2022 Cupra Leon detailed for Australia

Cupra will offer four versions of its Leon hot hatch in Australia, headlined by a plug-in hybrid option.

The Leon V, Leon VZ, Leon VZe, and Leon VZx go on sale during July 2022, although the cheapest Leon V won’t touch down until early in 2023.

The Golf-sized hatchback hasn’t been priced Down Under, but Cupra has previously promised it’ll focus on “accessible price points”.

“We are a brand that is purely targeted at drivers, at those who love driving and who love design,” Cupra Australia managing director Ben Wilks has previously told CarExpert.

“We’re doing that at an accessible price point. For me that’s the most exciting thing about bringing this brand to life.”

When the full range arrives, the Leon will offer the 140kW engine from the Skoda Octavia, the 180kW engine from the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the plug-in hybrid powertrain from the Golf GTE not sold in Australia, and the 221kW engine from the Golf GTI Clubsport in a single body style.

Cupra Leon V

Power in the Leon V will come from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with 140kW and 320Nm, sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It’ll offer the following standard equipment:

• 18-inch black-and-silver alloy wheels
• 18-inch space saver wheel
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Heated, power-folding mirrors
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• LED headlights, tail lights, and daytime running lights
• Fog lights
• Auto high-beam
• Rear tinted windows
• 10.25-inch digital instrument binnacle
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless phone charging
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired or wireless)
• Four USB-C ports
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Ambient interior lighting
• Black headlining
• Cloth bucket seats
• Adaptive dampers
• Progressive steering
• Keyless entry and start
• Tri-zone climate control
• Illuminated scuff plates
• Aluminium pedals
• Floor mats

The following safety and driver assistance equipment will be standard:

• 10 airbags
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist with highway lane-centring
• Autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection
• Parking sensors and reversing camera

The following options will be offered on the Leon V:

• Leather and Sound Package
  • Leather bucket seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Driver power adjustment and memory
  • Memory for mirrors
  • Copper-coloured dashboard stitching
  • Beats premium sound system
• Electric sunroof

Cupra Leon VZ

The Leon VZ is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with 180kW and 370Nm, sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The only difference in its standard specification are the 19-inch alloy wheels. As above, the Leather and Sound Package and an electric sunroof will be optional.

Cupra Leon VZe

The Leon VZe is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor. The petrol engine outputs 110kW and 250Nm, the electric motor makes 85kW and 300Nm.

Combined, they offer 180kW and 400Nm, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Claimed electric range from the 12.8kWh battery pack is up to 65km.

There’s no spare wheel in the VZe due to the hybrid hardware under the floor, and the Leather Package (which doesn’t include the Beats sound system) replaces the Leather and Sound Package. An electric sunroof is also an option.

Cupra Leon VZx

The Leon VZx is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, sending 221kW and 400Nm to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It gains the following standard equipment over the wider range:

• 19-inch black and copper alloy wheels
• Side skirts
• Quad exhaust
• Supersport steering wheel with additional buttons, heating
• Petrol blue dashboard, leather bucket seats
• Heated front seats with driver adjustment and memory
• Memory mirrors
• Beats sound system

The following options are available:

• Brembo brake package (deletes spare wheel for tyre repair kit)
• Electric sunroof

MORE: Q&A with Ben Wilks, Cupra Australia managing director