Not long ago, car enthusiasts all over the world begged manufacturers to make more performance cars and hotter hatch covers.
Fast-forward to 2022 and it seems like we’re inundated with a plethora of options for a hot hatch, which is only getting a little more confusing with the impending launch of the… Cupra Leon VZx.
Although it may not seem as attractive as i30 “N”, Golfing “GTI” or “R” or Civic “Type R”The VZx badge represents the final rung in the Cupra Leon lineup and is essentially a version of the VW Golf GTI Clubsport’s Spanish performer brand not currently sold here, running one version. of the EA888 The 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine is also found in the Golf R.
While it’s a very promising hot car – as we discovered after a few flat laps at Sydney Motorsport Park – it has a fair bit of competition, not least from the likes of Honda, Hyundai. and coming soon Toyota GR Corollawhich even its own German cousins.
At $64,990 not exactly market-leading, it may just be in the super niche of those looking for something different for the sake of it (Scirocco R anyone?).
Consider that all-wheel drive has recently launched CHEAP Volkswagen Golf priced at $65,990 plus road crib (about $72,000 driving in most states), the actual price difference is around $7000 over the Leon VZx…is that enough to make a difference?
Maybe it’s best compared to Golf GTI Clubsport sold overseas (but not here yet) with which it shares its powertrain, as it certainly goes beyond the regular GTI.
We went to Sydney Motorsport Park to find out how good the Cupra’s top performance is, and we’re going to present a more comprehensive review of the Leon range, including road displays, when it’s officially on sale in a few months.
Cupra Leon VZx how much?
Cupra Leon price in 2022:
- Cupra Leon V: $43,990
- Cupra Leon VZ: $52,590 ($56,990 D/A)
- Cupra Leon VZe: $59,990
- $62,990 D/A (ACT)
- $63,990 D/A (QLD)
- $64,990 D/A (NSW, SA)
- $65,490 D/A (VIC)
- $65,990 D/A (WA)
- $TBD D/A (TAS, NT)
- Cupra Leon VZx: $60,990 ($64,990 D/A)
What’s inside the Cupra Leon VZx?
The Cupra Leon is quite similar to the Formentor in its interior design.
It uses a lot of hard plastic in areas you wouldn’t normally touch (like around the center console, for example) but despite looking ultra-modern and packed with features, it still resembles Audi’s last car generation in terms of cabin presentation – a bit spartan.
It goes without saying that the new Golf 8 is generally a more refined interior experience, but that doesn’t detract from anything Leon – based on the same platform. The seats are comfortable and the steering wheel is nice to touch and hold.
Like other Cupra models, the bronze highlights are a nice touch and we found the driving position and overall visibility quite reasonable.
The infotainment system manages to work well with wireless Apple CarPlay, and if that’s not your thing, the native infotainment software is relatively fast and well-featured.
The front bucket seats aid in quick driving without being uncomfortable, while the rear seats can accommodate two adults without much of a problem, but you won’t want to lean on them when driving long distances if You have to carry five people on the plane.
What’s under the bonnet?
The top Cupra Leon VZx packs a 2.0 liters turbochargers four cylinders engine developing 221kW power and 400Nm of torque.
It is correct EA888 units like what you’ll find in the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport and Golf R (but down 14kW on the R), with power sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG).
Official fuel economy figures have yet to be released for Australian models, although UK versions quote 7.6-7.9L/100km based on WLTP figures.
How does the Cupra Leon VZx drive?
The top Cupra Leon in a surprisingly good driving range.
This reviewer isn’t going to lie to hide his bias against front-wheel drive, prioritizing power to the rear wheels or all four wheels where possible, but stability and deliverability. Leon VZx’s power supply is hard to argue with. . It just works, without much torque steering or any indication of a loss of traction out of corners.
With that said, we did notice the car bogged down significantly when going into double tops on the second turn at Sydney Motorsport Park, despite being in Racing mode. The only way around this seems to be to completely turn off any driver aids, which isn’t something we recommend unless you really know your vehicle well.
The Leon is really suitable for high-speed corners and those that don’t throw off balance in its mid-corner.
Since it has to push all the way through the front wheels, you may find yourself approaching corners slow in fast for the best exit speed. Speaking of speed, you can really feel the full 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque pulling the Leon nicely.
Cupra says the car will go from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds (it really feels faster than that), not terribly fast these days but still faster than the Golf GTI’s standard 6.4-second claim, although lower than the 5’s sprint .4 seconds for the Hyundai i30 N when optional with DCT (5.9 for manual).
As you’d expect from a Volkswagen Group product, the DSG transmission is incredibly smooth and quick to shift gears. You can leave it on auto and it will seem to find its way, although as with the Formentor we would have liked the longer paddle lever so we didn’t have to move our hands away from the wheel to get it. use them – either that, or we need longer fingers!
The ride damping and suspension are well-suited to the track environment, with little or no body rollover and excellent weight transfer.
We look forward to taking the Cupra Leon VZx through some twisty mountain roads to see how it gets past other hot hatches and how it copes with poorly-surfaced roads.
Our first track impressions are quite positive and we are confident the VZx will close the gap between the Golf GTI and the Golf R.
You get what?
For full specs and analysis of the Cupra Leon range, click this.
All Cupra Leon variants come standard with a variety of features including a 10-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired or wireless) paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster inches.
There are four USB-C ports and wireless phone charging. Throw in three-zone climate control, bucket seats (fabric in all variants except the VZx) and adaptive dampers and the base model Leon starts to look like a pretty reasonable proposition for under $45k.
The $20,000 increase for the base VZx isn’t just about the engine, because the top model’s unique features include:
- 19-inch bronze and black alloy wheels
- The side of the skirt
- Exhaust four
- Supersports steering wheel with additional buttons
- Hot handlebars
- Petrol blue dashboard and leather seats
- Front heated seats
- Electric driver’s seat with memory
- Side mirror with memory
- Beats . nine-speaker sound system
Spend an extra $3600 on the optional Brembo brake package if you must.
Is Cupra Leon VZx safe?
Cupra Leon wears a Five-star ANCAP safety ratingbased on Euro NCAP tests performed on Seat Leon in 2020.
It received an adult protection rating of 91%, a child protection rating of 88%, a vulnerable passerby protection rating of 71% and a safety assist rating of 80%.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- AEB with pedestrian/bicycle detection
- Lane keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Travel Assist (adaptive cruise + lane centering)
- Blind spot monitoring
- Safe exit warning
- Reverse camera
- Rear parking sensor
- 10 airbags
How much does it cost to run the Cupra Leon VZx?
Cupra Leon is covered by a five-year, unlimited km warranty.
All Cupra models will include three years of scheduled maintenance upon purchase, with additional maintenance costs to be confirmed.
For reference, a three-year service pack for the Volkswagen Golf GTI and R costs $1600-1700.
CarExpert’s Take on Cupra Leon VZx
Cupra Leon is a great hot shop that can see the business and will have many turning points. If you don’t need performance and don’t want just another Golf, then consider one of the lower-spec variants.
However, if you are thinking of buying a Golf GTI but want a little more power then this is definitely the car for you.
The question, however, is whether you’re willing to spend a little more and go all out with the Golf R to get the benefits of all-wheel drive and a one-second quicker 0-100km/h time. or not a result.
That is a difficult question and one that we hope to answer when we pit them against each other in due time.
Click on the image to see the entire gallery
THAN: Everything Cupra Leon
