Having been spun off from Seat, CUPRA has been making some of the best performance cars as far as bang for the buck is concerned. Their entry-level and most affordable model, the Leon, is now an even more attractive proposition thanks to a new powertrain. Courtesy of its masters at Volkswagen, the CUPRA Leon is fitted with a retuned 2.0-litre TSI powerplant.
Pumping out a total of 245PS – or roughly 241hp – it marks a rather big drop from the 300PS that can be cranked out from a similar motor in the top-level trim. But this latest addition to the line-up has consequently made hot hatchery that bit more accessible to a lot of people. Plus, you certainly can’t complain when the “lesser” engine still leaps from 0 to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds.
Less Money, But With No Less Fun
Available only with a DSG automatic, 370Nm of torques accompany all 245PS in this base-spec Leon, onwards onto a top speed limited to 155mph. It promises to bring a healthy balance of not just turbocharged performance, but equal comfort and efficiency. Speaking off, this cheaper CUPRA Leon comes in two distinct flavours. The VZ1 trim comes in at £31,460 RRP.
For that, you’ll get quite a lot for your money. For the sporty touch, there are blacked-out brake callipers and CUPRA’s unique copper and chrome finishing. Along the rear-end, you’ll find a rear diffuser, flanked by quad exhausts. Machined black and silver 18-inch alloys sit pretty along either side. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a pair of sports bucket seats.
Fancy tech and gadgets come as standard, as is de rigueur for a modern car. There’s a digital dash, and a 10-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A step up from that would be the VZ2 trim, priced at £32,695 RRP. The only significant visual distinction would be the slightly larger 19-inch wheels. But there’s a lot of trickery under the skin too, with a dynamic chassis control function to improve the Leon’s athletics and ride comfort.
