor on the way. Get used to saying Cupra Leon, basically, and not Leon Cupra as during the past 20 years. And get used to seeing more copper accents, presumably.
The new model is due next year, and has recently been spotted testing both on the Nurburgring - where the outgoing car once held a lap record, don't forget - and the Alps. With a full debut a little way off, there's still a lot under wraps, though it's worth noting that the Nurburgring car features wheels that look a lot like the Performance Pack version of the existing model (plus its Brembo brakes). Nowadays it does seem that a C-segment hot hatch can't be launched without a Nurburgring record, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Cupra attempt to curry favour with enthusiasts through a bonkers time. It'll need to go a full 18 seconds faster than the last one just to match the Megane, though...
Otherwise there are a few styling touches seen in other SEATs, with a rear light bar similar to the Tarraco, and a couple of discreet Cupra touches - the twin exhausts and ever so slight spoilers most notably.
Alright, so it's difficult to get too excited at this precise the moment, the Cupra looking a lot like many other camouflaged hatchbacks seen on the 'ring. But there's reason to be optimistic; not only was the last Leon very good, the Ateca is a well resolved - if rather predictable - performance car and with freedom to work on a presumably more dynamic platform, this could be the car to get the hot Leon back in business.
Images: S. Baldauf/S.B. Medien
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff