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The facelifted Cupra Leon is coming to Australia with new mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus a choice of hatch and wagon body styles, priced from $46,990 before on-roads.
News Editor
News Editor
The facelifted Cupra Leon is arriving in Australia soon, and the lineup looks as dramatically different as its unusual new headlights.
The hot Leon Hatch VZx is the only carryover variant in the updated lineup, still packing a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It’s priced at $64,990 before on-road costs.
It’s now bookended at the bottom end of the range by the much cheaper Leon Hatch S, featuring a new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain producing 110kW and 250Nm. It opens the range at $46,990 before on-roads.
Its 48V starter-generator and lithium-ion battery allows the vehicle to coast with the engine switched off during certain driving conditions, while also recovering energy under braking.
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Sitting at the top of the lineup just above the VZx in terms of price (but not performance) is the Leon Sportstourer VZe at $69,990 before on-roads.
It represents the first time the Leon has been offered as a wagon locally, and also debuts a new longer-range plug-in hybrid powertrain with total outputs of 200kW/400Nm and 121km of electric-only range on the WLTP cycle.
S and VZx versions of the Leon Hatch, as well as the Leon Sportstourer VZe, are available to test drive and order from October ahead of customer deliveries commencing in November 2025.
Cupra has previously confirmed a 245kW all-wheel drive VZx Sportstourer and a 150kW Ve hatchback will join the lineup early in 2026, giving Volkswagen Group Australia a replacement for the defunct Volkswagen Golf R wagon and the outgoing Leon Hatch VZe respectively.
The rollout of the updated Leon lineup was originally set to start in the second quarter of this year.
The facelift brings a ‘shark-nose’ front-end with triangular LED daytime running lights, while down back there’s an illuminated Cupra logo.
Inside, there’s an overhauled centre console and dashboard, as well as new materials and a larger 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring backlit touch sliders underneath.
The reshuffled lineup locally sees the demise of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-powered V and VZ models, which produced 140kW/320Nm and 180kW/370Nm respectively.
Model | Price before on-road costs |
---|---|
2026 Cupra Leon Hatch S | $46,990 |
2026 Cupra Leon Hatch VZx | $64,990 |
2026 Cupra Leon Sportstourer VZe | $69,990 |
The Leon is offered with varying degrees of electrification, from none (Hatch VZx) to a mild-hybrid system (Hatch S) up to a plug-in hybrid system (Sportstourer VZe).
The Sportstourer VZe can be fast-charged using DC power.
Specifications | Leon Hatch S | Leon Hatch VZx | Leon Sportstourer VZe |
---|---|---|---|
Engine | 1.5L turbo 4cyl 48V mild-hybrid | 2.0L turbo 4cyl | 1.5L turbo 4cyl plug-in hybrid |
Power | 110kW | 221kW | 200kW |
Torque | 250Nm | 400Nm | 400Nm |
Battery capacity | – | – | 25.8kWh (gross) |
Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | 6-speed dual-clutch auto |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.7 seconds | 5.7 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
Fuel economy (claimed) | 5.4L/100km | 7.6L/100km | 0.4L/100km |
Electric driving range (WLTP) | – | – | 121km |
Dimensions | Leon Hatch | Leon Sportstourer |
---|---|---|
Length | 4398mm | 4656mm |
Width | 1799mm (1992mm incl. mirrors) | 1799mm (1992mm incl. mirrors) |
Height | 1444mm | 1438mm (1466mm incl. roof racks) |
Wheelbase | 2686mm | 2686mm |
Cargo capacity | 380L | 470L |
Cupra Australia backs its vehicles with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, plus an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
The company has yet to announce servicing details for the refreshed Leon lineup.
The Cupra Leon has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2020.
Category | Cupra Leon |
---|---|
Adult occupant protection | 91 per cent |
Child occupant protection | 88 per cent |
Vulnerable road user protection | 71 per cent |
Safety assist | 80 per cent |
Standard safety equipment across the range includes:
There are three members of the 2026 Leon lineup.
The Leon Hatch S comes standard with the following equipment:
Over the Leon Hatch S, the Leon Hatch VZx adds:
Over the Leon Hatch S, the Leon Sportstourer VZe adds:
The Leather & Sound Package ($2200, Leon S only) adds:
The Extreme Package ($7600, Leon VZx only) ditches the front centre airbag and front seatback pockets but adds:
The following standalone options are also available:
The following exterior paint finishes come at no extra cost:
The following premium finishes are available for an additional $620:
The following matte finishes are available for an additional $2650:
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William Stopford is an automotive journalist with a passion for mainstream cars, automotive history and overseas auto markets.
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