Cupra Leon review finds hatch paving the way to big things

Cupra is a new automotive player from Barcelona which comes with swagger and VW backing.

The 2023 model Cupra Leon V.

Think of it as German precision with an injection of European panache.

Spanish brand Cupra has arrived in Australia with a remit to find a niche audience. Distinctive styling and hi-tech appeal is the Cupra mandate and they don’t appeal to everyone – which is exactly the point.

Under the Volkswagen umbrella, Cupras aren’t distributed via a traditional dealership network. There are currently 10 “garages” open around the nation, yet you’re more likely to see the vehicles in pop-up operations in shopping centres or advertised through social channels.

Serviced through the VW outlets scattered throughout the nation, many buyers will purchase online.

Among the four vehicles currently on offer is the Leon V.

The turbocharged petrol hatch starts from just under $50,000 and is the cheapest Cupra you can buy.

It could well be a rare beast if company predictions come to fruition. Most of what we’ll see from the Barcelona challenger will be hybrids and electric vehicles – the latter is expected to encompass the entire line-up by 2030.

What do you get?

Starting from circa $48,000, that sounds like a reasonable whack for a compact hatch.

But the Leon V is a cousin to the VW Golf GTI. The Golf performance hatch has more power and torque (40kW/50Nm) but also has a drive-away price of $55,490 (current deal which is down from about $60k).

Basic equipment levels of the Leon are solid with the highlight inclusions metallic paint, 18-inch alloys, 12-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver instruments, wireless phone charging and smartphone mirroring apps, three-zone aircon as well as sports bucket seats.

Cupra is also throwing in three years of free servicing as part of the latest offer. That’s a $990 saving.

Optional extras include a $2450 pack which features leather trim, heated front seats, electric driver seat adjustment and a nine-speaker Beats sound system. The sunroof adds $1800, while premium metallic red or grey colour schemes are $475.

Cabin features of the 2023 Cupra Leon V.

How was the drive?

More warm than a hot hatch, the Leon V is a swashbuckling steer.

There is the VZ version which matches the Golf GTI outputs, but the base model is rewarding without being raucous.

Poise and balance are at the forefront with punchy acceleration and timely shifts from the seven-speed automatic gearbox. Using a dual-clutch automatic, the gear changes were smooth with limited slow speed hesitation – which can be a bugbear of this technology.

Changes in direction are handled with dexterity and keen drivers will enjoy its ability in winding terrain.

Dynamic shock absorbers change depending on the driver requirements which range from plush for comfortable activities through to firm for slicing through the bends.

Sling the Cupra Leon V into a bend and you can feel its VW heritage.

Would you buy one?

KEL: Easy and comfortable to drive, I liked how the performance didn’t overshadow the daily appeal. Given my love of heated seats and leather trim, I’d have to tick the optional extra box which would push the price past $50,000. It might be hard to then pick the Leon V against a Golf GTI – although the VW aircon functionality gets the thumbs down in my book.

GRANT: Attitude and confidence come to the fore. Cupra was born from hot hatches under the Seat nameplate in Europe and the Leon epitomises that history. I’d happily buy one, although I would probably be swayed by the VZ version with a grey paintjob and copper alloys.

Originally published as Cupra Leon review finds hatch paving the way to big things