Cupra Leon – Back to Basics

Cupra Leon VZ Business, €47,490

Although the Seat and Cupra Leon share their carriages (plural, because both are available as a five-door hatchback and as a station wagon), the Volkswagen Group markets them very differently. This is evident from the different starting prices, but also from the engines. The Seat range starts with a 1-liter TSI with 90 hp, while the Cupra is only available with the 245 hp plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Cupra brand originated from Seat’s sporty label, so Cupra’s products are mainly aimed at those who value dynamic handling and/or appearance. A Cupra Leon is therefore always decorated with sportier bumper work, dark gray and copper-colored accents, LED daytime running lights at the front and rear and 19-inch wheels with 235-wide rubber all around.

Called the ‘VZ Business’ entry-level model, it is hardly – if not – distinguishable from the Cupra’s Leon in one of the more expensive trim levels, of which there are four. Even one gimmick as the Cupra logo that projects the car to the ground when unlocked is standard. Not metallic paint again: a sporty Leon that has been put together by hand on the cut, can be recognized by a white uni paint. Metallic costs from €800 extra, the matt paint in blue or gray, which is characteristic of the relatively fresh brand, even costs €2,625.

After taking a seat in the interior, you are not strongly reminded that you went for the loafer. Unlock and start keyless and in any case you take a seat on sporty seats with Cupra logos under a canopy covered in dark fabric. Leather upholstery is only standard from the fourth trim level. That decoration is reflected on the dashboard, accompanied by copper-colored stitching.

Heated steering wheel

On that dashboard you will always find an infotainment screen with a diameter of 12 inches, with which you operate the climate control with automatic air conditioning in three zones. The system also offers access to wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a navigation function. If your route is clear with the help of it, adaptive cruise control makes the mileage easier. You steer with a button-studded and even heated steering wheel. Remarkable, because seat heating is only standard from the second trim level. Parking is made easier by rear parking sensors, although the Cupra Leon from the second trim level also has a reversing camera, sensors in the front and an ‘intelligent parking aid’.

What is also striking is that – except for one – all safety systems are standard. Fatigue and traffic sign recognition, lane keeping, emergency braking system, blind spot sensor; you name it, and it’s done. Only the more extensive ‘lane keeping plus’, with an emergency and travel assist for semi-autonomous functions, is only available to the Cupra from the third trim level.

Other features include heated and folding exterior mirrors, illuminated door sills, four USB-C connections, privacy glass, and mood lighting. voice control and even adaptive dampers as standard equipment. Add to that the fact that the Spaniard has a potentially economical powertrain (59 km electric range according to WLTP) that delivers decent performance as desired (0-100 in 6.7 seconds), and you know that for a good €47,000 you can get a pretty complete car. buys. The additional cost for the considerably more spacious station wagon is €1,000. The choice is yours!