Cupra Leon VZx review reveals a classy hot hatch

Packing ample punch, the Cupra Leon VZx is a genuine hot hatch that keen drivers will love.

The Cupra Leon VZx.

Fledging brand Cupra continues to maintain momentum.

Having been on sale in Australia for more than two years, the Barcelona-based marque owned by the Volkswagen group is holding its own.

Compared to last year, total sales for the brand are down. Although Cupra is still leading the likes of Fiat, Genesis, Jaguar and Polestar, and isn’t far off Peugeot and Jeep.

Of the four Cupra models currently on sale, the Leon has been a steady performer.

There’s a trio of four-cylinder engines across the three-prong Leon range, and our family sampled the most potent derivative which aims to deliver a spicy daily drive for about $63,000 once on-roads are settled.

What do you get?

Having driven the base V model earlier in the year, the VZx is certainly the catwalk victor. It’s set apart with 19-inch copper alloy wheels, quad exhaust and body kit on the outside, while inside are blue leather-trimmed heated sports seats with matching dash and a nine-speaker Beats sound system.

They are the key VZx upgrades, with all Leons also coming with a 12-inch central touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver instruments, wireless phone charging and smartphone mirroring apps, along with three-zone aircon.

For those considering track days the Brembo brake package is worth a look at $3600 (but you do lose the space-saver spare and instead get a repair kit), while the other optional extra is an electric sunroof for $1800.

Two matt paint finishes cost $2300, and a special grey hue is an additional $475. White, black and grey are complimentary options.

Warranty coverage meets the industry standard of five years and unlimited kilometres. Two prepaid servicing packs are available, three cost $990 and five are $1990 with intervals annual or every 15,000km.

If you live within 10km of a Cupra facility the team will pick up the vehicle for servicing and drop it back … although you can also get servicing through Volkswagen dealerships. There are now 14 Cupra garages in Australia and the brand is actively searching for partners to open more.

Among the Cupra Leon VZx cabin highlights are a 12-inch central touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver instruments, wireless phone charging and smartphone mirroring apps, along with three-zone aircon.

How was the drive?

Hit the start button and the sporty burble from the quad exhaust highlights the Leon VZx’s ability.

Some of that soundtrack comes from synthetic support, but there is no doubting it’s a genuine hot hatch.

Despite sharing its architectural underpinnings with the Volkswagen product, the top-shelf Leon delivers more power and torque than a Golf GTI and can achieve the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds.

In the metal it feels quicker and its steering is scalpel-sharp. Rapid changes in direction were achieved with ease and our test circuit featuring off-camber bumps and lumps posed no challenge for the Spanish rocket.

Steering wheel-mounted paddles provide manual-style control for the keen driver, although the seven-speed dual clutch transmission did a stellar job of finding the right cog without interference.

There are various drive modes available via the touch of a button on the steering wheel, with “Cupra” the most raucous of the lot and the one which sharpens all responses. That’s where the Leon shines and is at its loudest and proudest.

It’s beautifully balanced and grippy and one of the most accomplished hatches you’ll drive.

Some drivers will find the suspension firm, with sharp road impressions reverberating through the cabin. There is also reasonable tyre noise – especially for those in the back.

Dash functionality can be fiddly, with slider controls for the aircon, and most of the adjustments need to be made through the touchscreen. That means a clean and minimalist console design, with the trade-off additional steps for basic functions including adjusting the aircon fan level.

It does run on the most expensive unleaded, 98RON, and our average consumption of 8.6L/100km was nearly two litres more than the official figure from Cupra.

The Cupra Leon's range-topping VZx packs some punch with a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine good for 221kW and 400Nm.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Having driven the Leon V previously, I enjoyed that experience albeit it had no heated seats. The VZx requires an extra $15k although I can appreciate the additional performance and features. Cupra has a point of difference and an aura of individuality – but one of my friends did say they wouldn’t consider it as they hadn’t heard of the brand despite loving the look. I’d have to be in the hot hatch market, otherwise I could live with the cheaper and less potent versions. But I think I could definitely be swayed by the Ateca SUV which has the same engine and looks amazing.

Grant: Consider the VW Golf GTI a sharp suit. The Cupra Leon VZx adds pizzazz with funky kicks and an open neck shirt. This derivative of the Leon is designed for those who love driving. With many manufacturers moving away from the hot hatch genre it’s a rare beast which delivers dynamic performance within a beautiful package. I’d consider it up against another of my compact favourites, the Hyundai i30N, and the Cupra might just have the edge purely on charisma.

Originally published as Cupra Leon VZx review reveals a classy hot hatch