The former SEAT sub-brand has brought its version of the Leon into line with the Formentor SUV by offering two lower-powered engines
The Cupra Leon hot hatch is now available in two much more ‘warm’ settings. Soon joining the range will be a 148bhp 1.5-litre engine available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed ‘DSG’ dual-clutch automatic, and a DSG-only 2.0-litre producing 187bhp. Both are ‘TSI’-branded inline-four petrol units.
This now gives Cupra Leon buyers five powertrains to choose from, factoring in the existing 242bhp and 306bhp 2.0-litre pure petrol engines and the 1.4-litre-based plug-in hybrid version. Cupra notes that this brings its Leon range into line with the Formentor SUV.
However, unlike that model, which is exclusive to Cupra, the Leon can also be purchased as a SEAT, and with the 148 and 187bhp petrol engines, giving prospective buyers an interesting – and possibly confusing – choice between the two.
This also means we can predict how quick the new Cupra Leon derivatives will be despite a lack of official figures at this point, by simply looking at the figures for the SEAT versions. We should be looking at 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds for the manual 1.5-litre car, 8.5sec for the DSG 1.5, and 7.4sec for the 2.0 litre.
Cupra is also yet to disclose prices for the newcomers, but for reference, a 1.5-litre SEAT Leon FR Sport currently starts from £28,840, while a 187bhp 2.0-litre SEAT Leon in the same trim is £32,315.
Both of the fresh Cupra Leons will go on sale in October 2022, available in V1 trim with standard equipment highlights including 18-inch black and silver alloy wheels, a 12-inch infotainment system, keyless go and adaptive cruise control.
Speaking about the expanding Cupra Leon range, the brand’s vice president for sales and marketing Kai Vogler said: “The Cupra Leon is already a king on the road, but we’re always developing the vehicle to maximise the offering for our customers, making it more customisable and grow its sales targets.
“With the introduction of these engines, our ambition is to achieve a big success with the Cupra Leon, as we have done with the Formentor.”
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Keyword: Cupra Leon hot hatch now available with 148bhp and 187bhp engines