The new Cupra Leon has gone on sale in the UK, and arrives here midyear. It is beaten to the punch, however, by the revised Leon Sportstourer and the refreshed Formentor. Both of these dot down in the new year.
Expect First Edition Cupra Leon versions initially from launch. Various powertrains will be available, including a 48V mild hybrid with seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. There are also a couple of e-hybrid models with plug-in powertrains.
Additionally, there’s a 220kW four-cylinder petrol with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and front-wheel drive. Cupra Leon Estate models feature the same powertrains, except that there’s an even more potent 246kW turbocharged 2.0L four driving all four wheels. This includes a ‘torque splitter’ and should make the top-spec estate the most dynamic of all Leons.
All variants come with Cupra’s updated 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlights and 18- or 19-inch alloys. The top VZ3 gains hard-backed bucket seats, Akebono brakes and Matrix LED headlights.
The Cupra Leon First Edition model is only available with the 200kW plug-in powertrain and comes with a range of styling additions.
Also updated is the Cupra Formentor, with a Tavascan-inspired redesign. Along with added power it comes in for restyling inside as well.
Aside from a base model 48V mild-hybrid mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission, there’s a new plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.5 turbopetrol, an electric motor and a 19.7kWh battery. Evidently it can manage over 110km of emissions-free driving. The base PHEV makes 150kW but there’s also a 200kW variant, or a 245kW unit with all-wheel drive. Currently, the PHEV Formentor uses the same powertrain as the VW Golf GTE.
All Formentors are equipped with a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, wireless smartphone hook up, a digital driver’s display, and a Qi charger. Figure also on LED headlights, adaptive cruise and lane keep assist, 19-inch rims and a powered tailgate.
The top-end model with the 246kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine (like the top Leon S/T) comes with Cupra’s torque-splitting technology, the uprated six-piston Akebono front brakes, sports bucket seats and a 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system.
There’s a limited First Edition version of the facelifted Formentor too, powered by the 200kW PHEV powertrain.
