Cupra Leon

Summary

Launched in early 2020, the Cupra Leon is a sporty, performance-focused version of the SEAT Leon, available in both hatchback and estate body styles.

The Cupra Leon has also been heavily influenced by the Volkswagen Golf performance models – the GTE, GTI and Golf R models. The base-spec Leon gets the Golf GTI’s 245hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine under its bonnet, while the top spec Leon gets a 300hp unit that’s very similar to the Golf R’s 320hp engine. There’s also a plug-in hybrid version, which takes its combination of 1.4-litre petrol engine and electric motor from the Golf GTE.

The Cupra Leon has been generally well-received by the UK media, some reviewers labelling the Leon as a class-leader in the hot hatch category, while the large majority conclude that it doesn’t all come together to quite the same standard as the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Evo conclude that “the new Leon lacks the performance and engagement” of the Golf that inspired it, and Top Gear agrees, adding that “this Cupra is lacking the edge to establish itself as a worthwhile addition to the hot hatch hall of fame.”

However, many reviewers are quick to point out how surprisingly practical the Cupra Leon is day-to-day, particularly the estate variant. The Sun comments that the Leon “will slip into family life seamlessly”, while Car Keys explain that “the Leon Estate is a real all-rounder of a car, as it’s able to deliver thrills, performance and excitement on everyday drives, yet at the same time is seriously practical to use as a family car.”

Auto Trader also point out that the exterior design of the Cupra Leon is “an impressive twist on its Golf GTI foundations and arguably the more attractive choice.”

As of January 2024, the Cupra Leon holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 72%. That’s four points behind the Golf GTI, and the same score as the regular SEAT Leon range.

Leon highlights

Attractive exterior looks
A practical all-rounder
Great straight-line speed
Responsive handling and body control

Leon lowlights

No manual gearbox options
Not as engaging to drive as some rivals
plug-in hybrid version is notably bland
Constantly reminding your friends that its not a SEAT

Key specifications

Body style: Medium hatchback/estate
Engines: petrol, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £34,400 on-road

Launched: Spring 2020
Last updated: Autumn 2022
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“Now covering a wide range of options offering tepid to hot performance, there’s something for everyone in the Cupra Leon range.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic
Score: 9 / 10
“If Cupra’s branding is hard to get your head around, the cars themselves are far simpler to understand. And, in this case, very easy to be impressed by. Good looking, quick, superbly fun to drive and well equipped for the money, the Cupra Leon 2.0 TSI 300 is just a great hot hatchback.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic VZ2
Score: 9 / 10
“Fast, stylish and well-equipped, Cupra’s take on the Leon is an impressive twist on its Golf GTI foundations and arguably the more attractive choice.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic VZ2 estate
Score: 9 / 10
“Stylish, understated and fun to drive the Cupra Leon Estate combines hot hatch performance with family car practicality.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Practicality and comfort propel the Cupra Leon to the top of its class, even though we can’t help wishing for a manual gearbox. And the 245 loses very little compared with the 300 other than several thousand pounds off the price. We suspected it before and this test confirms it: a plain Cupra Leon is an improved and better-value Volkswagen Golf GTI.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The non-Clubsport Volkswagen Golf GTI should be much more concerned. That the Cupra Leon is also the more spacious of the two cousins and has plenty of premium feel only hardens its case. Either way, this Cupra is a welcome addition to the class.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“Clever plug-in hybrid powertrain in a hot Leon hatch sounds more uniquely appealing than it turns out to be.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Exciting performance with a well-judged chassis.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid hatchback
Score: 6 / 10
“If you view the Cupra Leon e-Hybrid as a hot hatch that’s going to cost pennies to run, you’re going to be disappointed. But as a comfortable, plug-in hybrid hatchback that occasionally uses its electric assistance to lighten up the mood, you have yourself a well-rounded, sporty-looking family car.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic VZ2 estate
Score: 9 / 10
“The Cupra Leon Estate is a real all-rounder of a car, as it’s able to deliver thrills, performance and excitement on everyday drives, yet at the same time is seriously practical to use as a family car.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Cupra Leon is a stylish, high-performance take on the standard hatch that’s a desirable alternative to mainstream rivals.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Cupra Leon looks a bit sportier than the old model, but it doesn’t go all out like the mad Honda Civic Type R. There are big air intakes and a low splitter, plus new side skirts, lowered suspension and 19-inch alloys.”
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Eurekar+

Model reviewed:
“The Cupra Leon is further proof that the split from SEAT is not simply a case of rebadging existing models. These cars will be featuring their very own identity and further ventures into electrification are on the way too.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic VZ2 estate
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s capable and handsome, but the new Leon lacks the performance and engagement of its predecessors.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic TSI 300
Score: 9 / 10
“One of the sharpest hot hatchbacks money can buy right now, despite weird branding.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Cupra Leon is the Dexter Morgan of the hot hatch world. Like the lead character of TV show Dexter – a meek, unassuming crime-scene analyst who does an exceptional job of hiding the fact that he’s actually a deranged serial killer – the Cupra is adept at disguising its penchant for dispatching twisting country roads.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“A hot version of the new SEAT Leon, the Cupra Leon follows the Ateca in being sold as a standalone Cupra model. It’s available in five-door hatch or estate body styles as well with plug-in hybrid or petrol engine powertrains.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Reborn fast Leon also offers plug-in hybrid technology”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic VZ2
“The Cupra Leon is the most spicy of hatchbacks, and will slip into family life seamlessly.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic VZ2 estate
Score: 8 / 10
“The Cupra Leon Estate truly manages to be one for all seasons and all reasons. There’s a whiff of opportunity missed, though, because with the 292bhp powertrain and suspension from the hatchback, it would be an even better car. It’s still one of the finest fast estates on the market – and that makes it alright by us.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic VZ2
Score: 10 / 10
“The Cupra Leon is, in short, a hot hatch par excellence. The only thing you’ll really find to dislike about it, apart perhaps from some of the scratchy interior plastics, is its infuriating infotainment system. It’s one of the best hot hatchbacks on the market today.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“This Cupra is lacking the edge to establish itself as a worthwhile addition to the hot hatch hall of fame.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“Once the battery’s dead, this is no hot hatch. It’s just a heavy car with a small engine. So go purely petrol if you want a Cupra Leon for fun.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: eHybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“The Cupra Leon eHybrid is a very fine plug-in hybrid to drive, but a very mediocre hot hatchback.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 88%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 80%

Notes on safety rating

As the Cupra Leon is effectively a performance version of the SEAT Leon, Euro NCAP have decided to use the same safety test for both cars. They conducted some additional whiplash tests on the Cupra Leon, but concluded that the results were the same as the SEAT, and awarded the Cupra a five-star rating.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Cupra Leon has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the July 2023 to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Leon, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	41 mpg	D	34 – 48 mpg	C – D
Plug-in hybrid models	217 mpg	A	217 – 217 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	157 g/km	C	134 – 186 g/km	A – C
Plug-in hybrid models	29 g/km	A	29 – 31 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	33 miles	E	32 – 34 miles	E – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	27	B	20 – 33	A – C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£238	B
Year 2	£593	B
Year 3	£1,003	B
Year 4	£1,249	C
Year 5	£1,681	C
Overall	£4,764	B

The Cupra Leon is pitched as a performance version of the regular SEAT Leon, and it will certainly cost you more to run. In particular, fuel consumption from the 2.0-litre petrol engine is below average. The plug-in hybrid model looks great on paper, but that’s because the EU/UK goverment lab tests are useless for assessing plug-in hybrids.

Insurance grouping is reasonable, so the Leon shouldn’t cost too much to insure. Scheduled servicing costs are also quite good for the first three years, then get more expensive as the car gets older, which is something to bear in mind if you’re looking at a used Cupra Leon.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Cupra Leon, you might also be interested in these alternatives

The Cupra Leon faces some tough competition, particularly from rivals from within the Volkswagen Group family, such as the Skoda Octavia vRS and Volkswagen Golf GTI. Other close competitors include the Ford Focus ST, the Hyundai i30 N, the Renault Megane RS and the Honda Civic Type R.

However, the Cupra Leon is the only one of these hot hatch options that has a plug-in hybrid variant available.