New Cupra Leon Coming In 2020 With 242 HP, Plug-In Hybrid Power

The next Cupra Leon “warm” hatchback will be sold as a plug-in hybrid, Auto Express reports.

Seat will introduce the latest-generation Leon next year and recently confirmed that not only will standard models be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but the go-fast Cupra will also be available with a plug-in hybrid.

“In 2020, the new generation of Leon will come to market in five-door and ST [estate] versions,” Seat chief executive Luca de Meo stated.

“It will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain that will produce up to 245 PS and less than 50g/km of CO2 emissions. Just before the end of 2020 the Cupra Leon and Cupra Leon ST, both with plug-in hybrid versions, will arrive.”

A Cupra model that’s also fuel efficient

Cupra boss Wayne Griffiths confirmed that the 245 PS (242 hp) figure mentioned by de Meo refers to what the new plug-in hybrid Cupra Leon will have, not standard Seat-branded models. This means the latest Cupra model will have exactly the same power figure as the recently-revealed Seat Cupra Formentor concept but less than the current car with its 296 hp. However, it is likely a non-hybrid model with more grunt will be offered.

“We have to look as well at performance hybrids. At the moment, the combined performance is good but we could do even more. There’s a lot of stuff we could look at – electric rear-axle drive, for example,” Griffiths said.

Underpinning the fourth-generation Seat Leon will be an upgraded MQB platform and at least one plug-in hybrid version will offer an all-electric driving range of at least 31 miles (50 km).

From a styling perspective, our spy photographers report that the new Leon will share some styling cues with the Tarraco SUV. Inside, the hatchback will be the first VW Group vehicle outfitted with an infotainment system supporting over-the-air updates.