“They already took power from the Leon”, “It doesn’t run so much anymore”, and many more comments were made by some well-known readers that I always find in the car wash, prior to the return. So the explanation of why both previous arguments are wrong begins.
By principle of accounts, CUPRA León continues to be CUPRA León, maintaining its 300 Hp, as well as all the equipment, performance, sophistication and of course the price. So the brand thought: why not broaden our market spectrum with a “decaffeinated” but effective formula? Of course, the above also includes the price and, in fact, this is when we remember that it is not the first time they have done it, since the same thing happened with Formentor (a success, by the way).
CUPRA León 245 2023: “Decaffeinated”, in quotes
The 245 obeys the power that this feline effectively puts to the ground through 272 Lb-ft of torque, via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, already very well known in the group. Go quick? Yes, is it reactive? Soberly, is he a worthy rival? Definitely. Of course a lot will depend on what you want to do with it, but in any case, León 245 will be ready to cope with city traffic, go out to dinner or have fun on a track day.
The essence of CUPRA remains implicit from the setting, and it has nothing to do with the interior finishes, we’ll talk about that later. I mean what it transmits to you since you turn it on:
- It retains that semi-rigid touch in its march. The suspension thinks of grip and stability, even so it remains comfortable, well planted; where you point it goes
- It’s airtight, yet the hoarse exhaust notes seep seductively into the cabin
- Yes, there is turbo lag, but you better be prepared once you get over 2,000rpm
- By not having manual mode, the transmission is always ready at the indications of the paddles on the steering wheel
- Through the driving modes, the engine mappings are modified, in CUPRA mode, the Leon 245 power delivery is more forceful and yes, it can go very fast
- With a lot of skill and expertise, a lot of fun can be had on a safe track by turning off the traction control (ECS).
CUPRA León 245 2023: Subtle differences, same personality
The silhouette does not present major changes except for some specific aesthetic “tweaks” for this version: It maintains the same design of sports fascias, headlights and LED skulls, as well as a sliding glass roof, while the details that make a difference are:
- 18″ matte/polished wheels
- rear diffuser
- Dual exhaust outlet (one per side)
- Side mirrors in satin finish are on request.
CUPRA Leon 245: CUPRA atmosphere
Inside the passenger compartment, CUPRA “breathes” in every corner, which is very appropriate, because at the end of the day, the customer aspires to that: the brand’s language, as well as its design and equipment proposal. In that sense, I welcome the fact that a high percentage of the equipment contained in the “normal” CUPRA León is preserved, that is to say, among other components we will have:
- ambient lighting
- digital display
- 12” touch screen with Wireless full link
- Cloth-trimmed sport seats and multifunction steering wheel
- electrical package
- Reversing camera (optional).
The only thing that the CUPRA 245 has to “envy” its older brother is the Beats Audio system, four airbags (the 245 only has 6) and the colors in matt finish for the body, exclusive to the version with 300 Hp.
I buy it?
In case of having a budget limit and flat out the “little pig” of savings gave everything, the answer is yes. CUPRA 245 is still a great “toy”, but also a good car for daily use, especially when these hot hatches are increasingly scarce on the market, At least until we see the return of the Volkswagen GTI, some Peugeot or Ford model. From then on, both the BMW 1 Series and the Audi S3 skyrocket in price, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback lacks explosiveness.
CUPRA Leon 245 2023: Price
