The Cupra Leon is a hot hatchback from SEAT’s sporty sub-brand, and upholds the Cupra reputation for speed and value for money. Previous SEAT Cupra models have found many fans in the UK, and the Cupra Leon pulls off the same trick.
It isn’t without competitors in the hot hatch market, though. Both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Skoda Octavia vRS share a platform with the Leon, plus there is the premium Audi S3 to consider as well. Don’t forget the Ford Focus ST, Hyundai i30 N and Renault Megane RS, too. There is also the Cupra Formentor to consider: a crossover SUV version of the Leon with similar performance.
If you are thinking of buying a used Cupra Leon, keep reading for all the information you need to know.
There are many tempting options in the hot hatchback market, but the Cupra Leon manages to be a good used choice. It offers a blend of performance and affordability that should appeal to many different drivers.
Performance is at the core of the Cupra Leon offering, starting with the 245PS turbocharged petrol engine. On par with a Volkswagen Golf GTI when it comes to speed, it also manages to be reasonably economical. For maximum performance, hot hatch fans will want the 300PS version, however. It moves the Cupra Leon up a level for acceleration, but is still sensible enough for everyday motoring.
The e-Hybrid version of the Cupra Leon is a relatively rare option in the hot hatchback world, with the ability to cover more than 30 miles on pure battery power. The electric motor aids acceleration around town, although the e-Hybrid model does not feel quite as quick as petrol-only versions.
Opting for the Cupra Leon e-Hybrid also adds extra weight, which softens its handling. It serves to highlight how impressive the two petrol models are, with sharp handling and large amounts of grip. Cars in VZ2 specification and above gain Dynamic Chassis Control, allowing ride comfort to be finely tuned.
Indeed, there is a generous level of standard equipment throughout the Cupra Leon range. It employs a central touchscreen to control functions from the air-con to the suspension settings. It takes some getting used to, but there are also voice commands available to avoid navigating endless sub-menus.
The Cupra Leon has a strong history behind it in the UK, with drivers attracted to the promise of high performance at an affordable cost. With this model, SEAT’s sportier sub-brand now stands apart and continues to deliver.
Unlike its predecessors, the Cupra Leon is now a more mature option in the hot hatchback marketplace. It still offers plenty of pace, but the driving and ownership experiences are grown-up ones. In particular, the plug-in hybrid version is something of a novelty for a hot hatch, but will bring benefits to those with short commutes who can plug in and charge their car at home.
All of this is wrapped up in a practical family hatchback body, which is more than capable of challenging rivals from Volkswagen and Ford. It makes the Cupra Leon a great choice.
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Our money goes on the 300PS Cupra Leon in VZ2 trim. If you're going to buy a hot hatch, you may as well do it properly and the range-topper is definitely 'proper'. Plus, your initial outlay is likely to be rewarded with better values come trade in time. VZ2 trim, meanwhile, gets you handy extras like the adjustable dampers and active cruise control.
The Cupra Leon comes with a choice of three different engines: two petrols and one plug-in hybrid. All are fitted with a DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard – no manual transmission is available.
Cupra Leon 2.0 TSI 245: The most affordable engine in the Cupra Leon range is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, producing 245PS. This is the same engine as found in the Skoda Octavia vRS and Volkswagen Golf GTI. Here in the Cupra Leon, it means a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds and a 155mph top speed. Average fuel economy is up to 39.2mpg.
Cupra Leon 2.0 TSI 300: For more petrol power, look to the 300PS version of the 2.0-litre petrol engine. More horsepower results in the 0-62mph time dropping to 5.7 seconds, with average fuel economy only mildly affected. Driving the 2.0 TSI 300 sensibly could see 37.2mpg achieved.
Cupra Leon 1.4 e-Hybrid 245: For maximum efficiency in the Cupra Leon, the plug-in hybrid version mates a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. This makes for a total of 245PS, although the added weight of the hybrid system extends the 0-62mph time to 6.7 seconds. The e-Hybrid can cover up to 36 miles on battery power alone.
The Cupra Leon is available in three different trim levels, with engine options varying between them. All cars are comprehensively equipped, with higher specifications simply adding even more gadgets and features.
Cupra Leon VZ1: Calling this an ‘entry-level’ trim feels a little unfair, as the VZ1 version arrives complete with LED headlights, three-zone climate control air-con and satellite navigation. Sporty styling is enhanced by 18-inch alloy wheels and bucket seats. This trim level is only available with the 245PS 2.0 TSI petrol engine.
Cupra Leon VZ2: Moving up the Cupra Leon range unlocks VZ2 trim, which is available with all three engine options. Along with a set of larger 19-inch alloy wheels, the VZ2 benefits from an enhanced range of safety equipment, plus Dynamic Chassis Control and speed-sensitive steering.
Cupra Leon VZ3: For the maximum level of equipment in your Cupra Leon, the VZ3 leaves no box unticked. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standout features, along with wireless phone charging and a wealth of safety tech. On the outside, the VZ3 gains a set of distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers.
The Cupra Leon Hatchback’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4398mm
Width: 1799mm
Height: 1442mm
Ground clearance: 117mm
The Cupra Leon Hatchback’s boot space is:
380 litres (e-Hybrid: 270 litres)
The two petrol-only versions of the Cupra Leon pay annual road tax at the standard rate of £180. It's unlikely even the VZ3 trim will have broken the £40,000 price barrier when new, so there should be no risk of having to fork out the additional £390 surcharge for cars that exceeded this price point when new. The plug-in hybrid Cupra Leon is classed as an alternative fuel vehicle, so it benefits from a £10 reduction in its yearly road tax bill.
As a hot hatchback, the Cupra will inevitably be more expensive to insure than the regular SEAT Leon. A Cupra Leon with the 2.0 TSI 245 engine will be the cheapest to cover, being placed in insurance group 28 (out of 50). Opting for the 1.4 e-Hybrid 245 version sees this pushed to insurance group 30 in VZ2 specification. With the most power, the 2.0 300 TSI has the highest insurance rating, starting from group 33.
Read our full Cupra Leon review
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