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Pros: Sporty CUPRA styling, performance, unique plug-in option
Cons: Not as exciting to drive as non-hybrid rivals, engine sounds
The performance version of the SEAT Leon has been given a CUPRA badge. The all-new CUPRA Leon comes in both a hatchback and sportstourer models, as well as the choice of a plug-in hybrid or petrol engine. We spent a week in the e-Hybrid 245hp hatchback model to see how it drove on Irish roads.
Exterior
The CUPRA Leon is a hot hatch, joining the likes of the familiar Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST, Renault Megane RS and Hyundai i30N in this segment. Its attractive styling is very similar to that of the SEAT Leon, with the same distinctive body shape, headlights and grille.
Standing it apart from the SEAT version are two distinctive looking copper coloured CUPRA badged front and back, as well as two copper-coloured exhaust outlets, which wonderfully compliment the Graphene Grey paint on the vehicle we tested. All be it the exhaust outlets are just for show.
Interior
On the inside the copper coloured CUPRA styling continues on the carbon fibre looking multi-functional steering wheel and around the air vents. Textile Bucket Seats come as standard, but our test car was equipped with the leather alternative, which featured the CUPRA logo embossed in the headrests.
A sleek 10-inch touchscreen sits in the middle of the dashboard with sliding touch buttons underneath that allow you to quickly adjust the climate and volume.
Perfomance
Unlike it's hot hatch rivals mentioned above, the CUPRA Leon offers an electric drive. Which means when you start the engine of our e-Hybrid model, there isn’t a sound. The Leon defaults to Electric Mode every time you begin your journey, which promises 59km of emission-free driving (depending on how you drive). You can also choose Hybrid mode for up to 677km range with a full battery and fuel tank.
It takes 3 hours and 40 minutes for a full charge. You can also use the CUPRA Connect App to have control of your battery charging status and progress, as well as adjust your ideal temperature to start climatising your vehicle before you get in.
Driving
When they say it is a city car you can really see why. On the road the steering is responsive and hits corners particularly well even at speed. The tyres grip the road well, and driving ability doesn’t seem to be too effected by the added battery weight compared to the other (non-hybrid) hot hatchbacks.
There is a Sport and CUPRA driving mode available in the Leon, which increase throttle response, power steering, the six-speed DSG transmission and the adaptive damping system. Switching to these driving modes also engages stereo-tuned engine noises from the cars speaker system, which sounds cool at first, but after a while the allure wears off.
Price
Pricing for the CUPRA Leon starts at €46,210. There is also a SEAI grand available for €2,500 to which the CUPRA Leon qualifies for. The test car we drove had €3,589 worth of optional extras which included Premium Metallic Paint (€779), 19” Exclusive Alloy Wheels (€756), Black Leather Interior (€1,525) and Vision Plus Pack [Park Assist & Rear View Camera] (€528).
Verdict
The CUPRA Leon e-hybrid is a great flag for the brand to showcase the option of performance plug- in hybrids. Although it lacks the exciting drive of the non-hybrid hot hatches, it offers that electric drive accompanied with a €2,500 PHEV SEAI grant.
Rivals: Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST, Renault Megane RS, Hyundai i30N, Honda Civic Type R
Car Details: CUPRA Leon e-Hybrid 245hp DSG (180kW)
Price from: €46,210
Price as tested: €49,799 (€47,299 including SEAI grant)
Max. Speed: 225km/h
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 6.7 sec
Battery Capacity: 12.8 kWh