CUPRA IS DELIVERING MAJOR UPGRADES to its sporty Leon hatchback with the addition of a highly desirable and practical Sportstourer wagon plus a complete trio of enjoyably efficient mild hybrid, 221kW performance petrol and plug­ in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) options.

Arriving in Australia in Q4 2025, the Cupra Leon Hatch and Sportstourer range from $46,990 for the S mild hybrid, to $64,990 (both plus on road costs) for the hi-po VZx that now benefits from a new Extreme Package option, or $69,990 for the ultimate combination of space and electrified pace, the VZe Sportstourer with up to 121km of WLTP electric range.

The new Cupra Leon brings the brand’s new edgy Spanish design language DNA to the segment, with its shark-nose front end, integrated Cupra badge on the bonnet. triangular LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and illuminated CUPRA logo positioned at the centre of the rear LED ‘coast-to-coast’ taillights.

Available with a 1.5 litre, 110kW petrol unit mated with 48V mild-hybrid technology, the Leon S brings customers accessible driving dynamics paired with real-world efficiency of only 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.

The system uses a 48V starter-generator and lithium-ion battery: efficiency gains and a smooth drive result, in part. from the system allowing the Cupra Leon to coast with the engine switched off during certain driving conditions, recovering energy under braking and bolstering the combustion engine with electric assistance.

Turning up the performance dial, the new Cupra Leon Hatch VZx continues to impress with its acclaimed 2.0 litre petrol unit offering 221kW and 400Nm, dispatching 0-100km/h in a brisk 5.7 seconds. This is paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, translating power to the wheels while an integrated front differential lock helps offer greater control of power delivery. The system takes readings from numerous sources – steering angle, wheel speed and yaw – to ensure engaging driving dynamics.

For customers seeking added practicality without having to sacrifice any of the Leon DNA the new CUPRA Leon Sportstourer VZe has entered the chat. The first Cupra offering its new-generation PHEV powertrain pairs a 1.5 turbocharged engine with a 20kWh battery pack, offering a combined system output of 200kW and 400Nm and good for a 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds.

Cupra proving once again that electrification and performance are a perfect match, the Leon Sportstourer VZe will still achieve an EV range of 121km and sip just 0.4L/100km on the combined cycle – usable electric-only range and DC fast charging that make it perfectly-suited for Australia. And all while accommodating an ample 470 litres of cargo with the rear seats up.

The interior on the Cupra Leon offers a high-quality fit and finish, with newly-designed elements such as the centre console, door panels, dashboard and upholsteries. The familiar CUPRA steering wheel, with standard drive mode and engine start buttons, maximises control and ease of use, while the comfort and stability of the bucket front seats, the digital architecture and the completely updated material choices all point to an enhanced product offering with reinforced performance credentials.

Specification highlights on the Leon S Hatch start where others end, with inclusions such as 18″ ‘Windstorm’ black and silver alloy wheels, ‘Sports’ bucket front seats with heating and driver’s side power adjustment with memory, heated ‘Supersport’ steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, new generation 12.9-inch touchscreen display with navigation, 10.25-inch digital cockpit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, a full driver-assist suite including active cruise control, speed sign recognition, front cross traffic assist, park assist self-parking and 10 airbags, including rear-side and front-centre.

Optioning the $2200 Leather & Sound Package on the Leon S will also add Moonslate leather-appointed seats, front passenger side power seat adjustment with memory and a high-fidelity 12-speaker Sennheiser premium sound system.

Leon VZx adds 19-inch ‘Hailstorm’ black and copper forged alloys, quad exhausts, side skirts, DCC adaptive suspension, an upgraded brake package and the full-throated Cupra drive profile.

For customers seeking the ultimate Leon Hatch VZx, the Extreme Package at $7600 offers CUP bucket front seats in ‘Enceladus Grey’, delivering a more ergonomic and sporty driving sensation. Other highlights are an Akebono performance brake package, gloss dark grey interior accents (in lieu of copper) and Matrix Ultra cascading high beam headlights. A sunroof is also available on both Leon Hatch Sand VZx variants as an $1800 option.

The high-end Cupra Leon Sportstourer VZe is all about desirable practicality, filling a gap in the wagon market. In addition to the specifications on the Leon Hatch S, Sportstourer VZe highlights include unique 19-inch ‘Polar’ black and copper alloy wheels, DCC adaptive suspension, Cupra drive profile, 12-speaker Sennheiser premium sound system, Moonslate leather-appointed seat trim, power tailgate with kick sensor, roof rails, and Mode 2 & 3 charging cables (combined value of $700). A panoramic roof with front tilt and slide can also be optioned for $2000.

Ten colours will be available on all Leon variants, including four standard colours: Fiord Blue, Glacial White, Magnetic Tech and Midnight Black. Three premium paint options, Taiga Grey, Graphene Grey and Dark Void, are available for an additional $620, while three matte paint options, Century Bronze, Enceladus Grey and Magnetic Tech, all are an additional $2650.

The new Leon Hatch S mHEV and performance flagship VZx, along with the new Leon Sportstourer VZe, is available to test drive and order from October 2025, with customer deliveries commencing in November.

Cupra Australia Head of Product, Jeff Shafer, said the Barcelona challenger brand is gearing up to continue Cupra’s march upmarket.

“The Cupra Leon was one of the original members of the Cupra line up when the brand landed in Australia, so it’s fitting that a new Leon arrives in time to celebrate the Cupra’s local three-year anniversary. It’s no secret how much Australians love a sporty hatchback and with greater diversity in our Leon product offering than ever, we can nail what customers want from the range, while refining that signature Catalan flair,” Mr Shafer said.

“Customers can also now finally bring together the desirability and fun dynamics of the low-slung Leon with the practicality of the wagon form factor, thanks to the addition of the Sportstourer VZe to the line-up. In addition to the performance, eyebrow-raising fuel economy and the 121km EV range that Cupra’s new generation PHEV offers, the Sportstourer VZe also brings a generous level of boot space that previously forced a shift to a higher-riding SUV.”

“As has always been part of its DNA, all Leons have one thing in common: they focus on the driver and being fun to drive, as well as having specifications that start where others end, a strong value proposition that draws customers in from the established premium brands and above all, attractive Barcelona-inspired styling. These are the pillars on which we’ve built the Cupra brand in Australia for the past three years, and the ones that will carry us forward into the future.”

2026 Cupra Leon range:
Hatch:
• Cupra Leon S	$46,990
• Cupra Leon VZx	$64,990
Sportstourer:
• Cupra Leon Sportstourer VZe	$69,990

Options:
Leather & Sound package (Leon S)	$2200
Extreme Package (Leon VZx)	$7600
Sunroof (Leon Hatch)	$1800
Panoramic Sunroof (Leon Sportstourer)	$2000
Premium paint	$620
Matte paint	$2650