2024 Cupra Leon comparison: V v VZ v VZe v VZx

The world is going crazy for SUVs, but the traditional hatch isn’t dead yet.

Especially if you want something a bit sporty, the Australian market is brimming with competition.

From cars that look fast but pack no more power (think Golf R-Line) to proper, track-ready hot hatches (like a Civic Type R), there’s no shortage of options – which means the Cupra Leon has its work cut out.

The four-strong range features three petrol options and a plug-in hybrid, with outputs ranging from a warm 140kW to a Hyundai i30 N and Civic Type R-worrying 221kW.

Where does the sweet spot lie?

This written review is a companion to the video above – for our impressions of the interior and how the Leon range drives, click through using the chapters.

How much does the Cupra Leon cost?

Cupra offers drive-away pricing across Australia for the Leon, starting at $49,190 D/A for the base Leon V.

2024 Cupra Leon pricing:

• 2024 Cupra Leon V: $49,190
• 2024 Cupra Leon VZ: $57,990
• 2024 Leon Leon VZe: $61,690 +ORCs
  • $64,690 (ACT)
  • $65,690 (QLD)
  • $66,690 (NSW)
  • $66,690 (SA)
  • $67,190 (VIC)
  • $67,690 (WA)
• 2024 Cupra Leon VZx: $65,690

Prices are drive-away

The Cupra Leon goes head-to-head with a number of hatchbacks in Australia. To see how it shapes up, use our comparison tool.

What’s under the bonnet?

What do you get?

Leon V highlights:

• 18-inch black-and-silver alloy wheels
• 18-inch space-saver spare wheel
• Heated, power folding side mirrors
• LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Fog lights with cornering function
• LED tail lights with static indicators
• Automatic headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear tinted windows
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless phone charger
• Digital DAB+ radio (NEW)
• Two front and two rear USB-C ports
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Interior ambient lighting
• Black headliner
• Cloth sports bucket seats
• Driver profile selection
• Dynamic Chassis Control
• Progressive steering
• Keyless entry and start
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Three-zone climate control
• Illuminated sill panels
• Rear spoiler
• Semi-autonomous parking assist
• Two front and two rear cup holders

Leon VZ adds:

• 19-inch black-and-silver alloy wheels
• Aluminium pedals

Leon VZe adds:

• Tyre repair kit (in lieu of space-saver spare wheel)
• Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cable

Leon VZx adds:

• 19-inch black-and-copper alloy wheels
• Side skirts
• Quad-tip exhaust
• Heated ‘supersports’ leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Petrol Blue dashboard
• Petrol Blue leather front bucket seats
• Heated front seats
• Power driver’s seat with memory
• Memory mirrors
• 9-speaker Beats sound system

Options

• Power sunroof: $1850 (all models) (+$50)
• Brembo brake package: $3700 (VZx) (+$100)
• Leather and Sound package: $2550 (V, VZ, VZe) (+$100)
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Power driver’s seat with memory
  • Mirror memory
  • Dashboard with copper-coloured stitching
  • 9-speaker Beats sound system

Is the Cupra Leon safe?

The Cupra Leon has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, which is based on Euro NCAP testing conducted on the SEAT Leon in 2020.

It received an adult occupant protection rating of 91 per cent, a child occupant protection rating of 88 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection rating of 71 per cent, and a safety assist rating of 80 per cent.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• AEB with Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist with highway lane-centring
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Safe exit warning
• Driver fatigue monitoring
• Reversing camera
• 8 airbags
• 2 x ISOFIX ports, 3 x top-tether points

How much does the Cupra Leon cost to run?

The 2024 Cupra Leon is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

The brand no longer offers three years of free servicing, instead buyers can choose from three- and five-year service packs. The three-year pack is priced at $990, while the five-year pack is $1990.

Cupra offers its customers the option of a Service Pack prior to their first scheduled service.

CarExpert’s Take on the Cupra Leon

The Leon is an interesting alternative to the hatchback establishment, provided you have a bit of cash to splash.

Even the base Leon V is quick enough, sporty enough to drive, and comes with a long list of standard equipment.

If it’s fun you’re after though, the VZx is the winner here. Our recent drag race showed it’s quicker than its hot hatch rivals, and by Volkswagen Group standards offers a bit more of an edge.

BUY: Cupra Leon
MORE: Everything Cupra Leon