New Cupra Leon gets a shark-inspired redesign and more power for 2024

• Redesigned exterior
• Choice of petrol, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models
• Available as a hatchback or estate

The Volkswagen Golf’s sporty Spanish twin, the Cupra Leon, has been facelifted for 2024 – and we’re not just talking about a few tweaks here and there. Cupra’s designers have treated the Leon to a new front end to complement the various mechanical changes under the skin, with the updates applying to both hatchback and ‘Sportstourer’ estate models.

Cupra is a relatively young brand, having been spun off from SEAT in 2018, but it has quickly found its niche as a stylish and athletic alternative to the other marques that fall under the Volkswagen Group. The outgoing Cupra Leon was already a handsome machine, but the new facelift will keep it looking fresh in what is a competitive family hatchback market.

What’s new for the 2024 Cupra Leon?

The facelifted Cupra Leon paves the way for the brand’s new design language that will find its way to future models. It’s defined by the new ‘shark-nose’ front end, which features a pair of angular headlights above an aggressive lower bumper and grille arrangement. A similar design has been applied to the newly facelifted Cupra Formentor, the Leon’s SUV twin.

12

The changes aren’t quite so dramatic at the rear, although the tail-lights have been updated with new triangular elements and a thinner lightbar running between them. The rear Cupra emblem illuminates now, too – a styling cue that we’re beginning to see more frequently, such as on the new Vauxhall Grandland and the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer.

Both the traditional five-door hatchback and the ‘Sportstourer’ estate models will be offered, with nine alloy wheel designs and nine paint colours available across the range.

Cupra hasn’t fiddled around the layout of the Leon’s cabin, but there are some subtle material changes to help create a “higher quality feel”. The central infotainment touchscreen has grown to 12.9 inches, and should be easier to operate thanks to a redesigned user interface. It’s essentially the same tech used in the new Volkswagen Golf, and sits above the same touch-sensitive volume and temperature sliders, both of which now illuminate to make them easier to use at night.

What engines are available for the new Cupra Leon?

Strap in, because there are no less than seven engine options for the new Cupra Leon, including petrol, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid units. The choices differ between the hatchback and Sportstourer estate, so we’ll start with the former.

12

All Leon hatchbacks are front-wheel drive and use a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, bar the entry-level, 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol model which makes do with a six-speed manual ‘box. You can opt for the same engine with a mild hybrid system (known as eTSI) and the DSG automatic, although power remains the same at 148bhp.

There are also two eHybrid plug-in hybrid engines on offer, using the same 1.5-litre engine in conjunction with a 19.7kWh battery and an electric motor. The first produces 201bhp, while the second packs 268bhp. Both provide an electric driving range of more than 62 miles and are compatible with fast-charging speeds of up to 50kW.

Top of the Leon hatchback range is the 2.0-litre petrol engine with 296bhp. This model gets some nifty performance upgrades to help put that power down, including a clever front differential to improve traction as the car accelerates.

The Leon Sportstourer estate range kicks off with the same 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine. Both the eTSI and eHybrid engines are available too, but the 296bhp engine is dropped in favour of a 201bhp petrol engine and a range-topping 328bhp model, both with four-wheel drive.

How much does the new Cupra Leon cost?

Cupra hasn’t confirmed official UK pricing for the Leon yet, but we expect a marginal increase over the outgoing model’s £31,565 starting price. Sportstourer estate models will command a premium over the hatchback, with top-spec 328bhp models potentially costing around £50,000.
Looking for a new car that’s both sporty and practical? Read our list of the best hot hatchbacks…