The newest brand of the giant Volkswagen Group is making waves in Australia, and this is one of its latest arrivals.
Here are 5 things you should know about the Cupra Leon VZX.
you may not have heard
The Cupra arrived in Australia last year as Volkswagen’s Spanish spin-off.
Like Audi and Skoda, Cupra’s Australian division is literally under the same roof as Volkswagen. All four brands share much of the same hardware and technology, including the engine and transmission under the hood of this attractive hot hatch.
The Leon mechanically resembles a Golf GTI, but Cupra believes there are plenty of people ready to try something that stands out from the crowd.
strength in style
The Cupra makes a great first impression with its toned lines and attractive proportions highlighted by eye-catching details. Copper-colored accents stand out, highlighting the performance extras of his car, such as his Quad His exhaust pipes and gold-painted brake calipers, and the athletic stance of his High-Performance Hot His hatch. The inside is similar, with sports seats upholstered in blue leather with copper stitching and a high-tech digital display.
Cupra doesn’t need big leaps
Usually new brands ask buyers to bet their money in hopes of zero hardware and zero customer service. It is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that has supported the model for many years. Tuned to produce 221kW and 400Nm (more power than the cheaper VW Golf GTI but less than the more expensive Golf R), the Leon VZX can reach 100km/h in 5.7 seconds. can. It has the same six-speed dual-clutch automatic found on hot VWs, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential helps the front wheels keep power on the ground. There is no manual option, and those who insist on all-wheel-drive traction should move to the larger Cupra Ateca or Formentor SUVs.
Leon is good at driving
Sharper than a Golf GTI and easier to handle than a Trackday Special, the Leon comfortably covers daily commutes and weekend drives. Like the best hot hatches, the Leon has multiple modes from mild to wild, including driver-focused settings that combine pops and crackles from the exhaust note with occasional cheeky cornering angles. Precise steering and braking response is welcome, but over-reliance on the touchscreen for basic cabin functions can be a daily frustration.
just cheaper
Originally launched at an expensive $61,490 plus on-road cost, the Leon was slashed $1,500 from the price in January to $59,990 on-road, or $63,990 driveaway. Options like matte paint ($2300), Brembo brakes ($3600) and sunroof ($1800) don’t come cheap, but his five-year warranty, which includes three years of free service, does the trick.
Regardless, the Leon is equipped with a comprehensive suite of collision avoidance technologies, a digital dashboard and 10-inch central display, a nine-speaker Beats HiFi system, LED headlights and more.