CUPRA Leon review: Sporty hybrid hatchback

Join us as we take a closer look at the CUPRA Leon, SEAT’s sporty hybrid cousin

When the CUPRA Leon came to visit Carparison HQ, it caught our eyes with its striking design and promising specs.

With copper accents adorning its aggressive bodywork, and that distinctive CUPRA badge standing proud, this isn't your average family car. The Leon hybrid stands out in a crowded market by promising to combine the thrills of a performance hatchback with impressive efficiency figures.

On paper, this plug-in hybrid boasts a whopping 77 miles (WLTP Comb) of all-electric driving and a combined 272PS when you need it.

The combustion engine’s sprint to 62mph in 5.7 seconds shows that this hot hatch has some power behind it. It does, however, lose this sporty flair in the hybrid, with the battery weighing it down to a 7.1 second sprint to 62mph.

But can this electrified Leon really satisfy both the enthusiast and the economically-minded driver?

We put it through its paces to find out if CUPRA's plug-in hybrid has what it takes to stand up to both its petrol-powered siblings and its electric competitors.

What we drove:

• Model: CUPRA Leon V3 PHEV S-A
• Power: Petrol Plug in Hybrid
• Battery: 25.8 kWh
• Range: 75-77 miles (electric only WLTP Comb range)
• Fuel economy: 706.2 MPG
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds
• Colour: Midnight Black

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Responsive handling with a hybrid twist

The CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID offers a driving experience that perfectly captures the dual nature of this Spanish hot hatch. Fire it up, and you're immediately aware this isn't just another family car with sporty pretensions.

On pure electric power, the Leon glides along with impressive refinement. With up to 77 miles (WLTP Comb) of electric range, you can easily complete most daily commutes without touching a drop of petrol.

Many plug-in hybrids struggle to manage half that distance, making it a genuine unique selling point (USP).

This electric capability transforms mundane journeys into something surprisingly satisfying, with instant torque delivery making urban driving a breeze.

While the standard automatic CUPRA Leon hatchback sprints to 62mph in an impressive 5.7 seconds, our e-HYBRID took a more leisurely 7.1 seconds. Which is still plenty zippy for everyday driving, just without the spine-tingling acceleration of the pure petrol version.

The steering deserves particular praise: precise, well-weighted and communicative, giving you the confidence to handle any corner with ease.

The chassis is well-balanced too, although you'll notice the extra heft when changing direction quickly compared to the pure petrol variants.

Road noise is quite pronounced, especially when traveling along rougher surfaces like the A30. The ride errs on the firmer side too, with bumps making themselves known in the cabin – a reminder that despite its eco-credentials, this is still a car with sporting ambitions.

What's perhaps most impressive is how the e-HYBRID manages to deliver two distinct driving experiences in one package. For eco-conscious cruising, it's smooth and refined. For those moments when the mood strikes (and the road allows), there's enough CUPRA DNA to put a smile on your face.

Is it the best of both worlds? Not quite – there are compromises on both sides of the equation. 

But for drivers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing driving enjoyment completely, it strikes a compelling balance that's hard to beat at this price point.

Head-turning design with Spanish attitude

The CUPRA Leon received a significant facelift in early 2024, and it's all the better for it. 

The brand has evolved beyond its SEAT origins, establishing a strong independent identity with design elements that are uniquely CUPRA.

Front and centre is that shark-nose design, with a toothy grille that gives the car a properly sporty and stylish look. The triangular LED headlights create a distinctive light signature; meaning you'll recognise a CUPRA in your rear-view mirror even in the dark.

Copper accents – CUPRA's calling card – are liberally applied throughout the exterior. In Midnight Black, it looks particularly striking, the dark paintwork makes those copper details pop.

It's a clever bit of branding that helps this Spanish hot hatch stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Around the back, the new rear light setup includes an illuminated CUPRA badge and a proper light bar stretching across the tailgate. It's a thoroughly modern touch that looks particularly impressive at night.

The overall silhouette remains distinctly hot hatchback, with the right proportions and stance to communicate its sporting intentions without looking try-hard. The e-HYBRID model doesn't compromise the design with awkward charging ports; you'd be hard-pressed to tell it apart from its petrol siblings.

When it comes to design, CUPRA has managed to create something that balances sporty style with sophistication – a car that looks sporty without veering into boy-racer territory.

Sporty comfort with a few quirks

Step inside the CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID and you're greeted by an interior that successfully balances sportiness with everyday usability.

The sport seats immediately make their presence felt. Heavily bolstered, they cup your body firmly when cornering with enthusiasm, though they don't make for the most graceful exits.

Adjustability is excellent though, with enough range for drivers of all shapes and sizes to find their ideal position.

Inside, the cabin impresses with:

• Ambient lighting that creates a suitably dramatic atmosphere
• Copper-coloured trim elements that carry through the exterior theme
• Solid build quality – nothing feels cheap or likely to rattle
• Heated steering wheel (a welcome touch on cold mornings)
• Accessible ISOFIX points with flexible top tether options for securing child seats

Practically speaking, there are a few head-scratchers.

The cupholders are on the small side, and the transmission stick is a switch which this driver found a tad confusing.

Visibility is generally good, although the chunky headrests create significant blind spots, definitely something to be mindful of during lane changes.

The hybrid model does compromise some functionality, with the boot space reduced to 270 litres (vs 380 litres in the standard Leon).

Impressive efficiency

The e-HYBRID stands out as the most forward-thinking option in the CUPRA Leon lineup.

The claimed electric range of 75-77 miles (WLTP Comb) is genuinely impressive for a plug-in hybrid. While most PHEVs struggle to offer even half that distance on battery power alone, the CUPRA provides enough range to cover nearly any daily commute without using a drop of fuel.

The official fuel economy rating of 706.2 MPG is eye-catching, though you'll only see numbers close to that with short journeys and regular charging. Even when the battery is depleted, the Leon remains efficient.

Charging from empty takes about 3.5 hours using a standard 7kW home wallbox. There's no rapid charging capability, but that's typical for plug-in hybrids.

Our visiting Leon featured the 272PS system, but there's also a 201PS version available. Both use a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that generally works smoothly, though it occasionally hesitates when switching power sources.

For those preferring conventional petrol:

• Range-topping 2.0-litre turbo: 296bhp, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds
• Base 1.5-litre: 148bhp with manual (8.9 seconds) or mild-hybrid auto (8.7 seconds)

The e-HYBRID makes the most sense for company car drivers, with ultra-low CO2 emissions of just 10g/km placing it in a favourable Benefit-in-Kind tax bracket. Private buyers who charge regularly will also see significant fuel savings.

The electric-only mode is genuinely usable for everyday driving, and the transition to hybrid makes a great stepping stone for going electric the 2030 ban.

What makes it stand out from the crowd?

The hot hatch market is fiercely competitive, but the CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID has several distinct advantages that help it carve out its own niche:

• Impressive electric range – 75-77 miles of zero-emission driving demolishes what most plug-in hybrid competitors offer.
• Striking design – CUPRA’s signature shark-nose front, triangular LED headlights, and illuminated rear light bar create a head-turning presence. Those copper accents provide a signature look that stands out without being garish.
• Responsive handling – Precise, communicative steering gives you confidence through corners despite the hybrid system's added weight. A good balance between sportiness and everyday comfort.
• Ultra-low company car tax – CO2 emissions of just 10g/km qualify for an extremely favourable BIK tax bracket. For business users, this can mean thousands in annual savings compared to petrol alternatives.
• Premium cabin feel – Quality materials and solid build throughout. Ambient lighting and copper accents add character to the interior.
• Supportive seats – Deeply contoured bucket seats offer excellent support while remaining comfortable for longer journeys. Highly adjustable to suit different drivers.
• Family-friendly features – Easy-access ISOFIX points and dual top tether options make it practical for family use, despite its sporting character.
• Value against premium brands – Similar performance and more equipment than many other premium-badged rivals at a more accessible price point.
• Spanish flair with German foundations – Volkswagen Group reliability and engineering with a more emotional, vibrant character than its German cousins.

Where it falls short

While the CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID impresses in many areas, it's not without its compromises. Here are the key drawbacks we discovered during our time with the car:

• Lacks the special feel you might expect from a performance brand. Despite the copper trim and sporty styling, it sometimes feels like a slightly dressed-up SEAT rather than something truly distinctive
• Massive headrests create blind spots over your shoulder – a genuine safety concern when changing lanes or pulling out of junctions
• Deeply contoured seats make graceful exits challenging. The sporty bucket seats that hold you in place also make it difficult to exit the car without requiring awkward contortions
• Limited boot space at just 270 litres – significantly smaller than the 380 litres you'd get in the standard Leon. The hybrid battery pack claims that extra room, compromising practicality
• Manual option lacks sportiness. The manual transmission spec is paired with the base 1.5-litre 148bhp engine, which doesn't deliver the spirited performance expected from the CUPRA badge
• Noticeably slower than petrol-only models due to battery weight. The e-HYBRID's 7.1-second 0-62mph time can't match the automatic petrol version's 5.7 seconds – physics wins again
• Handling compromised by weight. While the steering is precise, the hybrid's extra battery weight is noticeable during quick direction changes. It's good, but not as sharp or agile as lightweight hot hatches
• Road noise can be intrusive, especially on rougher surfaces like the A30. Sound insulation seems to have been sacrificed somewhere in development
• Bumpy ride quality. The sport-focused suspension tuning sometimes struggles to smooth out road imperfections

The verdict: Hot hatch thrills with a conscience

The CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID successfully carves out its own space in the competitive hot hatch market.

It offers proper performance credentials with a cleaner conscience, combining engaging handling with genuinely usable electric range.

The distinctive styling, premium interior touches, and cutting-edge powertrain create a package that feels modern without abandoning what makes hot hatches fun.

Is it the ultimate CUPRA? That depends on your priorities.

The purely petrol automatic versions deliver sharper performance and more traditional hot hatch thrills, while the standard Leon provides greater practicality and a lower price point.

But for drivers seeking to balance performance with efficiency and lower running costs, the e-HYBRID makes a compelling case for itself.

In a market where many manufacturers are struggling to make electrified performance cars truly engaging, the CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID stands out – offering genuine character alongside its impressive efficiency.

Top 5 reasons to consider the CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID:

1. Class-leading electric range of up to 77 miles for genuine zero-emission daily driving
2. Distinctive styling with copper accents and sporty design elements
3. Ultra-low company car tax thanks to minimal 10g/km CO2 emissions
4. Precise steering and balanced handling despite the hybrid system's added weight
5. Premium interior with supportive seats and atmospheric lighting

Would we recommend leasing a CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID?

Absolutely – especially for company car drivers looking to minimise tax while still enjoying a performance-oriented driving experience.

Its combination of style, efficiency, and driving enjoyment makes it a standout choice in the increasingly electrified hot hatch segment.