Cupra is a car brand that is really on the rise, with sales continuing to climb, and (as of the end of November 2022), it had registered almost twice as many cars this year as it did last.
It now sells more cars than brands like Jaguar and Lexus in the UK, and with a growing line-up of models, is only set to continue on its upwards trajectory. There’s an increasing choice of electrified models, too, including the Born EV and the Formentor e-Hybrid.
There are also e-Hybrid versions of the popular Cupra Leon. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about them.
Impressive efficiency
For the Cupra Leon’s powertrain, it pairs together a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a 12.8kWh battery, and it’s the latter that’s of particular focus when it comes to efficiency,
Once that battery is charged up, Cupra claims you could see up to a claimed 37 miles of electric driving, which allows for some impressive efficiency figures if you make the most of that. Cupra claims up to 217mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 29g/km, but you will need to complete the majority of your driving on electric to see those kinds of figures.
Good performance
Cupra hasn’t, however, forgotten about the need for performance, with the Leon offering plenty in this respect.
Pushing out 242bhp, this plug-in hybrid is able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 140mph. Cupra’s Drive Selection is also fitted across the line-up, letting you switch between various driving modes, from sportiness to comfort, depending on your preference.
Superb equipment levels
On the subject of equipment, it’s something the Cupra Leon e-Hybrid most certainly isn’t lacking, This electrified model is available in two trims – VZ2 and VZ3 – with all models coming with 20-inch alloy wheels, a 12-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring and sports bucket seats.
At the top of the line-up, the VZ3 brings leather upholstery, Matrix LED headlights and a suite of additional driver assistance technology.
Sharp styling
Cupra has become well known for the sporty appearance of its cars, and the Leon is no exception. This is a very smart model, headed up by sharp triangular LED headlights, while around the rear, it’s dominated by a huge light bar that spreads across the full width, and gives the car a particularly cool look at night.
Large 19-inch alloy wheels are also fitted as standard, while you can also choose matte shades of blue and grey for additional style.
Choice of bodystyles
The final trick up the Leon e-Hybrid’s sleeve is that it’s available as both a five-door hatchback and as a more practical estate model.
Though the boot is smaller in the plug-in hybrid than the regular Cupra Leon, it still measures a reasonable 270 litres in the hatchback and 470 litres in the case of the estate.
Prices for the Cupra Leon e-Hybrid start from £37,425 for the hatchback and £38,190 for the estate
