CUPRA Leon: thank you for existing
It seems that 2025 could be a surprisingly interesting year for the CUPRA brand in Ukraine – after all, the launch of the completely new CUPRA Terramar model takes place almost simultaneously with the update of the CUPRA Formentor and CUPRA Leon. Moreover, in the case of each of the cars, mentions of emotions, power, and dynamic character are appropriate. How is all this implemented in real life? Now I will tell you – using the example of the 300-horsepower CUPRA Leon hatchback.
Design: finally – your own original style!
We are already meeting the updated CUPRA Leon and this is noticeable right away. The new Shark Nose design concept means a modified front bumper with a sharp horizontal bridge (as if it really is a shark's nose), as well as a lowered radiator grille with large openings, which is asking for a mesh to protect the radiators from stones. I would also like to note the new headlights with triangular elements that immediately catch the eye and attract attention - together with the characteristic "shark nose", now such headlights are one of the characteristic elements of the original CUPRA style. Behind, there are fewer changes, but they are also memorable: a solid red line, decorated on the right/left with lights with triangular elements, and in the center - the CUPRA logo with backlight.
Why do I describe the front and rear of the car so carefully? Simply because in the case of the CUPRA Leon Veloz, this is exactly what other drivers will see: a brief flash of headlights in the side mirrors, a roar of gray lightning nearby – and now all that is visible is a solid line-light with crossed letters C, forming the logo. What was that?!
It was the CUPRA Leon hatchback ! Yes, it’s a hatchback: a practical 5-door body, at the sight of which you can immediately read the history of the CUPRA Leon. After all, CUPRA cars once began as “hot” versions of various SEAT models: there was the SEAT Leon – and its sports version was called the SEAT Leon CUPRA. However, in the 2020s, the CUPRA designation turned into an original brand: the first were the CUPRA Ateca and CUPRA Leon cars (which had SEAT relatives), later the original CUPRA Formentor was released. And now we meet the updated CUPRA Leon and CUPRA Formentor cars, we meet the new CUPRA Terramar crossover – and all of them are already made in a completely new CUPRA design, which should symbolize the independence of the brand.
In fact, the CUPRA Leon is just a 5-door C-class hatchback: length – 4.4 meters; width – 1.8 meters; height – 1.44 meters; wheelbase – 2.69 meters. But in the case of CUPRA, the word “simple” is generally inappropriate. The impression of the new Shark Nose design changes from the slightest change in the viewing angle: like this – like fish naivety, and now like this – and we already have the “look” of a predatory shark; interesting, unusual. But the main thing is that you will definitely remember this design! The side surfaces and the rear are already more traditional and understandable. By the way, when looking at the rear, your eyes stop at a solid red line or at four exhaust pipes. However, I look (and pray) at the diffuser between these pipes; I will tell you why below. The VZ designation comes from the word Veloz, which means “fast” in Spanish – with a 300-horsepower engine under the hood, it seems that it could not be otherwise. The 18-inch wheels, behind which perforated brake discs are hidden, also hint at extraordinary capabilities. The last photos in the gallery are a comparison of the “was/now” CUPRA Leon.
The interior is also for connoisseurs: a combination of restrained design with important accent details. The front panel of the usual Leon shape is made of dark soft plastic and stitched with copper-colored thread - and this is a feature of the CUPRA world. Similarly, as well as the sports front seats with integrated headrests or the presence of a pair of additional buttons on the steering wheel - finally! Why is this so important? Because modern CUPRA -level cars have a lot of possibilities thanks to their "advanced" technology; and to fully reveal these possibilities - you need to have not only different roads, but also a driving mode switch that allows you to adjust the car to different roads. And for some reason, but before the driving mode change button on the steering wheel was not available for the Ukrainian market and you had to go to the multimedia system menu. But now - everything is at your fingertips in the literal sense of the word!
True, in addition to the button for changing driving modes, the steering wheel also has an engine start button – it seems interesting, like something sporty, right? However, it can be a bit confusing out of habit, because you are looking for the engine start button in front of the gearbox joystick, as is the case for regular Leon cars and many other VAG models. Click-click; however, instead of starting or turning off the engine, pressing this button now switches the stabilization system operating modes, and the car still stands motionless in its parking space. Well, you have to get used to the peculiarities of the CUPRA world…
However, if you look back, you won't notice any special features: the usual amount of space for the Leon model (unfortunately, without measurements of the interior dimensions and noise - I had the car on the test even before the additional measurements began), a fairly comfortable sofa with an armrest, there are ventilation deflectors and separate climate control. And the trunk is quite familiar to fans of the Leon model: a volume of 380 liters, a two-level floor, a pair of side niches and hooks.
Two characteristic buttons on the steering wheel are a sign of the CUPRA family; an enlarged 12.9-inch display is a sign of the updated car. By the way, the display offers excellent image quality, an easy-to-understand menu, and the ability to customize the start page; although due to its considerable size, it somewhat visually interrupts the view of the continuous line of the interior backlight. Another feature of the updated car is the appearance of Sennheiser audio. The front seats offer integrated headrests and tangible lateral support, which meets the expectations of a “hot” car. But the rear sofa offers a fairly comfortable fit and an armrest, which meets the expectations of a family hatchback; by the way, as does the 380-liter trunk. But in the case of the CUPRA Leon Veloz, slightly different numbers are the main ones.
Technology: a familiar foundation and CUPRA magic
Do you want to know the recipe for creating the CUPRA Leon? We take the well-known SEAT Leon as a basis : the MQB platform and load-bearing body, front transverse engine arrangement, main front-wheel drive and independent suspension in front (but the rear may differ depending on the version), automatic transmissions in the form of a DSG robot. But then the magic of CUPRA begins!
As they say: a big engine in a small car always means something good and interesting. In our case, we are talking about a gasoline 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine of the EA 888 series, already in the Gen 4 generation or even Gen 4 Evo (who knows how to divide the generations of these engines). To be as specific as possible, under the hood of the test car is an engine with the code designation DNFC, which is equipped with a high-pressure fuel injection system (up to 350 bar) and a new, enlarged Continental turbine; the compression ratio is 9.3:1 - sometimes it is also called a “decompressed engine” and this is done specifically for an engine with a high-performance turbine.
The next interesting element of the CUPRA Leon is the transmission. Firstly, the DSG DQ 381 robotic gearbox with a pair of clutches. Secondly, it is also worth noting the VAQ differential. The latter is an element with a friction clutch that can be controlled electronically. Thanks to this, you can “dissolve” or block a pair of front wheels, and do it in advance and selectively - thus, you can control the distribution of torque between the right/left front wheel. What is special about VAQ? For example, there is a similar XDS system or special settings of the ESP system, which provide for braking one of the wheels in the event of its slipping; accordingly, the torque will be redistributed to the other wheel. But this happens after the fact: when one of the wheels ALREADY slips, all these braking actions also occur with jerks, which is hardly useful for the brakes and differential. Instead, VAQ should work preventively – that is, BEFORE the wheels start to slip: the control system should take into account the steering angle and the torque currently being applied to the wheels; it should understand whether the level of grip is sufficient; and if not – then clamp the friction clutch in advance for a tighter (or full) connection of the wheels with each other.
And in the case of the CUPRA Leon, they did not forget about other important components. For example, about the DCC suspension: fully independent front and rear suspensions (McPherson and multi-link) were used, the usual springs were installed, as well as shock absorbers with the possibility of electronic control. And it is thanks to the latter that you can slightly adjust the suspension, affecting the character of the stiffness/softness of the car. They also did not forget about the rather “sharp” progressive steering: this is when the steering rack is threaded with a variable pitch, which affects the feeling of the sharpness of the steering wheel depending on the angle of its rotation. Thus, on straight and gentle bends, the car does not jump into the adjacent lane from the slightest sneeze; but in sharp turns - it is enough to turn the steering wheel to an angle of 90-150-180 degrees and you can do without intercepting your hands. Moving on: the CUPRA Leon hatchback has received powerful brakes with large discs with a diameter of up to 375 mm in front and 310 mm in the rear. Finally, I would like to note the advanced exhaust system with four pipes for free "breathing" of the engine and the ability to artificially change the "voice" of the engine: you can drive quietly on a long journey, or drive emotionally and loudly for the driver during a short track day.
Here's the recipe: we started with the SEAT Leon as a base, but then we added some CUPRA magic! The 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine produces 300 hp (5,300-6,500 rpm) of power and 400 Nm (2,000-5,200 rpm) of torque; this promises us a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, as well as a fuel consumption of 7.3-7.8 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. In addition to the engine, there are many other improvements worth noting: in other words, the CUPRA Leon is a complete finished product, not just a regular hatchback with a powerful engine installed. And thanks to modern technology, the driver has the opportunity to customize various elements according to his wishes. But does technology translate into emotions?
Behind the wheel: when emotions are the main thing
As if on purpose, but the start from a standstill and the first moments of acceleration of the CUPRA Leon Veloz start quite mundanely: where is all the promised sweat-u-u-zh-zh-zh… Wow, what was that?! And the engine finally gained 2-2.5 thousand revolutions and the turbine began to blow into the cylinders not even air, but a real storm mixed with high-octane gasoline in unlimited doses. The wheels are in the axle box, the exhaust roars, the eyes are covered either with tears of joy, or with already elderly sliding eyelids. Yi-ha-ha: the more revolutions - the more fun, dynamics, power! When the engine gets down to business, it produces so many “horses” and “newtons” in the range of 2.5-4-6 thousand revolutions that it is ready to tear the wheels into a skid again and again, even at a speed of 100+ km/h! In fact, the CUPRA Leon Veloz hatchback is not a record holder for standing starts: it cannot translate 300 hp into stunning dynamics due to only front-wheel drive and the risk of constant wheel spin. We would like to see 5-second dynamics, which is quite realistic for a 300-horsepower car; instead we see 5.6-5.7-5.8 seconds. Also not bad, but all-wheel drive could ensure the absence of spin and, thus, better acceleration performance from a standstill.
But when it comes to dynamics on the move, the CUPRA Leon Veloz hatchback is incredibly impressive – it is truly lightning (with a thunderous CUPRA sound too), leaping forward in a split second. In general: this car comes to life precisely on the move. It loves acceleration on the move, it loves fast turns that can be taken under traction and with minimal body roll. It loves braking at the entrance to a turn to load the front wheels, then give a steering impulse with a minimal touch of the sensitive and sharp steering wheel (only two turns from lock to lock) – and then press the accelerator to the fullest, finding the limits of the tires' grip on the road. You can do this once, and twice, and three times, and even more: the brakes do not get tired, the engine is always ready.
So that there is enough fuel and there are no bumps on the road. It's not even about the stiff suspension. By the way, surprisingly, even in CUPRA mode, the car does not turn into a stiff chair-stool: the suspension is very tight, it almost does not allow rolls, but at the same time - it still leaves a certain level of comfort and damping of bumps. Here I would like to say a special thank you to the 18-inch wheels and tires with a 40th profile, which I personally consider optimal, no matter how much you are tempted by 19-inch wheels. No, no, it's not about the suspension at all. It's about the unstable behavior of the rear part during braking on uneven asphalt. After all, the car weighs 1496 kg, of which 62% falls on the front wheels and 38% falls on the rear ones; this distribution can change dynamically when braking; and if you add bumps under the rear wheels, the effect of their unloading will be even more noticeable. In general: this weight distribution is typical for a C-class hatchback; however, in the case of the CUPRA Leon VZ, the problem is that all this happens at higher speeds, during intensive braking, and the number of such brakings will be much higher; after all, why else would you buy such a car, if not for dynamic driving? The issue can be solved by additional loading of the rear axle with aerodynamic elements. And that is why I paid attention to the diffuser - it improves the situation of a relatively similar problem in the previous generation CUPRA Leon, but does not solve it completely. Personally, I would also add a large rear wing.
This is perhaps the biggest surprise-comment to the driving characteristics of the CUPRA Leon Veloz; but here is a positive surprise for you right away – this is the work of the VAQ differential. It is a pity that it cannot completely save the car from power steering during a dynamic start from a standstill; but on the other hand, it opens up in sharp turns – when the driver dares to press the accelerator pedal more than a regular front-wheel drive car can withstand. All because the CUPRA Leon Veloz is unusual. Feel free to brake until the tires squeak, feel free to fill the car into a bend, and also feel free to add gas – and you will be surprised how much more than expected the CUPRA Leon Veloz hatchback tries to “stretch” the turn along a given trajectory, without floating out to the treacherous squeak of the tires. In turns “under the gas” a real VAQ miracle happens!
But as for fuel… At the most dynamic speed, I got fuel consumption of 17-18 liters per 100 km. That’s a lot; plus, I’ll note that the CUPRA Leon Veloz tank has only 50 liters; that is, a full tank will be enough for 300 km of mileage – that is, to get to a track day (although they sometimes sell fuel on the spot), ride a little in maximum mode (and on the highway, the instantaneous fuel consumption will be even more); and then drive home in the evening. At the same time, in the evening you can be surprised that the CUPRA Leon Veloz hatchback can drive with a fuel consumption level of 8-9 liters per 100 km in the city. If we talk about the average, then in the city fuel consumption is 10-12 liters – this is on usual routes and at a usual speed, although sometimes plus from acceleration in CUPRA mode. On the highway at a speed of 100 km/h, fuel consumption is 5.7-6 liters per 100 km. In addition to fuel consumption, I would also like to note the suspension adjustment and the settings for the synthesized exhaust sound. If you switch the DCC suspension to the most comfortable mode and set the Pure sound (such a settings designer can be assembled in the Individual mode), then suddenly the CUPRA Leon Veloz turns into something like the Leon FR: a comfortable and dynamic hatchback for every day, which allows you to drive to work without risking going broke on fuel, or go on long trips without risking deafening five hours of continuous growling. And only the driver knows that behind this small button on the steering wheel is a real CUPRA car with an unlimited subscription to sharp emotions.
The engine honestly works out its 300 hp. power and 400 Nm of torque, which is especially felt during acceleration on the go. However, for better dynamics when starting from a standstill, all-wheel drive is needed - the passport figure of 5.7 seconds is generally met, but very much depends on many factors, including the level of tire grip with the road. The DSG robotic gearbox changes gears as quickly and imperceptibly as possible - you only see the jumps of the tachometer indicator. One button-switch of driving modes allows you to significantly change the character of the car, and in the individual mode you can assemble everything at your own discretion.
Price: how much does the CUPRA Leon cost and who are the competitors?
If we talk about this 300-horsepower "hot" hatchback CUPRA Leon Veloz, it is presented in Ukraine in only one configuration, but it is very complete: Full LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning and prevention system, three-zone climate control, keyless entry, electric driver's seat adjustment, combined CUPRA seat trim, Digital Cockpit digital instrument panel , multimedia system with a 12.9-inch display, rearview camera, interior backlighting, front and side airbags, inflatable curtain airbags, central airbag between the driver and passenger, driving mode switch, heated steering wheel and front seats, etc. The cost of the CUPRA Leon VZ 2.0 TSI 300 DSG car is from UAH 1.66 million or $40 thousand.
Now a few details. First: the test car additionally had options in the form of carbon mirror housings, door sills, IMMERSIVE BY Sennheiser audio package, custom colors, etc. All this led to an increase in price - the test car, which became the hero of the article, costs about 1.84 million UAH or $ 44 thousand. Secondly, the history of the CUPRA Leon model in Ukraine is ready to receive a continuation, even a rather unexpected continuation - in the form of a CUPRA Leon Sportstourer station wagon; and a 1.5 eTSI engine with mild hybrid technology will be offered for it. But this will be a completely different story, which I will probably tell you about separately.
The test car generally demonstrates exactly what you get from the “hot” version of the CUPRA Leon Veloz: a powerful 300-horsepower engine, VAQ differential, a digital instrument panel with various information display options, a large 12.9-inch touch display, a rearview camera, sports seats with combined trim, separate “climate” for the driver/passenger and even rear passengers, LED headlights, numerous safety systems. If you don’t require something “extra” in the form of premium audio or carbon mirrors, then such a 300-horsepower hatchback can be had for $ 40,000. And what will competitors offer?
The first competitor among the cars available through the official dealer network is the MINI Cooper JCW hatchback: it is inferior in the number of doors and power, but definitely not inferior in character and the number of correct modifications to match the JCW logo. I advise you to look for the second competitor at dealers of well-known German cars. No, I'm not talking about what you thought - I'm talking about the BMW 1-series in the BMW 123 version (inferior in power, but there is all-wheel drive, starting price at the level of the CUPRA Leon Veloz with options) or even the BMW M135 (power of 300 hp and the maximum sports package, there is all-wheel drive, but much more expensive). Finally, the third competitor can be a related car CUPRA Formentor - already with all-wheel drive and even more power, but also much more expensive; plus it is still a slightly different body type and a higher landing above the road.
I will step back a bit from ICE cars and allow myself to mention electric cars. First, I will mention MG 4 XPower: this is a story about how to get stunning dynamics and more power for less money - but less emotions! Second, I will mention Hyundai Ioniq 5 N : in general, one of the record holders in terms of power and dynamics for me personally in recent times, a very carefully worked out "hot" version of an electric car; a real laboratory on wheels! But: while you are studying all the capabilities of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N systems and selecting the best settings, the CUPRA Leon Veloz hatchback will be racing for the next nth lap.
That's all: other competing cars have either disappeared altogether, or they have to be brought by private car dealerships and carriers. For example, the Honda Civic Type R looks like an interesting rival: a lot of power, also front-wheel drive, and also classic "mechanics"! Or you can mention the Hyundai i 30 N - an unexpected player in the "hot hatchback" segment, which came when the others had already disappeared. Where is the new generation of the Mazda 3 MPS , Ford Focus ST and Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi and Peugeot 308 GTi, Renault Clio RS and Renault Megane RS, Opel Corsa OPC and Opel Astra OPC, Subaru WRX and many other cars; hey, where are you all?! Someone has completely left the car market without a successor, someone exists far abroad, but is not officially represented in Ukraine.
This was a short lyrical digression of a person-author who, as a teenager, read about the legend of the Peugeot 205 GTi, at the beginning of his career managed to get acquainted with the Alfa Romeo 147 and Suzuki Swift Sport cars at least for a moment, and somehow, at least a little, drove the Renault Clio RS, Citroen DS 3 1.6 THP 150, Ford Fiesta ST and other similar cars. These are my wonderful memories-dreams. But what should a modern teenager dream about? And this short lyrical digression suddenly brings us to conclusions about the CUPRA Leon Veloz.