Cupra is hard at work developing a plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Seat Leon set to premiere on January 28.
The new Seat Leon will be based on an updated version of the VW Group’s MQB platform, much like the new VW Golf and Skoda Octavia and sold in a number of petrol and diesel-powered guises. Cupra, the Spanish automaker’s performance car sub-brand will initially launch a plug-in hybrid version with 241 hp.
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It is understood that this model, sold in both hatchback and estate guises, will use the same 1.4-liter TSI petrol and electric motor combination as the range-topping Seat-badged Leon variant. However, whereas that model will be good for 201 hp, Autocar got confirmation that the Cupra variant will deliver an impressive 241 hp. That powertrain was in fact previewed in the Cupra Formentor concept and is expected to be used on more future models.
The added grunt should help propel it to 62 mph (100 km/h) in roughly 6.5 seconds and will be good for an all-electric of up to 35 miles (56 km) thanks to the 13 kWh battery pack.
While the Cupra Leon family will be topped out by this variant initially, it won’t remain as the fastest and most powerful Leon model for long. In fact, Cupra is said to be developing a potent R-badged variant that will feature the same 2.0-liter petrol turbo four-cylinder engine as the next-generation VW Golf R, good for more than 300 hp and paired with an all-wheel drive system. This variant should be capable of hitting 62 mph in less than five seconds.
