The CUPRA Leon offers a range of engines that deliver on every level; whether it’s the most advanced petrol engines to the high-performance plug-in hybrid system, allowing customers to choose the vehicle that best suits their needs.
“Mating an advanced combustion engine and electrification offers an incredible performance boost and effortless acceleration, making hybridisation the perfect technology for the CUPRA brand,” said Dr. Werner Tietz, Executive Vice-President for R&D at CUPRA and SEAT. “It reinforces CUPRA’s commitment to bringing electrification to the high-performance segment and shows that performance and electrification are partners and not counterintuitive.”
e-HYBRID
The introduction of a high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain is a first for CUPRA. Available in both the hatchback and Sportstourer variants, the technology means customers keep the performance expected from a vehicle carrying the CUPRA badge, with an efficiency level not found in the segment before.
The plug-in hybrid’s heart is a 150PS (110kW) 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, a 115 PS (85kW) electric motor and 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack, that together provide 245PS (180kW) of peak power and 400Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid system can take the CUPRA Leon to 100km/h in just 6.7 seconds (Sportstourer: 7.0 seconds), with a top speed of 225km/h.
The powertrain ability to deliver outright performance is matched by its change of character when pace isn’t a necessity. The driver can use the vehicle’s all-electric range of 55-60km based on the WLTP test cycle for the hatchback version, and 54-59km in WLTP for the Sportstourer version, to traverse urban streets with zero tailpipe emissions. And when the battery needs recharging, it can be done in as little as 3.5 hours using a Wallbox (or six hours from 230V domestic plug).
Thanks to the efficiency of the plug-in hybrid powertrain technology, CO2 emissions will be below 34g/100km (5-door: 29-32g/km in WLTP / Sportstourer: 30-34g/km in WLTP).
The CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID is now also available with an additional plug-in hybrid powertrain, delivering 204PS (150kW) and 350Nm of torque.
The CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID always starts in all-electric mode (when the battery is sufficiently charged). The drive switches to Hybrid mode if the energy capability of the battery drops below a certain level, if the driver pushes the car’s accelerator to the floor (kickdown) or selects the hybrid mode, if the battery temperature is below -10 degrees, or if the speed rises above 130 km/h. In Hybrid mode, the driver has the possibility of maintaining the status of charge, increasing it or reducing it to a well-defined level. This makes it possible to drive into an urban destination area under electric power and with zero emissions.
TSI Petrol
Conventional power is still a mainstay in the CUPRA Leon line-up and a selection of three turbocharged, direct-injection petrol units deliver a more traditional feeling of dynamic ability.
The line-up includes a turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder 2.0-litre 245PS (180kW)/370Nm and a 300PS (221kW)/400Nm of torque variant.
These two front-wheel drive versions, available in both hatchback and Sportstourer body styles, integrate a front differential lock (VAQ) to help offer greater control and athleticism 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.
But there is one more option for customers. The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 310PS (228kW)/400Nm 2-litre TSI direct-injection, turbocharged petrol engine found exclusively in Sportstourer guise (with 4Drive).
All powertrain combinations benefit from a DSG dual-clutch transmission. The shift-by-wire technology is designed so that the gear selector is not connected to the gearbox mechanically, instead using electronic signals to make shifts. And when drivers want an even more interactive experience, steering wheel mounted large shift paddles bring the connection between vehicle and driver even closer.