Shock Result! Which Cupra Leon Model Is Best? (2024 Range Review)
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- Опубліковано 17 чер 2024
- Test of four Cupra Leons with different amounts of power: the 140kW/190hp V, 180kW/240hp VZ and VZe hybrid, and 221kW/300hp VZx.
More power doesn't necessarily mean more fun, especially when it comes to hot hatchbacks.
Today, we're driving four Cupra Leon hatches that look similar but have different hardware that means more power in different places:
Leon V - 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 140kW (190hp), 320Nm, open diff
Leon VZ - 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 180kW (240hp), 370Nm, locking diff
Leon VZe - 1.4-litre turbo petrol + hybrid, 180kW (240hp), 400Nm, open diff
Leon VZx - 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 221kW (300hp), 400Nm, locking diff
We used Cupra cars for this test but the general principles apply across brands.
What do you think? Let us know!
0:00 - Intro
0:35 - Different levels of power
1:11 - Interior
3:15 - Driving the Leon V 140kW/190hp
6:48 - Driving the Leon VZ 180kW/240hp
10:32 - Driving the Leon VZe 180kW/240hp
14:27 - Driving the Leon VZx 221kW/300hp
17:42 - Servicing and warranty
18:03 - Range and fuel economy
18:49 - Verdict
Chasing Cars makes Australia's most independent new car reviews. - Авто та транспорт
I think the graphic overlay at 11:44 is for the VZx not VZe - commentary says 1.4L with 110kw, graphic says 2.0L 221kW
Alfa Romeo should be following the path of Cupra, instead of the obsession with releasing too many SUVs.
Cupra is a way better name than Seat too, for English speakers.
Agreed. Alfa needs at least one or two passenger cars
I own the VZx for a few months in NZ, absolutely loving the thing! VW Golf Clubsport that we never got here in NZ. The Beats stereo sounds decent if you take the time to set up the equalizer for your liking.
Insightful review on the 4 choices. I hope Cupra brings out a 4wd wagon.
Leon Sportstourer?
The shape and look of all 4 variants in the series are very sporty or shall we say sexy. It looks smarter than golfs, VW car are so boring looking. Everyone arounds me see the car say it looks very pretty.
A wagon is too long.
It has. Leon Sportstourer VZ 4Drive DSG 2.0 TSI 221kw.
Thanks for reviewing the Cupra Leon family. I have probably said in the comment before that I will buy one of these just after its facelift. For me, the entry-level V will be my pick, but I'm also looking forward to trying the VZe. There are other handful options available in some European countries, such as a real entry-level 1.5 eTSI with 110kw of output, a 2.0TDI diesel engine with 360Nm of torque, and a limited edition called the VZ5, which shares the 5-cylinder 2.5T engine with the Audi RS3.
The 110kW was considered for Australia but ultimately they didn’t proceed. Four models is probably enough! I think the VZ5 is only for the Formentor isn’t it?
I have tried the V with SixT, they have rental cars. It gave me a very good impression EXCEPT the gear changes from 2nd to 3rd which was between a very very short interval less than 5 seconds! I don't know if that's the characteristics of DSG transmission or just a specific problems to V. Do you know? But Tom might be right, in the first V review, he actually stressed that V is the sweet spot amongst all trims. But after knowing that VZx can achieve 0-100 in a little less than 6 sec, a change of heart occurs inside me....
$50000 for a small hatch is not a cracking deal.
just sold my Audi a3 etron after 160,000 km with identical mechanicals to the VZe. Been a great car and used electric on majority of usual local trips. Really good running costs and nice to drive in electric mode. Only sold as had for 6 years and battery now out of warranty and battery or hybrid system replacement would be almost as much a the cars value. Could do with more range in these newer models but think the VZe would be a good option if you can cope with the reduced boot and plan to sell before warranty expires
Nice review Tom. Looks like the Leon V has similar power outputs (and 0-100 times) to a mk5 gti. Sure, it's a bit torquier (and probably needs less revs to zing along) but 18s, lower kerb weight and less mechanical complexity does make it a nice package. I'm sick to death of of droning exhaust notes so that aspect suits me too! Just wish there was a manual option, I feel like they'd suit Cupra buyers 😢
Thanks. Totally agree on your points - including that I wish a manual was available. Would be lovely.
Tom, I hire a Cupra Leon v from SixT. It feels very solid. Under S mode the power delivers faster and the sound is noisier. Can live with that.
Last year around July or Aug I hired the same model but that one doesn’t seem to do faster at S mode.
Is there a facelift since Dec 2023?
I also find the current one that I m driving has a stiffer suspension compared to the one I drove last year.
The reason I m asking is because the difference is quite obvious. Is it possible for the service team at Cupra Victoria to tune the suspension to make it softer if I buy this trim?
Also is it true that the more you pay for a Cupra the better stuffs you get? The V is already quite powerful for suburban driving, if I pay a bit more to get the VZx, I can take the car for a spin at track?
I’ve had my VZE for 15 months and it is magnificent. I regularly get over 60km on electric. When I do decide to have a play in hybrid mode, it feels like it could definitely handle more power than what it is allowed to use
Oh, best to ask you since you're a owner of that car: Does the petrol engine charge up the electric battery while running?
Totally unforgivable that in Australia's climate that ventilated seats aren't even an option, not even on the top spec model.
An interesting comparison could be the VZx vs the Hyundai FL i30N Sedan. A bit more power for the VZx but more kit in the i20N Sedan.
When will we see a VZ X AWD ??
Shouldn't be too hard to tune then V up to 170-180kw
Ouch! I noticed the ding on the drivers door of the V. Was that you? lol.
Me too
Thankfully it was not me!
Don't mean to be rude Tom, but PHEV has two different subsystems - combustion engine and the electric motor. That will increase the cost of maintenance when either one these subsystems becomes faulty not to mention the degradation of the battery over time. How the warranty works by the way, is it guarantee for 2 to 3% degradation for the first 2 year? I don't think any manufacturer can ensure that, at least my mini copper electric doesn't offer such terms.
So, about your verdict, you mentioned that the VZ and VZx are fast, why your recommendation goes to the V and VZe? If the driver overspeeds, he overspeeds even with a slow mini cooper electric anyway, it's the driver who matters not the ultimate performance of the car. I would take it from your reviews and previous reviews of the VZx that is the best choice. Please let me know if I have misunderstood your points.
By the way, have been following you for a real long time, very knowledgeable and constructive your comments and reviews are, for making a buying decision. Many thanks!
As he said, the VZe is incredibly cheap for the leasing customer. A leasing package saves you from future value anxiety, and you would also not worry about the battery reliability when it becomes old as you would probably not hold the car for more than 5 years.
Thanks for the feedback. I’ll address your questions in reverse. To start with, mt recommendations - I hoped they were clear. I like the V because it isn’t overwhelmingly quick and it has a beautiful, feelsome chassis and the best ride quality. A nice mix. Plus it’s fairly affordable.
I also like the VZe because if your employer allows salary sacrificing it is a very cheap vehicle to lease here in Australia due to our tax system advantaging PHEVs and EVs in novated lease arrangements.
To be honest, this content is geared towards the first owner of the car - it sort of has to be, because I don’t have a crystal ball, the Leon (especially the PHEV) isn’t old enough to have much of a reliability record, and nor can I control the care and maintenance owners put in. What I can say is that while undoubtedly the PHEV has more that can go wrong, it’s got a decent warranty which should guard against most problems in the first five years (vehicle) or eight years (HV system and battery). As I understand it the battery warranty suggests the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity but I will check.
@@acde9355 So Cupra Australia offers leasing packages for all 4 variants?
@@chasingcars Are you Tom? Thanks for the swift reply.
I heard that fast cars are limited to full license drivers and probation drivers are forbidden in Victoria. I would guess you mean V will be suitable for new rivers. That's why I asked.
I do fancy the PHEV concept which if implement properly should be a sound solution to range anxieties. But one would worry that the more complicated the system is, the higher the probability of the system gets faulty....
@@PetersChannel903 Yes, I think so.
MF looks like Valtteri Bottas
In this case, they’re all VW’s and you should avoid like the plague.
Yeah while these look like a decent car; they are tainted by the ethics, behaviour and standards set by VW, something that makes me walk away.
Meh, like any turbos just drop the oil every 6 months+ run them on 98 and they'll be reliable
Nothing beats the sound and feel of my v8, everytime I start it and drive it makes me feel better and happier the noise the rumble turns heads.
So your more interested in what other people hear & think. With a comment totally irrelevant to this video. Cheers