Cupra has not launched new models in 2022. Of course, the brand has not stopped throughout this year, since it has not stopped launching interesting versions. From the Cupra Born with 58 kWh that offers more autonomy to the incredible 390 CV Formentor VZ5. And now, the Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSi of 150 CV is a sample of it.
This new version is a giant step for the compact. Because for the brand to grow in volume, it has to break away from exclusively mounting the most powerful engines, which are the genesis of the firm. Transferring the emotion of driving the cars with the highest performance with more rational mechanics, as was done with the Formentor.
Cupra sells personality, that a Cupra “is not just another car.” Of course, it has its own positioning in the marking. Without being a generalist or premium (which, by the way, there are already brands in the group that cover both aspects).
We are going to check, after a morning driving it, if the new Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSi It is closer to the Cupra than to the Seat León (which was also sold with 150 CV). Has a starting price from 33,340 euros no discounts. You can already find offers for this version in our new car section, and you can also find a loan with the best conditions to pay for it more comfortably.
Exterior
It has the Cupra DNA, the brand tells us, with the range of matte colors and the rear LED lights joined at the rear.
The measurements do not change, since it retains 4,398 mm in length, by 1,799 mm in width and 1,492 mm in height. A full-fledged compact… although there are differences with the 300-hp Cupra León and the 245-hp Cupra that we also tested.
One of the most visible are the 18-inch wheels that color Cooper (copper). There are no changes to the front or the side, but there are changes to the rear, as it has a specific rear diffuser, in body color with dark aluminum exhaust trims.
For the rest, 100% Cupra image, which you can choose in eight colors. One soft (white), three metallic (white Snowfallblack midnight or gray Magnetic), two custom (red desire and gray Graphene) and the two characteristic mattes of the brand, the gray Magnetic or the blue oil).
Inside
There are no changes in the interior space. But there are details that you will not be able to find in a Seat León, a specific environment is created. It is noticeable from the moment you open the doors, with illuminated thresholds.
You also have sports seats with black textile upholstery and copper stitching, although as an option you can have backet-type seats with electrical regulation and air conditioning.
The steering wheel, with paddles behind it to control the DSG change, is also typical of the Cupra, as are other details such as the decorative trim on the dashboard or the specific aluminum pedals.
In the center of the dashboard, a screen for the 10-inch touch infotainment system, which can be optionally 12-inch, with a wireless charger or the Cupra Connect application.
As standard it also has the 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, the keyless access and start system or the three-zone climate control, in addition to what has already been mentioned. And it has driving assistants such as lane departure assistant, high beam assistant or the rear parking sensor.
From there, the brand offers to complete the equipment with optional packages, which include several elements without having exaggerated prices:
- Tech Pack: It is €450 extra and adds the 12-inch central screen with browser and rear view camera, front parking sensors and Travel Assist 2.0 (jam and blind spot assistant, traffic sign recognition or parking exit assistant) .
- pro-pack: For 1,200 euros, add Matrix LED headlights, alarm, anti-collision assistant and rear curtain airbag.
- Sound & Shine Pack: It costs 1,360 euros and adds the 9-speaker Beats sound system
- Design Pack: They ask for 840 euros and add specific 18-inch wheels and other decorative elements.
Everything packaged… except the DCC (dynamic chassis control) and the tow ball. And in the Cupra León Sportstourer, the family body, a special package is also offered, with hands-free tailgate opening and dividing net.
By the way… the trunk does not change, they are 380 liters, a figure in the segment average. It reaches 620 liters in the Cupra León with family bodywork.
Engine
The Cupra access model has a 1.5 eTSI engine that delivers 150 HP of power (110 kW) between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 250Nm of torque between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm.
Granted, its benefits are not exorbitant, but it is not bad to reach the 100 km/h from a standstill in 8.7 seconds and be able to reach 214 km/h top speed.
Perhaps the most interesting point is that it is the first CUPRA with an ECO label, thanks to the fact that it has 48V mild hybrid technology supporting the combustion engine. It is not intended to move the car by itself, but to provide more efficiency. Linked to the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, it allows you to drive in sail mode in low-load scenarios, recover energy during braking or deceleration, or assist the combustion engine at times.
The result, a consumption of between 5.6 and 6.3 l/100 km and emissions of between 127 and 144 g/km of CO2. An interesting engine (which we knew from other models, such as in the Volkswagen Golf test). It completes a range below that later has versions labeled C, the 2.0 TSI of 190, 245 and 300 CV and labeled Zero (the e-Hybrid with 204 and 245 hp), all front-wheel drive and DSG, like this one. Time to see how it goes.
Behaviour
The truth is that the 150 CV engine moves the Cupra León well. And it is an easy car to drive, with a very good response when driving at normal speeds and also when one asks for some agility in curved areas. Only in some overtaking you notice that you are not before one of the VZ variants (d more than 245 CV). Better to go with some acceleration gained before performing them.
It also does not have that set-up so differentiated compared to that of a Seat León that you perceive in the most powerful versions. It goes very well in curves, with its McPherson-type independent front suspension (with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers) and multi-link rear. The variable hardness suspension (the optional DCC, for 810 euros) can be interesting for those looking for more sensations and to be able to vary the firmness of the car with up to 15 positions.
We also have a progressive steering, which hardens as speed is gained. And with driving modes, the usual Comfort, Sport and Individual (miss the Cupra of the VZ versions and the ECO of the e-Hybrid).
An element that helps this dynamic touch in the curve is the XDS system, an electronic differential that seeks to improve traction. We drove in the rain and the car was really good.
And in terms of consumption, something that one can look for in a car like this, contact is not the best way to measure them, but moving around 7 l/100 km seems feasible to achieve without problems.
Opinion cars.com
The Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSI 150 CV is a good gateway to the Cupra models. In fact, the firm sees it as a basic pillar to maintain the growth rate until the future Tavascan and Urban Rebel models arrive, already in 2024.
And it is that since 2018, the year the brand was born, they have already sold more than 25,000 units. With a pandemic involved. And almost doubling what is sold so far in 2022 compared to last year. These are global figures… since their first market is Germany, where they enroll four times more than in Spain.
It is the Formentor the one that drives its success, so much so that it is already the best-selling model of SEAT SA. Be careful, more Born than the Leon… hence the commitment now to the compact (which has not had enough batteries for now in its hybrid versions). Having access engines has gone well and the play is repeated with the Lion.
It offers a more aggressive image than a Seat León, very similar to that of the VZ, it is well equipped (it can count on all the assistants of a 300 CV Cupra León) and the engine moves the car well. And it offers an ECO label, which can be great for some. Something that the Formentor does not have (for now). But in addition to that sticker, it costs less than the SUV of the same power and transmission… and consumes about a liter (0.8 l/100 km) less.
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