CUPRA Leon Sportstourer Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

CUPRA refreshed the entire Leon lineup in 2024, four years after the model’s introduction in early 2020, and besides the hatchback, the station wagon version was also improved.

Cupra evolved from being a trim level for specific SEAT models into a sports-oriented sub-brand. It focused on providing customers with sportier vehicles than the otherwise mundane SEAT ones. In the spring of 2024, CUPRA introduced the refreshed versions of the Leon in both shapes and the A-segment crossover Formentor. This triple event marked an important step forward for the Spanish brand since these new models stepped into the electrified vehicles segment. But that wasn’t all; at the same time, the automaker announced its intentions to break into the American market. While it seemed daring, it wasn’t a mission-impossible project. After all, CUPRA belonged to the Volkswagen Group, which was already well-represented on U.S. soil. Moreover, the Leon shared its underpinnings with the well-known Golf, while the Formentor was built on the same platform as the VW T-Roc. In preparation for this journey, the car manufacturer refreshed the Leon and the Leon Sportstourer to make a good impression in front of its potential new customers.

The 2024 CUPRA Leon Sportstourer appeared with a new front fascia. The formerly used diamond-shaped grille was replaced by a slim horizontal air intake right underneath the hood and a broad, trapezoidal-shaped air intake placed on the lower side of the bumper. In addition, the automaker installed a set of vertical side scoops. Another significant improvement was the headlights, which were available with Matrix-LED technology. Each headlamp included three triangular daytime running lights that doubled as turn signals.

From its profile, the 2024 Cupra Sportstourer revealed its low-slung cabin that ended into a raked-forward tailgate. Behind the rear doors, CUPRA installed a third row of side windows that covered the area between the C and the D pillars next to the trunk. Another essential update was noticed at the back of the car, where the LED taillights were visually connected by a red stripe that crossed the tailgate, interrupted in the middle by the illuminated CUPRA logo. Depending on the grade and options, the Leon Sportstourer could be equipped with a choice of nine different 18- and 19-inch wheels.

One of the most crucial updates was for the interior, where the automaker dramatically improved the materials’ quality. The door cards were covered with soft-touch materials, and most contact areas were finished better than before. In addition, the automaker offered the vehicle with a choice of three types of seats for the front passengers, with integrated headrests and high-bolstered areas. Atop the center stack, the automaker added a new 12.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which sported the permanently illuminated touch-buttons for the HVAC unit. Fronting the driver was a TFT display inside the instrument cluster, which the one behind the wheel could personalize. In the back, the split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat could expand the trunk.

Under the Leon Sportstourer’s hood, CUPRA installed a choice of 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 Cupra is the Spanish brand that evolved from the sporty version of SEAT cars into a different brand of sport vehicles. Something like AMG from Mercedes-Benz, but with less power and cheaper. A lot cheaper.

The Leon Cupra is available in two body versions: hatchback and station-wagon, the later being called Sportstourer. The lineup is fed-up with a lot of options. The LED headlights are fitted as standard. Inside, the cabin is lighted only with LED's. Spor bucket seats are also standard. For the infotainment unit, a state-of-the-art system with a 10” Retina display is installed on the dashboard. It offers an wireless connection with Apple CarPlay and supports connectivity for Android Auto.

The best part is for the performance area where engines are starting from 245 hp with a plug-in hybrid system. The next in line is a 2.0-liter gasoline turbocharged with 300 hp. Both variants are FWD and with a limited slip differential. Top of the line is the 310 hp powerplant. It is available only for the Sportstourer (station-wagon) variant and is offered with all-wheel-drive system.

The performances were not published, but over 155 mph speed will be achieved easily and a 0-100 kph (62 mph) under 6 seconds are expected. For brakes, the Cupra installed big 370 mm (14.5 in) brakes up-front.