CUPRA Leon Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Spanish brand CUPRA unveiled the refreshed version of the Leon lineup in the spring of 2024, creating an even more aggressive look for the brand’s compact-sized hatchback.

While the CUPRA brand was initially a trim level for the Spanish brand SEAT, it later evolved into a sports-oriented sub-brand that produced high-performance vehicles. The Leon was the hot-hatch member of the family and was available in two shapes: a five-door hatchback and a station wagon named the Leon Sportstourer. With the hatchback version, CUPRA aimed at other compact sports-oriented hatchback from Europe, including the Renault Megane Renault Sport, the Ford Focus RS, and even its German brother, the well-known Volkswagen Golf. Along with the facelifted version unveiled in 2024, four years after the model’s introduction, the automaker clearly created a much more aggressive-looking vehicle. In addition, it enhanced the cabin and offered a wide choice of engines under the car’s hood to fit the customers’ needs. Its electrified drivetrains confirmed the carmaker’s intentions to join the CO2 reduction program developed by all the European automakers.

At the front, the shark-nose design of the car was different than the one offered in the 2020 model year. It also featured a different lower bumper that featured a broad, trapezoidal cooling area, sporting an egg-crate-styled grille. Furthermore, that was flanked by a pair of fog lamps integrated into the vertically mounted side scoops. Above them, Cupra installed new headlights, which were also available as Matrix-LEDs, with three triangular LED daytime running lights that doubled as turn signal lamps.

Inside the cabin, customers were greeted with new amenities, upgraded technological upgrades, and a sports-oriented overall design. Fronting the driver was a three-spoke steering wheel that came fitted with a round start-stop button and an available drive-mode selector, depending on trims and options. The dashboard was covered in a 3D parametric pattern that delivered a softer tactile experience compared to the pre-facelifted version of the Leon. Another upgrade was for the infotainment system, which featured a 12.9-inch touchscreen placed atop the center stack. CUPRA offered a choice of three types of seats for the front row, depending on the grades and options, with integrated headrests, race-car-inspired styling, and high-bolstered areas. These were covered with microfiber upholstery that was made from 73% recycled materials. In the back, the split-folding bench seat could expand the trunk space to load longer items or bulkier luggage.

Under the hood, CUPRA installed gasoline, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and turbodiesel engines with power ranging between 150 PS (148 hp) and 333 PS (328 hp). Depending on the version, these engines sent their power to the front or both axles. The automaker paired them with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox.

The Leon Cupra reached its 4th generation in 2020, coming with two available body styles: a 5-door and a Sportstourer. The new model came with new horizontal headlamps offering a different design from the previous one, which were wider and positioned in a different angle.

The front bumper was redesigned to give the car a more aggressive look. It was a muscular, strong bumper with vertical gray cosmetic elements that were not for design purposes only and had also a practical aerodynamic effect by channeling the air towards the sides.

The stability was improved due to the longer wheelbase, however, that also came with compromising a bit of the car’s agility. The car was longer by 9cm than the previous model. New 19-inch wheels were added, with the alloys having a special design including the copper accents already known to the public that come with the Cupra.

The exterior design was refined with sharp lines that started from the front and faded towards the rear. The rear of the new Cupra brought a three-dimensional sculptural back with a horizontal leg light strip that animated differently depending on the action taken. For example, when locking the car, the light would cascade from one side to the other.

For 2020, Cupra also brought the electrified version, a plug-in hybrid engine developing 245 hp.

Safety wise, the car was equipped with the most advanced systems to protect the driver and passengers from unwanted incidents.