2021 Cupra Leon: Plug-In Hybrid Hot Hatch Hits The European Market

The new Cupra Leon is about to enter the European market, ready to take the fight against a wide range of hot hatches that includes the Honda Civic Type R, the closely-related VW Golf GTE, and more.

Just like the model it replaces, the new Cupra Leon will be offered in two body styles, a five-door hatchback, and the Sportstourer wagon.

Read Also: 2021 Cupra Formentor Stars In 97 New Photos As Engine Lineup Detailed

Based on the same MLB Evo platform as the VW Golf GTI, the new Cupra Leon features a progressive steering system, adaptive dampers (DCC) than can be precisely tuned to your preference via the new slider selector, optional Brembo brakes, and an electronically locking differential on FWD models.

For the first time in the history of the model, customers will get to choose between four powertrain options, all of them paired to a seven-speed DSG; sadly a manual transmission isn’t available.

The interior of the new Cupra Leon features standard bucket seats, a Cupra-branded leather steering wheel with the drive-mode selector and the engine-start button, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system with 3D online navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an advanced voice and gesture control.

The highlight of the 2021 Cupra Leon range is of course the new 242 HP plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combines a 147 HP 1.4-liter TSI with a 113 HP electric motor and a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Cupra claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).

The new Cupra Leon e-Hybrid also offers an EV range of 34-37 miles (55-60km) per the WLTP, while the battery can be recharged in as little as 3.5 hours using a Wallbox.

The other three powertrain options use the familiar 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder engine that’s offered in various states of tune; the base version of the TSI-powered Cupra Leon offers 242 HP (245 PS) and 272 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque while those looking for some extra grunt can opt for the model with the 296 HP (300 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Both of the aforementioned TSI models send their power to the front wheels.

The most powerful variant of the 2.0-liter TSI can be found exclusively in the Sportstourer model equipped with all-wheel-drive, making 306 HP and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm).