Cupra Leon. Spanish lion
The Cupra Leon is a C-class passenger car produced since 2020 by Cupra, a sub-brand of SEAT (Spain), which is part of the VAG Group (Germany). The new Cupra Leon is the real family of ‘hot’ vehicles, comprising 5-door hatchbacks and Sportstourer estates, gasoline versions, rechargeable hybrids and electric cars, front- and all-wheel drive models. In 2021, the first generation Cupra Leon is available on the market.
The first generation
It has been produced from 2020 to the present (as of 2021). The first Cupra Leon is based on the 4th generation SEAT Leon. The external dimensions of the Cupra body are the same as those of ordinary Leons. However, in order to lower the center of gravity, the front bodywork of the new vehicles has become closer to the ground by 25 mm and the stern - by 20 mm.
The Cupra Leon differs from the standard SEAT models by the Cupra logo on the radiator grille, a different bumper, enlarged air intakes, a diffuser in the rear bumper, a larger spoiler at the rear, an original radiator grille and unusual 18/19-inch wheels.
The innovative Volkswagen Group’s Travel Assist with predictive speed control will ensure your safety
The major differences of this model from the basic SEAT comprise: a retuned chassis, a fully independent suspension, including a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The new Cupra Leon is equipped with adaptive electronically controlled shock absorbers, has a lower ground clearance, a different setting for the electric power steering. The front axle is equipped with Brembo brakes with 370 mm discs.
The passenger compartment has seats with increased lateral supports, signature brass-colored decor, original graphics of virtual instruments, a sports steering wheel with the buttons responsible for starting the engine and switching driving modes. The innovative Volkswagen Group’s Travel Assist with predictive speed control will ensure your safety, along with traffic jam assist, lane departure warning system and driver’s condition monitoring system, as well as the function that will inform you about the approach of another vehicle from behind when opening the door.
Modifications
Basic modification: a 2.0 TSI gasoline turbo engine with 310 hp (hatchback) or 300 hp (estate) and 400 Nm. It is equipped with a 7-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission with two clutches, front-wheel drive with the limited slip differential. Acceleration to 100 km/h occurs in 4.9 seconds (estate) or in 5.7 seconds (hatchback). The maximum speed reaches 250 km/h.
eHybrid modification: It is equipped with a 1.4 TSI turbo engine (150 hp and 250 Nm), a 6-speed preselective gearbox with an integrated electric motor (115 hp). It can produce a maximum of 245 hp and 400 Nm. The 13 kWh battery will be sufficient for 55-60 operational kilometers in electric mode (WLTP cycle). There is a simpler option that can produce a maximum of 204 hp.
The Cupra e-Racer accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, while its maximum speed is 270 km/h
Cupra Leon Competicion: this is a race version. The hatchback is designed for the TCR series, equipped with a 2.0 TSI turbo engine, boosted to 340 hp and 410 Nm, a 6-speed Hewland sequential gearbox. Acceleration to 100 km occurs in 4.5 seconds, and the maximum speed reaches 260 km/h.
Cupra e-Racer: this is an electric race hatchback for the Touring Car Championship, expected to be released in 2021. It is equipped with four electric motors with 680 hp and 960 Nm. The 65 kW/h battery is liquid-cooled. The vehicle accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, while its maximum speed is 270 km/h.
