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A tad sinister

The updated Leon is instantly recognizable. Whereas the previous version was still a Seat in disguise with a different logo, the updated Leon has finally been given its own face. That starts with the so-called “sharknose” front and the pointed headlights with distinctive LED “triangles.” At the back runs a continuous light bar with an illuminated Cupra logo in the middle – which makes for a striking light show, especially at night.

Our test car has a matte green paint for which you have to pay over two grand extra, but admittedly, it makes the Leon a bold but handsome appearance. The copper-colored 19-inch wheels complete the sinister look. The four exhaust tailpipes have also received a lick of copper paint, but are obviously there for show. One can argue about taste, but one thing is certain: the Leon stands out. And in a sea of gray lease cars, our country can use the Leon for that.

Performance car

Inside, Cupra stays true to its sporty image. Bucket seats clench you tight, while the steering wheel with a Cupra button (sport mode) makes you feel like you’re in a serious performance car. The new 12.9-inch touchscreen is again a size larger and works faster than before, and the much-discussed touch-sliders – previously much criticized – finally work a bit better, as they are now illuminated.

Trembling spine

Stealing the show is the optional Sennheiser audio system. Cupra and Sennheiser have joined forces, resulting in a system with eleven speakers, a 390-watt amplifier and a subwoofer so powerful that it massages your spine with every bass note. So the pennies you spend on this audio system can be saved on massage chairs.

Spicy

With 272 hp under your right foot, the Cupra Leon PHEV is far from tame. The 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and electric motor work together smoothly, providing a 0-100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds. The DSG automatic transmission shifts smoothly, although it can sometimes hesitate a bit at low speeds. The electric motor can easily do all the work on its own, too. Even in EV mode, the Cupra feels a bit snappy.

Driving experience  

All the power goes to the front wheels. When the engines work together, the tires sometimes struggle. A little moisture or vapor on the road surface and you’ve got some serious wheelspin when pulling away or jerks through the driveline. But as soon as they find grip, you fly off. The Cupra button on the steering wheel turns everything on: quicker throttle response, tighter steering and a more powerful engine sound. The sound is artificial, but that doesn’t bother us immensely.

The balance is there

Thanks to Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), you can adjust the suspension to suit your mood. Even in comfort mode you notice that the car has sporty genes, but it’s still pleasant. In sport mode it really tightens its muscles and you can have some serious fun cornering. Cupra has found a good balance between sportiness and practicality. For daily use it is a fine all-rounder: sporty enough for driving fun, but not uncomfortable for long drives.

Electric range that is truly usable

But the Leon has more to offer. For one thing, it is also very economical. Thanks to a 19 kWh battery pack, it can drive up to 125 kilometers electrically. In winter – with temperatures below freezing – we still saw 80 kilometers of range. Once the sun broke through and the temperature rose to 12 degrees, that shot up to 115 kilometers. That means you can actually easily do all your daily trips fully electric. Moreover, you can recharge it at a fast charger with 50 kW during a long trip. In 25 minutes, the battery is back to 80%. At home, you charge at 11 kW, which means about 2.5 hours for a full battery.

Luggage space  

As with most plug-in hybrids, the battery takes up luggage space. The hatchback offers 345 liters, a bit less than the gasoline variant. The Sportstourer (station wagon) offers 470 liters, making it a better choice if you have a family that likes to go on car vacations.

Conclusion  

The updated Cupra Leon PHEV is a successful blend of sportiness and electrification. The looks are bold, the powertrain is strong, and it offers plenty of interior space – especially as a Sportstourer. It’s fast when you want it to be, economical when you need it to be, and striking without being garish. The 100 kilometer electric range makes it truly unique, as there are no competitors that offer the same. Unless you store within the Volkswagen Group, because then you’ll also encounter the PHEV powertrain in the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, with which the Leon shares its platform.

What does the Cupra Leon cost?

For the 204-hp Leon hatchback you will have to pay 42,990 euros and for the 272-hp version you will spend at least 46,990 euros. For the Leon Sportstourer (estate), regardless of the version, you will spend 1,000 euros more. So the Cupra Leon is not a bargain, but it is certainly unique.