Key Highlights
- The new CUPRA Leon brings the brand’s new exterior design language DNA to the compact segment with the shark-nose front end, integrated CUPRA badge on to the bonnet, triangular matrix LED headlights, and integrated and illuminated CUPRA logo positioned at the centre of the rear LED light.
- The interior offers a higher quality feel, with newly designed elements such as the centre console, door panels, dashboard, and upholsteries. It is also enhanced with new materials, while also embracing a more sustainable approach, including Bucket seats wrapped in either 73% recycled microfibre or environmentally conscious leather.
- Digitalisation is at the centre of the driver’s focus. A new and improved HMI is implemented in the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel as well as in the larger 12.9’’ infotainment system, with a retro-illuminated slider. – New high-fidelity 12-speaker audio sound system developed in collaboration with the audio experts of Sennheiser Mobility on the VZ3 trims. The system delivers the pure signature Sennheiser sound that is trusted by music creatives and artists from all over the world.
- The new CUPRA Leon will be available with a new generation of plug-in hybrid engines (eHybrid) delivering up to 272PS (200kW), with more than 62 miles* of all-electric range and now compatible with fast charge (up to 50kW DC charge).
- The new CUPRA Leon Estate will get a new petrol engine (TSI), delivering 333PS (245kW) with torque splitter technology and Akebono brakes on the VZ3 trim making it the most powerful CUPRA Leon ever. While the 5-door version’s most powerful version will top at 300PS (221kW), with frontwheel drive transmission.
- A sportier accentuation of Chassis and Engine set-up guarantees unparalleled vehicle dynamics.
- The new CUPRA Leon – 5-door and Estate – is designed, developed, and will be produced in Barcelona, at the brand’s headquarters in Martorell. It will be launched in the third quarter of 2024.
Exterior Design
The new CUPRA Leon 5D and CUPRA Leon Estate are designed to impress and create a wow factor. Each vehicle, no matter the body style, delivers the brand’s DNA with a totally new face, stronger character, and evolved sportiness to match the vehicles’ character.
The new CUPRA Leon introduces the brand’s new design language DNA, with the shark nose front end, triangular LED headlights and big, bold lower mouth. The front of the new CUPRA Leon is strong and determined, integrating the CUPRA logo directly on to the bonnet above the large front grille and bookmarked by the matrix LED (on the VZ3 trim) front headlights that incorporate the signature design – three illuminated triangles framed within a triangle.
At the rear of the new CUPRA Leon 5D and Estate strength is added by the V-shaped volume of the tailgate connecting with the rear blister that flows through from the car’s side. The two-tone muscular bumper shows both sophistication, sportiness, and quality while helping to visually lower the car to the ground.
LED lighting technology is maximised with the same triangular design philosophy as the front of the CUPRA. But the new CUPRA Leon 5-door and Estate add an additional dash of sophistication with an integrated CUPRA logo positioned centrally between the rear lights. The rear reflectors are also triangular, finishing the CUPRA family design philosophy.
The new CUPRA Leon’s proportions, whether in 5D or Estate guise, are reinforced by a selection of new wheel designs; there are a range of different alloy wheels between 18 and 19’’.
Customers can choose from nine different colours, including the new and exclusive Century Bronze Matt and Enceladus Grey Matt. The palette of colours is completed with Fiord Blue, Midnight Black, Glacial hite, Magnetic Tech, Graphene Grey, Taiga Grey and Magnetic Tech Matt.
Interior Design
As you open the door the CUPRA logo is projected onto the floor, the first stage of an exciting experience.
The familiarity of the CUPRA steering wheel, with the satellite buttons – which comes as standard for DSG versions – to maximise control and ease of use, the comfort and stability of the sports or bucket seats, the digital architecture and the completely updated material choices all direct thoughts to a superior machine, reinforcing its performance credentials.
Material selection emphasises the cabin’s quality while also embracing a more sustainable approach.
The dashboard surfaces use 3D parametric pattern to deliver tactility and optical interest in the surface. The centre console is newly designed with greater precision in each of its details, and improved materials to increase the interior quality. While the copper accents located around the cabin, including on the air vents add to the style.
The range of seats available in the new CUPRA Leon and CUPRA Leon Estate help match the driver’s approach and character, while also integrating a more sustainable approach to material choices. The sports seat uses textile upholstery while the Bucket seats can be covered in either 73% recycled microfibre – with a progressive laser perforation – or environmentally conscious leather. A continuation of CUPRA’s push to make the brand – and the automotive industry – a more sustainable proposition for
customers.
Finally, CUPBucket seats – combining the ultra-technical central textile with Recycled Microfibre and haptic materials – will be available for the CUPRA Leon VZ3, offering a lower seating feeling to deliver a more ergonomic, sporty seating position.
When equipped with CUPBuckets, the interior decorative elements, such as satellite buttons on the steering wheel, the centre console, air vents, comes in dark chrome.
Digitalisation is at the centre of the driver’s focus. A new and improved HMI is implemented in the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel as well as in the larger 12.9’’ infotainment system, with a retro-illuminated slider.
The infotainment system comes with an improved App Bar, widgets, and Clima Bar for an easy-to-use user interface. It’s all about simplicity, personalization, and cutting-edge design. Climate control is now seamlessly integrated into the main unit’s screen, making all vehicle functions and assistants accessible with just a single click, joining the digital and physical interactions.
High fidelity audio sound system with Sennheiser
The CUPRA Leon integrates a new high-fidelity 12-speaker audio sound system developed in collaboration with the audio experts of Sennheiser Mobility on the VZ3 trim. The high-powered 425-watt system immerses the driver and the passengers in a unique sound experience. It’s an audio technology that incorporates Sennheiser’s AMBEO Concerto software, able to distil fundamental components of music, including different instruments and room information, redistributing them throughout the car.
This software delivers the pure signature Sennheiser sound, that is created based on the long-term Sennheiser history providing artists and music professionals with trusted sound solutions.
Powertrain
The new CUPRA Leon is available including three different technologies: TSI (petrol), eTSI (mild hybrid) and a new generation of eHybrid (plug-in hybrid). The powertrain options go from 150PS to 333PS between the hatchback and Estate variants.
TSI (petrol)
Conventional combustion power remains a core pillar of the new CUPRA Leon’s powertrain line-up, including new options. All engines benefit from turbocharged, direct injection with power outputs from 150PS (110kW) to 333PS (245kW) to deliver the high-performance vehicle’s dynamic ability.
The line-up includes four-cylinder 1.5-litre 150PS (110kW) engine linked to a manual 6 speed transmission and available in both the hatchback and Estate.
Moving up the performance scale, the new CUPRA Leon hatchback offers a 2.0 litre unit, with 300PS (221kW). This front-wheel drive version uses a 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission to translate the power to the wheels while an integrated front differential lock (VAQ) helps offer greater control in the vehicle’s power delivery. The system takes readings from numerous sources: steering angle, wheel speed and yaw, to provide reassurance in dynamic driving scenarios.
The new CUPRA Leon Estate is given two unique engines of its own. A 2.0 litre TSI 204PS (150kW) unit with all-wheel technology (4Drive) and DSG dual-clutch transmission.
And the most powerful engine in the line-up – a 333PS (245kW) 2-litre direct-injection, turbocharged petrol engine, also linked to a 7-speed DSG gearbox, introducing a new drive mode with drivetrain calibrated for racetrack by CUPRA engineers and equipped with torque splitter technology and Akebono brakes on the VZ3 trim. This makes it the most powerful CUPRA Leon ever.
Specifically developed for this engine is an exclusive CUPRA Mode, including a racetrack optimized pedal and gearbox calibration, high dynamic torque response due to open hrottle retention, a shift light indicator and the engine calibration developed by the Technical Centre in Martorell.
Housed on the rear axle, the system is electro-hydraulically controlled with two independent clutches and allow for independent torque control on each rear wheel.
This means that it can shift power between rear left and rear right wheels during cornering giving the CUPRA Leon Estate VZ even greater dexterity when driving becomes more focused.
The CUPRA Leon Estate VZ’s chassis system allowed engineers to include a Drift Mode, to be used on a racetrack. In this mode, the ESC is in sport mode and using the torque splitter technology, full power can be directed to one rear wheel, helping push the car around a bend as if it was pirouetting.
And when maximum braking control is needed the CUPRA Leon Estate VZ delivers thanks to its standard 18” brakes; the VZ3 trim is equipped with brakes with six piston Akebono callipers (375mm x 36mm). Its reassurance amplified no matter what therequirements.
eTSI (mild hybrid)
The CUPRA Leon is available with a mild hybrid option (eTSI). This version allows both the 5-door and Estate variants to provide even greater efficiency levels. The system, which is available with a new 1.5 litre 150PS (110kW) petrol unit, exclusively in combination with the DSG transmission, mates 48V mild-hybrid technology to the combustion engine, which not only adds the efficiency of electrification but also comfort.
The system uses a 48V starter-generator and 48V lithium-ion battery, and efficiency gains obtained, in part, because the system allows the CUPRA Leon to coast with the engine switched off during some driving scenarios, recover energy under braking and supporting the engine with some electric assistance. The system has been improved and the car now also ignites via the 48V system, making it even smoother (compared to the previous 12V system).
eHybrid (plug-in hybrid)
With the new generation of plug-in hybrid powertrain, CUPRA proves once again that
electrification and performance are a perfect match.
The new CUPRA Leon – whether 5-door or Estate variant – houses two next generation eHybrid powertrain options: 204PS (150kW) and 272PS (200kW). Both are equipped with the new 1.5 TSI engine, an electric motor, and a larger battery pack that now offers 19.7kWh (net). It allows the new CUPRA Leon to deliver eco conscious excitement and a pure electric range of more than 62 miles*. The battery can now be fast charged at up to 50kW (DC charge) while on the road, or at home using a 11kW Wallbox (previously 3.6kW).
The CUPRA Leon VZ e-HYBRID (200kW/272PS) is equipped with Brembo brakeson the VZ3. Four pistons Brembo calipers combine with bigger perforated disc brakes compared to standard options (370x32mm), offering increased braking performance.
Chassis
The new CUPRA Leon’s power is delivered to the road with absolute precision throughout the model range. But for higher output models 4Drive makes sure the correct power is always delivered. The latest generation of the electro-hydraulic multi-disc traction system controls the power sent to each wheel maximising traction and performance.
The 4Drive technology analyses road conditions in real time, including vehicle speed, wheel speed, the steering position, and the driving style or mode to deliver power instantly quickly and progressively to the necessary wheels. Torque can even be controlled between wheels on either side of the vehicle thanks to the EDS electronic aid which locks the slipping wheel relative to the opposite side, meaning no transversal torque is lost.
The system is integrated into the rear axle and sits at the end of the drive shaft in front of the rear differential, improving weight distribution and reducing inertia and reaction time.
The new CUPRA Leon is equipped with an electrical brake booster which provides a faster response than a conventional system, the possibility to recover the braking energy through the blending function (specific for the plug-in hybrid version) and a better active security due to the duplicity systems (ESC and electrical brake booster).
Built on the MQB Evo architecture, the new CUPRA Leon’s performance and
dynamics are created through access to a range of technologies.
Underpinning everything is the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink setup, with springs and dampers tuned to balance the requirements for comfort and responsiveness when driving becomes more energetic.
Progressive steering delivers maximum agility, connecting the driver through the steering wheel to the road. Its Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) system changes the setup in milliseconds to exploit the conditions and deliver increased engagement.
The ride is configurable to the driver’s exact requirements through the different driver profiles: Comfort, Sport, CUPRA and Individual. These profiles change the vehicle’s character, from daily drive to performance focused. And shifting between profiles is now even simpler with the DCC slider control, meaning you can precisely select the setup you want (up to 15 steps), in Individual mode.
The CUPRA Leon’s dynamics can be changed to suit the tastes of whoever is in control through the different driver profiles: Comfort, Performance, CUPRA, Drift, and Individual. These profiles change the vehicle’s character, from daily drive to performance-focused hot hatch, giving the new CUPRA Leon a breadth of abilities seen in few other vehicles in the segment Specific for the CUPRA Leon VZ is the sound actor. This is an active system which reinforces the natural sound of the engine (according with the drive profile selected), showing an evolution based on a new sound curve, linked to natural sound as well as an
“Adrenaline” concept (loudness proportional to load & RPMs).
In the individual mode, the sound “Pure” can be selected, disabling the sound actor, but at the same time setting the exhaust valves at their maximum loudness, achieving an aggressive but 100% natural sound.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The new CUPRA Leon upgrades the interior experience with high-resolution screens to deliver all the information the driver and other occupants need, a next-generation high-fidelity audio system and access to the CUPRA eco-system with the My CUPRA App.
Behind the CUPRA steering wheel sits the digital cockpit. It’s mix of configurability and clarity mean it can provide the most important data points to the driver within their eyeline, meaning less distraction and more focus on the drive.
With so much information on tap, it’s important that systems are intuitive, and the larger 12.9” central infotainment is designed to put everything at your fingertips. With a brand new operating system, the customisable display mixes the benefits of touchscreen inputs with a retro illuminated slider bar to adjust interior climate and volume. And with the ability to include configurable widgets, the infotainment system can be dialled into individual needs.
The Wireless Full Link system is ever-present, allowing customers to bring their wider digital lives into the cabin, whether that’s mapping, music or other automotive compatible functionality through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And importantly all accessible in a controlled, intuitive, safe manner through the new CUPRA Leon’s Human Machine Interface (HMI).
And when mobile smart devices need a charge the new CUPRA Leon offers wireless fast-charging capabilities of up to 15W, with refrigerated technology.
With the My CUPRA App customers have complete control over their vehicle, (with additional functionality available for eHybrid versions of the new CUPRA Leon), able to control climatization remotely, manage battery charging and remote locking and unlocking as well as a host of other functionality.
Connectivity isn’t only about convenience; the embedded SIM adds improved safety too as users benefit from the eCall service. If an accident occurs the vehicle can directly contact the emergency services either manually or automatically. And should the worst happen the vehicle can relay important data including car position, engine type, and number of passengers making it easier for them to assist.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems & Safety
The new CUPRA Leon offers a wide range of safety and convenience features to deliver assurance no matter what happens. A suite of technologies integrated to aid but not interfere make it one of the safest and most convenient vehicles in the segment.
Among the new CUPRA Leon’s safety and convenience systems are Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Travel Assist, Side and Exit Assist and Emergency Assist.
The Predictive ACC system can position the vehicle based on route and GPS data delivered from the navigation system, allowing it to correct its speed depending on the road layout ahead – bends, roundabouts, junctions, speed limits and built-up areas. And using input from the front mounted camera and traffic sign recognition, it can adjust vehicle speed when limits change.
The Travel Assist feature uses information from the ACC and Lane Assist to actively keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane and adjust speed to the flow of the traffic – over the entire speed range.
Side and Exit Assist technology detects what your eyes can’t with blind spot detection and adds an Exit Warning when you’ve parked and want to leave the vehicle, giving an acoustic and visual caution if someone or something is approaching.
Emergency Assist, making sure the driver remains focused on driving and doesn’t become distracted with visual and acoustic warnings. If there is no reaction from the driver, the system can initiate braking jolts, if there is no change the vehicle can come to a complete stop and activate the warning lights. Once parked, the new CUPRA Leon can directly contact the emergency services using the eCall system.
The range of advanced driver assistance systems is strengthened with the integration of seven airbags, including a standard front-central airbag. The mix of technologies creates an incredible level of safety without interfering with the driver’s experience.
The CUPRA Leon also excels in comfort and convenience, with keyless, virtual pedal (only for the Estate), Climatronic three zones, parking heater, heated seats and steering wheel, driver’s electric seat with memory, and a 230V charger in the boot.