Cupra, if you’ve not come across it before, is a sporty car brand on the up, Born out of SEAT, the stylish Spanish carmaker’s vibrant image is building nicely, developing into an intriguing alternative to more sobre-suited premium brands such as BMW and Audi.
The Cupra Leon five-door hatchback brings some refreshing verve to the family car sector. Alongside alternatives such as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, it really stands out, thanks to its racy body kit, large machined-finish alloy wheels and distinctive Cupra detailing.
Even the Cupra logo itself is distinctive – children of the 1980s have likened it to a Transformers logo. Cupra is famous for its copper detailing, which features both outside and in the lively Leon, and there’s a suitably cool range of colours to choose from, too.
We love the ultra-bright LED headlights, which include those distinctive ‘dynamic’ sweeping indicators that stand out so much on the move. Dark-tinted rear glass furthers the sporty appearance. It also makes your passengers feel like celebs and keeps your valuables away from prying eyes.
The Cupra Leon we’re reviewing here is the strikingly good value 1.5 eTSI, in value packed V1 trim. The engine is a 1.5-litre turbo with eco-conscious mild hybrid technology: you don’t have to plug it in, but do benefit from extended engine stop-start, which helps save fuel. It delivers an electric boost for more immediate acceleration, too.
Impressively, it combines 47.9mpg fuel economy with 135g/km CO2 emissions and sprightly 0-62mph acceleration in 8.7 seconds. A standard seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox means it’s easy to drive, and having seven gears is far cooler than just five or six, right?
The feel-good vibes continue inside. You’ll first notice the liberal use of chrome and copper trim, giving it a distinctive look that’s different from most other family-sized five-doors. When it’s dark, built-in ambient lighting gives it a colourful appearance – it’s a bit like being in an aircraft at night.
The Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSI V1 has sports seats and a fancy flat-bottom steering wheel, a bit like racing car drivers use. Hidden behind it is a full electronic instrument display, which Cupra calls its Digital Cockpit, and again oozes racecar vibes.
In the centre, the Cupra Leon has a large-format 12.0-inch touchscreen display. This masterminds all the car’s major functions, with snazzy sliders for climate control temperature, and plenty of displays to hone the car’s setup. It has wireless Apple CarPlay too, along with wired Android Auto, so you’ll never be separated from your smartphone while on the move.
For such a sporty car, the Cupra Leon is surprisingly spacious inside. The driving position is spot-on, rear seat passengers have loads of room, and the 380-litre boot is a very generous size. Fold the rear seats and it’s a voluminous do-it-all car that’s as happy driving to the local council tip as it is making you smile on a twisting country road.
What makes the Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSI V1 special is that it’s a great all-rounder whatever you’re looking for from your next lease car. For those seeking a sporty family hatch that’s a little different to the norm it ticks that box, but it still offers great value for money. We think it’s well worth checking out.
Whether you need a personal or business lease, speak to our team today on 0344 387 2727 or email info@intelligentcarleasing.com for friendly, expert advice.
This entry was posted in Top Car Choices on by Charlie Strand
Categories : Top Car Choices, Vehicle News/Review
