Cupra has announced an upgraded version of the Leon hot hatchback, featuring its new corporate look.
The sporty offshoot from Seat has also applied the new styling to its Formentor SUV – said to ‘embrace the brand’s new design language’.
Styling inspiration comes in part from the electric Cupra Born, as the company aims to build on a successful 2023.
Last year, Cupra delivered 230,000 cars in total, with the Formentor accounting for 121,000 of those sales alone. Sales of the SUV were up 23 percent compared to 2022.
Less button bashing
The new Cupra styling for the Leon hatchback and Sportstourer estate will help differentiate them further from the Seat versions. The Formentor gets the same treatment, too.
It certainly looks distinctive, with triangular Matrix LED headlights and a wide lower air intake. An illuminated Cupra logo is found at the rear, plus there are new Century Bronze and Enceladus Grey matt paint colours.
The Cupra model update is more than just skin deep, though. Both the Leon and Formentor SUV have fresh engine options, along with tweaks to their infotainment systems.
Perhaps stung by the constant criticism of its infotainment system, Cupra has given the Leon and Formentor a new 12.9-inch display screen. There are no buttons, as before, but the slider controls are now backlit.
Eco-conscious performance
New materials have been used inside, aiming to give the Cupra brand improved environmental credentials. The sports seats now come with a choice of eco-conscious leather or microfibre upholstery, the latter made from 73 percent recycled fibres
Cupra has enhanced the plug-in hybrid powertrain option, with the eHybrid version now serving up 272hp. Compatible with 50kW fast-charging, the PHEV Leon and Formentor models can now cover up to 62 miles on battery power alone.
A range-topping version of the Formentor and Leon Sportstourer offers a new 333hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It also features a torque splitter – creating the potential for drifting action – and hardcore Akebono brakes for good measure.
Automotive emotion
“The Cupra Formentor and Leon have both been a driving force in the brand’s success as it expands its footprint around the world. It’s an approach that has been incredibly successful with close to 600,000 cars delivered since the brand’s launch in 2018,” said Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Cupra.
“The new Cupra Formentor and Leon are pure design obsession,” Griffiths added. “Two models built to provoke strong emotions and that strengthen the extraordinary bond with our tribe. Two models that represent what that small group of believers envisaged Cupra could be just a few years ago.”
Cupra is yet to confirm UK prices or final specifications for the updated Leon and Formentor. Expect more details to be announced before the first cars arrive this summer.
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