The facelifted Cupra Leon Hatch will finally be launched in Australia in October, when it will be released in mild-hybrid entry-level and 221kW VZx flagship forms, before a 150kW ‘Ve’ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant arrives early next year.
Speaking with CarExpert at the local launch of the all-new Terramar mid-size SUV, Cupra Australia head of product Jeff Shafer confirmed the three-tier small-car range and said the decision to import the lower-output PHEV instead of the 200kW version is a case of “trying something different”.
“The hatchback is a bit of a smaller car. We want to look at where that lands in terms of price point,” Mr Shafer said.
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It means the facelifted Leon range will look a little different to the outgoing lineup, which comprises 140kW V, 180kW VZ, 180kW VZe and 221kW VZx grades.
The new Leon S mHEV will form the lowest rung on the ladder, powered by the Volkswagen Group’s 1.5 eTSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. Making 110kW and 250Nm, it’s the same powertrain that just launched in the larger Terramar and already does service in the Audi A3 35 TFSI – both of which share the Leon’s MQB evo underpinnings.
Expect it to be something of an efficiency leader, too. While not a full hybrid like you’ll find in a Toyota Corolla, the Leon Hatch 1.5 eTSI claims to consume just 5.3L/100km on the strict WLTP combined cycle based on UK specifications, and emits 122g/km of CO2.
Driving the front wheels via a seven-speed ‘DSG’ dual-clutch automatic transmission, the mild-hybrid Leon accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 9.0 seconds and has a top speed of 216km/h – the UK-spec Corolla Hatch 1.8L hybrid manages a 9.1-second sprint and consumes 4.4-4.7L/100km, for reference.
Meanwhile, the new Leon Ve PHEV uses a 150kW version of the VW Group’s second-gen PHEV system, which teams the 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engine with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor and a 25.8kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery pack.
It’s the same running gear as the 200kW e-Hybrid, just with lower system outputs. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto. Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 7.7 seconds (versus 7.1 for the 200kW variant), with top speed listed at a claimed 220km/h (versus 229km/h).
Thanks to its smaller wheel and tyre package globally, the 150kW Leon e-Hybrid offers a slightly longer WLTP-certified EV driving range (124-132km versus 121-122km) than its more powerful sibling, while both can be DC fast-charged at up to 50kW, which replenishes the battery from 10-80 per cent in a claimed 26 minutes.
Mr Shafer didn’t rule out the more powerful Leon Hatch PHEV entirely for Australia, but he did confirm the 200kW version as the launch drivetrain for the new Leon Sportstourer wagon, which is due in Australia around the same time.
Sitting atop the hatchback range will be the carryover 221kW/400Nm VZx, which uses the same tune of the EA888 2.0 TSI four-cylinder turbo engine as the VW Golf GTI Clubsport that forbidden fruit for the Australian market.
The performance flagship dashes from 0-100km/h in a swift 5.7 seconds (claimed), on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
Mr Shafer didn’t let on much about potential pricing and specifications, but we’re expecting the Spanish brand to go hard on value to reassert itself in the premium small passenger car segment.
The Leon Hatch range originally started from $49,190 drive-away for the 140kW Leon V for model year 2024, but that has since been revised to $39,265 drive-away based on current advertised run-out offers.
A mid-$40,000 drive-away starting price would put the Leon S mHEV in the thick of high-spec mainstream and low-spec premium competition – think Corolla ZR, Mazda 3 G25 Astina, Golf Style and Civic e:HEV L – and we expect the VZx flagship should remain around the current model’s $63,000 drive-away mark.
As for the new Leon Ve, it’s more unclear. The pre-facelift VZe never got nationwide drive-away pricing like the non-PHEV models and, as such, commands a premium over the VZx once on-road costs are factored in.
However, using the outgoing model’s $61,690 RRP sticker as a guide and considering Australia’s new emissions legislation as a guide, Cupra may be intending to really sharpen the pencil with its new entry-level plug-in hybrid.
CarExpert expects the Leon Ve to start at around $50,000 before on-road costs, and for drive-away pricing (irrespective of a potential nationwide offer) to come in under $60,000.
The e-Hybrid version would also give Cupra a unique point of difference within the VW Group locally, as well as the wider small passenger car segment, as no other vehicle at the mainstream or premium ends of the market currently offers a PHEV option – though the Peugeot 308 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class have previously.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest in the lead up to the new Cupra Leon’s arrival in October.