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MY24 versions of the Cupra Leon V are being run out for $35,990 drive-away, including a normally optional sunroof and leather.
Marketplace Editor
Marketplace Editor
Cupra Australia has announced yet another run-out offer, this time for the pre-update Leon V hatchback ahead of the facelifted model’s arrival later this month.
Model year 2024 (MY24) stock of the Cupra Leon V – powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 140kW of power and 320Nm of torque – can now be had for $35,990 drive-away nationwide whilestocks last, including usually optional features like leather trim, heated front seats with power adjustment, Beats premium audio, and a power sunroof.
That represents just over $13,000 in savings over the Leon V’s usual base drive-away pricing, which doesn’t include the optional Leather and Sound Package ($2550) and panoramic sunroof ($1850) – all up, there’s $17,600 in discounts.
Cupra’s run-out drive-away offer means the 140kW Leon V – which quotes a 0-100km/h time of 7.2 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 6.2L/100km – is now cheaper than a base Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid, which based on a Melbourne postcode costs about $36,470 drive-away.
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The promotional pricing is also well under that of the related Volkswagen Golf, which is currently on offer from $40,990 drive-away in entry-level 110TSI Life trim, which offers less power and torque, and fewer standard features despite being sharing the same MQB evo chassis architecture and numerous components.
Cupra Leon V equipment highlights:
Options included as standard as part of the offer include:
Leather and Sound Package – usually $2550
Electric sunroof – usually $1850
At the time of writing, just 53 examples of the MY24 Leon V remain available on Cupra Australia’s national stock locator. Some of these also include remaining stock of the V Tribe Edition, which gets Petrol Blue leather and copper-accented alloy wheels in the same basic design as the standard V.
First examples of the facelifted 2026 Cupra Leon range arrive this month, with prices starting from $46,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Leon Hatch S, which debuts a less powerful but more efficient 110kW 1.5 eTSI petrol engine featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology.
It’s a second and a half slower than the outgoing Leon V to 100km/h (8.7 seconds), though claimed fuel use is cut to a thrifty 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Also launching this month is the refreshed Leon Hatch VZx and the new (for Australia) Leon Sportstourer VZe, priced from $64,990 and $69,990 plus on-roads respectively.
The Leon Hatch VZx runs the potent 221kW 2.0 TSI engine with front-wheel drive, as found in the VW Golf GTI Clubsport that remains forbidden fruit for the Australian market, while the Sportstourer VZe debuts a new 200kW 1.5 e-Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain that quotes 121km of electric driving range from its 19.7kWh (net) lithium-ion battery.
The Leon Hatch VZx quotes a brisk 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds – in the same ballpark as track-focused hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R and Hyundai i30 N – while the plug-in Sportstourer VZe promises a 7.3-second 0-100km/h.
Cupra Australia has confirmed the Leon Hatch range will gain a ‘Ve’ PHEV variant with a less powerful 150kW version of the Sportstourer VZe’s 1.5 e-hybrid system in 2026, while the wagon will add a 245kW VZx performance flagship with all-wheel drive, acting as a spiritual successor to the Golf R Wagon here.
The Cupra Leon remains something of a niche offering in the small-car segment, positioned in the premium ‘over $45,000’ bracket alongside the related Audi A3 and VW Golf, as well as the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, according to VFACTS segmentation.
As of September 30, there have been only 197 units registered in Australia, which is down 23.9 per cent on the same period in 2024. It’s worth noting the launch of the updated model was delayed for Australia, following its release in some overseas markets 12 months ago, so sales this year have been of old stock.
Still, the Spanish hatchback (and soon wagon) range is a relative underperformer in this market, considering its shared DNA with the aforementioned A3 and Golf, which are both outselling the Leon by 10 to one.
Stay tuned for CarExpert’s first drive reviews of the facelifted Cupra Leon Hatch and Sportstourer on October 16.
James Wong is an automotive journalist and former PR consultant, recognised among Australia’s most prolific motoring writers.
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