By Ian Strachan.
So you think a medium-sized family hatchback can’t be sexy? Think again. The CUPRA Leon Hatch with a growling 300PS 2.0litre engine is a beast. And a good looking beast at that.
SEAT’s strategy of using the CUPRA brand for its upmarket and performance vehicles is resulting in some very attractive new choices. The CUPRA Leon Hatch is a case in pint. The SEAT Leon has transformed from a practical but fairly conservative family car to an elegant and sporty performance vehicle.
Smart CUPRA badging with liberally spread copper-coloured cues, sharper looks and more technology have added to an already desirable mix. The CUPRA Leon in hatchback form has good looks, a very smooth ride, great road-holding and handling, a powerful engine and a comfortable, stylish and roomy interior.
I test drove the CUPRA Leon Hatch 2.0 TSI 300PS in VZ2 spec, powered by a zippy two-litre petrol engine capable of taking you from 0-60 in around five seconds.
The responsive engine has a top speed of 155 mph where allowed, returning a just about respectable 37.2 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.
The power plant is responsive and easy-revving and is never under strain. Married to a smooth seven-speed automatic gearbox it gives excellent acceleration through the range.
Ride and handling is both refined and composed, with sure-footed cornering, even at speed. Sports suspension is firm without being hard.
Inside, the CUPRA Leon Hatch is impressively roomy, particularly in the back. Instruments are well laid out and clear. The high quality cloth sports bucket seats are comfortable and supportive.
Standard equipment on the well equipped VZ2spec which I tested includes very smart 19-inch black and silver alloys, a 12-inch colour touchscreen for media and satnav controls as well as heating and other driver features, DAB radio with Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted controls, smartphone integration, cruise control, park assist including front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, sports suspension, electrically operated and heated door mirrors with CUPRA puddle lights, all-round airbags, electric windows and daytime running lights.
You also get attractive interior wraparound lighting with a built-in blind spot monitor, ambient lighting, and lane control assist, On the road price of this CUPRA Leon Hatch 2.0 TSI VZ2 300PS is a competitive £37,130. My test car had metallic paint at an extra £575.
This is an excellent, high performance, smooth running, sporty and sophisticated high-performing hatchback that feels more expensive than it is.
