New 2020 Cupra Leon Hatch And Wagon Are Here As Golf GTI’s Slightly Hotter Mediterranean Cousins

Cupra has unveiled the new Leon hatchback and wagon, ahead of their debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Looking slightly more aggressive than their Seat counterparts, the Cupra Leons are distinguished by a unique front fascia that features a revised grille and sportier air intakes.

The subtle styling changes continue further back as the hotter Leon has aerodynamic side skirts and special alloy wheels with available bronze accents. The model also has a stylish diffuser and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system on higher-end variants.

Also Read: New 2020 Seat Leon Is A Golf Mk8 With Personality

The minor tweaks continue in the cabin as drivers will find a Cupra-branded flat-bottom steering wheel, bronze accents and bronze contrast stitching. The model also has sport seats, illuminated door sill plates and dark aluminum trim.  Other highlights include an ambient lighting system and sportier pedals.

Besides the special interior touches, the model features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system.  The latter boasts natural voice control as well as Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay support.

Under the hood, there’s a 2.0-liter TSI petrol engine that will be available in three different outputs.  In base form, the engine produces 242 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque.  Customers can also opt for a mid-level variant which has 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.  The most powerful version is exclusive to the wagon and it has 306 hp (228 kW / 310 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.

The first two engines are connected to a dual-clutch transmission which sends power to the front wheels via an electronic limited slip differential.  The range-topping estate, on the other hand, has all-wheel drive.

Cupra didn’t go into specifics, but confirmed one of these versions will be able to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.8 seconds.  The model will also be able to hit an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Of course, the big news is the addition a new plug-in hybrid variant.  It features a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine, an electric motor and a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.  This setup enables the car to produce a combined output of 242 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.

While the plug-in hybrid isn’t the most powerful variant, the model can travel up to 37 miles (60 km) on electricity alone in the WLTP cycle.  When the battery is depleted, it can be charged in as little as 3.5 hours using a 3.6kW AC Wall box or six hours using a 230V socket.

Besides the hotter powertrains, the Cupra Leon features a sport suspension, Brembo brakes and an adaptive chassis control system.  The model also has four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Cupra and Individual – as well as a lower center of gravity as it sits 0.8-1.0 inches (20-25 mm) lower than the Seat Leon.

The Cupra Leon will be launched later this year and the company is already accepting pre-orders.